“Our values that we reach for are empowerment, compassion, inclusiveness, accountability, diversity, and respect”
– Scott Scherer, London, Ontario
I strongly identify with Community of Christ’s mission initiatives, more specifically abolish poverty and end suffering. The church has offered me a unique experience to contribute to our community here in London, Ontario, Canada.
Zerin Development is an organization that develops affordable housing for those in need. Sponsored by Community of Christ, Zerin endeavours to relieve some of the homelessness and poverty issues that London faces today. The pandemic has aggravated this situation. One in seven households have trouble putting food on the table. There are roughly 3000 homeless persons in the city. And the waiting lists for mixed income housing are long.
Kind individuals in the church began this journey in 1977 with a building in Toronto. Zerin Place on Commissioners Road in London has 40 suites, Zerin Place on Clarke Road in London has 65 suites and is opening in September of this year. We aren’t tackling this issue alone, Zerin has partnered with 5 other non-profit housing corporations London to build over 600 mixed income rental suites on Old Victoria Hospital lands. This project is called Vision SoHo Alliance. Rent for the majority of these suites will be offered at a price much less than market value.
Anyone of us could find ourselves in need. Loss of a job, medical reasons, or simply that the household income can’t stand up to the cost of rent in todays market, and there are many other stories. Zerin offers a place to be a contributing part of the community, regardless of income. Zerin’s mission: “To develop and manage affordable housing initiatives in which a sense of community and mutual respect can flourish.” Our values that we reach for are empowerment, compassion, inclusiveness, accountability, diversity, and respect.
Mission is all part of what it means to be a Christian. We spread the news about how God has changed our life. Jesus had a mission here on earth and I think reflecting his actions help us to grow as a person. I’m not saying Abolish Poverty and End Suffering is the most important initiative, all of them are notable and all should be strived for. I believe that we are all meant to be useful. I don’t claim to know the meaning of life, but I do think that life with God at the forefront is a noble pursuit as is trying to impact other people’s lives in a positive way.
Being a part of Community of Christ is a rewarding experience. The acceptance and support that I have received is something that is immeasurable. Friendships are irreplaceable. It seems that if I haven’t seen an old friend in years I am welcomed as if we saw each other yesterday.
The pandemic has made me feel a loneliness that I have not experienced before. Friends and family getting sick with Covid is a worry. Wondering if I will be the next to catch it. It has created a dystopia that I never would have imagined I would be subjected to. The whole world is feeling it: “Keep calm and carry on.”
I am reminded of the verse in Matthew “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing.” I hope that I can live up to these standards.
Zerin Development is an organization that develops affordable housing for those in need. Sponsored by Community of Christ, Zerin endeavours to relieve some of the homelessness and poverty issues that London faces today. The pandemic has aggravated this situation. One in seven households have trouble putting food on the table. There are roughly 3000 homeless persons in the city. And the waiting lists for mixed income housing are long.
Kind individuals in the church began this journey in 1977 with a building in Toronto. Zerin Place on Commissioners Road in London has 40 suites, Zerin Place on Clarke Road in London has 65 suites and is opening in September of this year. We aren’t tackling this issue alone, Zerin has partnered with 5 other non-profit housing corporations London to build over 600 mixed income rental suites on Old Victoria Hospital lands. This project is called Vision SoHo Alliance. Rent for the majority of these suites will be offered at a price much less than market value.
Anyone of us could find ourselves in need. Loss of a job, medical reasons, or simply that the household income can’t stand up to the cost of rent in todays market, and there are many other stories. Zerin offers a place to be a contributing part of the community, regardless of income. Zerin’s mission: “To develop and manage affordable housing initiatives in which a sense of community and mutual respect can flourish.” Our values that we reach for are empowerment, compassion, inclusiveness, accountability, diversity, and respect.
Mission is all part of what it means to be a Christian. We spread the news about how God has changed our life. Jesus had a mission here on earth and I think reflecting his actions help us to grow as a person. I’m not saying Abolish Poverty and End Suffering is the most important initiative, all of them are notable and all should be strived for. I believe that we are all meant to be useful. I don’t claim to know the meaning of life, but I do think that life with God at the forefront is a noble pursuit as is trying to impact other people’s lives in a positive way.
Being a part of Community of Christ is a rewarding experience. The acceptance and support that I have received is something that is immeasurable. Friendships are irreplaceable. It seems that if I haven’t seen an old friend in years I am welcomed as if we saw each other yesterday.
The pandemic has made me feel a loneliness that I have not experienced before. Friends and family getting sick with Covid is a worry. Wondering if I will be the next to catch it. It has created a dystopia that I never would have imagined I would be subjected to. The whole world is feeling it: “Keep calm and carry on.”
I am reminded of the verse in Matthew “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing.” I hope that I can live up to these standards.
