WeShine St. Andrew's Village Soft Opening Ceremony
March 8, 2025
Thank you, Mother Jennifer. It’s so nice to be back at St. Andrew’s. Thank you for the invitation to join you for this celebration.
I was so thrilled when the conversations began between St. Andrew’s and WeShine about providing space for a village of new neighbors. This effort speaks to the history of this congregation. This faith community is a small but mighty group of individuals committed to serving their community, as evidenced by the tradition of the emergency food pantry next door. This spirit of community giving is one of the reasons I joined the congregation many years ago.
The partnership between WeShine and St Andrew’s to build and operate a micro-village is a model for other faith communities to follow. Churches aren’t static places – they are about service to others and have always been places where people go to strengthen their life in this world. Having a WeShine Village here means villagers will be part of the community, and will have access to the church building for their community living space and kitchen. That’s truly awesome.
The only way we’re going to be successful in helping every unsheltered neighbor on to a pathway into secure housing is if shelter options, including villages like the ones WeShine provides, are available to provide safety and stabilization for people.
Our state is building a statewide shelter system grounded in partnership and coordination like we see here at St. Andrew’s. And the numbers show we’re making progress. By July, Oregon is projected to support over 4,800 shelter beds, rehouse 3,300 households, and prevent another 24,000 households from experiencing homelessness.
Places like WeShine St. Andrew’s Village make it possible to get people back into homes by helping them heal from the trauma of homelessness. This village will be a lifeline, by providing basic services and connection to other services and support – all in one place.
It’s because of efforts like these that give me faith that Oregon will be a place where no one has to sleep on the streets at night.
An effort like this takes a big village to make it happen. I want to thank everyone here who played a role in donating, building, and helping to make this partnership thrive.
Thank you all so much. And may God bless you.