Justa Center Seeks Program Director to Lead Work with Phoenix Seniors Experiencing Homelessness

Justa Center in Phoenix is seeking a Program Director to provide leadership for programs serving adults age 55 and older experiencing homelessness. The role oversees initiatives such as Path to Housing, Transitional Housing, and Veterans services while coordinating with healthcare, housing, and community partners to support older adults in moving toward stability and permanent housing.

Founded in 2006, Justa Center is the only day center in the Phoenix metro area dedicated exclusively to seniors experiencing homelessness. Qualified candidates with human services leadership experience and a passion for serving vulnerable populations are encouraged to apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to dean@justacenter.org.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 13, 2026Justa Center, Homelessness, Help WantedComment

Tell Congress: Housing Is a Moral Issue

Congress is considering the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act—a comprehensive response to America’s housing crisis supported by ELCA advocates nationwide. This bill simplifies rental assistance, expands affordable housing, and strengthens disaster relief and rural housing. As people of faith called to care for the most vulnerable, we are urged to contact lawmakers and support this moral legislation grounded in Lutheran social teaching Click here to read the full action alert and contact your elected officials.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 4, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Fair Housing, HomelessnessComment

Faith Leaders to Civic Leaders: Reject Fear-Based Governance

Ten D.C.-area faith leaders, including ELCA Bishop Leila Ortiz, have issued a statement rejecting fear-based approaches to public safety. The letter calls on civic leaders to embrace dignity, collaboration, and compassion instead of militarization and scapegoating. True safety, the leaders stress, is achieved through justice, community care, and investment in people. Click here to read the full letter.

ELCA Network Rejects Stigma in Federal Policy on Homelessness

The ELCA Homeless and Justice Network strongly opposes a recent executive order conflating homelessness with crime and disorder. Rooted in stigma and lacking evidence, the order misrepresents the realities of unhoused people. Guided by Isaiah’s call to “loose the bonds of injustice,” the ELCA instead urges policies rooted in compassion, dignity, and affordable housing. Click here to read the full statement and explore ways to take action.

YIGBY and the East Valley: Churches as Sanctuaries for Affordable Housing

In a powerful op-ed published June 1 in The Chandler Arizonan, Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler challenges us to live out our faith through advocacy for affordable housing. Highlighting the growing crisis of housing insecurity in the East Valley, Pastor Chris reflects on Matthew 25 and the urgent call to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and shelter the unhoused. She lifts up efforts like the YIGBY bill and local organizations such as IHELP and Family Promise, urging continued advocacy even after legislative setbacks. To read Pastor Chris’s full reflection and testimony, click here.

Standing for Justice: Pastor Christine Stoxen Advocates for YIGBY Bill

Pastor Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chandler, testified before the Arizona House Appropriations Committee in support of HB2191, the “Yes In God’s Back Yard” (YIGBY) bill. Representing Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) and Valley Interfaith Project (VIP), she spoke on the critical role faith communities play in addressing Arizona’s housing crisis. While the bill advances, significant challenges remain, and continued advocacy is essential. Click here to read the full story on the LAMA site and see how you can help keep up the momentum!

Bishop Eaton Expresses Disappointment in Grants Pass Supreme Court Decision

In her letter responding to recent Grants Pass Supreme Court decision, Bishop Eaton encourages us as a church to:

Learn and Engage: Let us educate ourselves about housing insecurity and about justice for the homeless. Visit the ELCA Homeless and Justice Network for more information.
Pray: Let us use the ELCA's Homeless and Justice Ministries dedicated devotional guide to pray for those affected by this decision and for our ministries that work to secure shelter for those in need.
Speak Out: Let us review the ELCA World Hunger resource on housing and engage in activities to support effective policies, such as writing a letter to a local news outlet or speaking out at a town hall.

“Criminalizing homelessness is an injustice we must reject. We remain committed to advocating for our unhoused neighbors.”

ELCA, News, Letters, Bishop EatonBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2024Bishop Eaton Letters, HomelessnessComment

Churches as Catalysts for Community Housing: Incubator Academy Workshop

Learn how to transform church properties into affordable housing at the Incubator Academy workshop on April 10th and 11th by Vitalyst Health Foundation and Corporation for Supportive Housing, featuring expert guidance and successful case studies. View this PDF for more info.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 3, 2024HomelessnessComment

HB2815 Update: Faith Advocacy Influences House Passage

HB2815, known as the 'Yes In God’s Back Yard' bill, received significant support from faith leaders and passed the Arizona House with a 38-21 vote. Advocacy by the religious community, including Bishop Deborah Hutterer, played a pivotal role in raising awareness and influencing lawmakers. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) site.

‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ Seeks to Transform Church Lands into Homes

Religious leaders across Arizona, including Bishop Hutterer, rallied at the state Capitol to support legislative efforts aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. They advocated for a bill, “Yes in God’s Backyard,” to permit religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their properties. Read or listen to the article from KJZZ here, and read the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona article here.

Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 19, 2024In the News, Advocacy, HomelessnessComment

LAMA Sets 2024 Vision: Advocating for Food, Voting, Water, and Housing

Recently, LAMA's Policy Council outlined its pivotal 2024 priorities, emphasizing action on food insecurity, voting and civic engagement, the water crisis, and housing and homelessness. Rooted in ELCA's teachings, LAMA commits to being a publicly engaged church, advocating for foundational societal changes that echo throughout hunger prevention, voter participation, sustainable water use, and housing access.

Join us in these pressing endeavors that seek to uplift our community and address the root causes of these social concerns. Interested members are encouraged to contribute to this transformative journey. Read more at lamaz.org.

Faith and Medicine Meet: Grace Lutheran's Outreach with Street Medicine of Phoenix

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix partners with 'Street Medicine of Phoenix' to offer direct medical care to the homeless. Witness the transformative collaboration, as covered by FOX 10 News.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 4, 2023Grace Phoenix, Homelessness, In the NewsComment

Arizona Chaplaincy for the Homeless offers Christian ministry of presence and advocacy

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) provides more than just a safe place to sleep. The chaplaincy program at CASS cares for people experiencing homelessness who have a spiritual hunger.

Lay and rostered leaders are encouraged to volunteer their time with the chaplaincy program at CASS to teach Bible Studies and serve as outreach coordinators. Volunteer duties take two to three hours per week. Contact John Thurston john.thurston39@gmail.com or check out azchaplaincyforthehomeless.org to learn more.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 11, 2023Homelessness, Arizona Chaplaincy for the HomelessComment

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest expands I-HELP program

In order to serve more people experiencing homelessness, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is pleased to announce that the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP) will be launching in Phoenix in January, 2023.

To support this program as an individual or have your ministry sign up as a host site, view more info here or send an email to Angel George, Community Engagement Supervisor.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 30, 2023Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, HomelessnessComment

ELCA Advocacy Connections: November/December 2022

We share ELCA Advocacy Connections for November/December 2022, from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director. Highlights include: Homelessness And Affordable Housing Awareness; Global Food Security Action; Status Of Title 42; World Aids Day Demands Attention; and Respect For Marriage Act.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 13, 2022Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Homelessness, Hunger, Immigration and Refugees, LGBTQIA+Comment

The Seniors Rock ministry at Spirit of Hope, Mesa

Wendy Sontag, with Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church in Mesa, writes to share the good news of their Seniors Rock ministry, which meets every Thursday for a variety of activities.

Read more in this post, and be sure to share your ministry story with us.

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