Social services, faith groups call emergency meeting on state budget proposal

Press Release Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is hosting anemergency summit of social service agencies,faith-based ministries, clergy,people of faith, and otherson Nov. 17to discuss specific impacts of Washington GovernorChristine Gregoire’s proposed state budget cuts. In already challenging economictimes, the proposed cuts to socialservices could be devastating to Spokane’spoor, elderly, and sick. The emergency summit gathers stakeholders and serviceproviders in Spokane to respond to the immediatehuman need caused by Gregoire’s proposed cuts to social services, and to raise a voice of protest. The Rev. Kris Christensen, Urban Missioner at Holy Trinity,said, “We are already seeing increased hungerand homelessness in the WestCentral neighborhood. The proposed cuts will be devastating to our mostvulnerable citizens, and the churches and agencies who care for them do nothave the resources to fill thesegaps.” Holy Trinity’s ministries include HT DinnerTable, a community garden, and extensive outreach to theless fortunate inSpokane’s West Central neighborhood. “It’s important to understand how our clients are affectedby reduced resources in the other ministries andservice providers. And it’scritical that clergy and others who are free to advocate within the politicalarenahave a clear understanding of the real-life effects of the decisionsbeing made by our legislators andgovernor, ” said Christensen. The emergency summit is open to the public. Lightrefreshments will be available. The event is scheduled for Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1832 W. Dean in Spokane. Agenciesor ministries interested in participating in the summit are encouraged tocontact Christensen at(509) 701-1826. For more about HolyTrinity, visithttp://www.TrinitySpokane.org. To arrange interviews with leadership at Holy Trinity or theEpiscopal Diocese of Spokane, or for backgroundinformation, contact SamFletcher, Communication Officer for the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane, at509-995-3288orsamf@spokanediocese.org. Find the Episcopal Diocese of Spokaneonline athttp://www.SpokaneDiocese.org.