Yesterday, the White House budget office issued an order pausing all grants and loans disbursed by the federal government.
Unfortunately, the Faith in Place network is affected by this order. This unprecedented move is a clear overreach of executive authority and has devastating effects. As a direct result of this order, Faith in Place’s Tree Canopy and Workforce Community Grant, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, is now in limbo. This vital initiative was set to partner with more than fifty faith-based organizations across our states to increase tree equity, beautify communities, mitigate the impacts of extreme heat and create new jobs in environmental justice areas.
These grants were a lifeline for communities disproportionately impacted by climate change and economic inequity. Houses of worship have long been trusted hubs where people turn for resources, guidance and hope, especially during times of hardship. The White House’s decision to withhold funds already appropriated by Congress undermines the promise of the Inflation Reduction Act and leaves our most vulnerable communities to bear the consequences of bureaucratic delays, yet again.
Faith in Place is not alone. This order has created widespread uncertainty for organizations and projects across the country, many of which serve the very communities federal programs are designed to support.
We need your help to call on members of Congress and ask them to stand up to the White House and demand that the federal funds that have already been appropriated are released. You can find your representatives' phone numbers here, and/or you can use this form to send a message directly to your Representative and Senators. Phone calls and personalized messages are most likely to make an impact. We created a phone script as a resource if you decide to call your legislators. Find your members of Congress by entering your address here.
This is an important reminder of how crucial our work together is. Faith in Place stands with each of you and with the many organizations, families and communities who will be hit by the reckless actions of this administration. We will continue to advocate for a government that works for the people and our health.
Remember that standing together, as people of faith and conviction, we are stronger than the chaos that is being stirred now. We continue to need each other, and so let's continue to lean on each other.
In Solidarity,
Rev. Brian J. Sauder with the Faith in Place Board