Across the country COVID cases are rising dramatically. The fall and winter ahead of us hold significant challenge, especially at a time when many people are already facing extreme hardship. People in every community are facing hunger and the threat of eviction or homelessness, in alarming numbers. Since May more than eight million more people have been forced into poverty; many of them Black people and children. The pandemic and the resultant economic disaster won’t go away anytime soon, and Congress needs to start acting like they care by passing a COVID relief bill that is significant in scope; addressing: childcare, paid leave, housing and nutrition assistance, as well as providing funding for state/local/tribal governments to keep essential services running,

Inaction from Congress means millions will lose their homes and go hungry. Congress needs to pass a relief and stimulus package that addresses the needs of the many people who are facing hunger, homelessness, job loss and health issues. Don’t be fooled by “targeted” or “skinny” relief packages offered by some Members of Congress that provide benefits for corporations, without addressing the millions of Americans who also need relief.

There are some decisive moments in history, ones that can and should rise above the fray of politics. This is one of those moments when Congress needs to tap into the truer sense of what it means to look after the national welfare. Philippians 2:4 says “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” Our role as people of faith is to remind them of that; to put in front of them so it is impossible to miss the heartbreaking adversity many of us are facing. To call them to account for their lack of action; and to demand better.

There have been a number of action alerts about this, but we cannot let up on the pressure to Congress. Please join with us to once again demand Congress pass COVID relief immediately.