Chum, local congregations working together on affordable housing advocacy

Duluth community members gathered at Pilgrim Congregational Church to discuss affordable housing, and what steps are being taken to help the homeless and unhoused.

This is the first meeting between congregations that work with Chum to inform and educate people about the three-phase program “Stepping On Up” – which aims to end unsheltered homelessness in the Duluth area.

“I’d say we’re in phase two. Phase one was just trying to get some of the emergency stuff in place, and phase two is that shelter issue. We still need to get some more beds out just to save lives. Shelters are to save lives. And then we are at the same time working on phase three, which is housing,” said Chum delegate and Pilgrim Church of Christ member Diane Desotelle.

Chum needs about $1.2 million to help finish their shelter expansion, but they have even more ambitious plans on the horizon.

“We are at the same time working on phase three, which is housing. Housing is homes, homes for all, so that everybody can live a whole, self-sustaining life that’s affordable to them. Of course, when we mention affordable housing, it’s deeply affordable housing that needs to be dealt with,” said Desotelle.

The term “deeply affordable housing” refers to people putting no more than 30% of their personal income towards housing. Desotelle noted that when people have to pay more than that to house themselves, their other needs can’t be met.

For more information on “Stepping On Up” and ways to contribute, visit their website here, or Chum’s website here.