Monday, February 14, 2005
Yes, the news you read is true. The members of Kirkland Congregational United Church of Christ voted overwhelmingly on Sunday to be the next host of Tent City 4, on our church parking lot. Their stay will begin this Saturday, February 19th and extend for 90 days. Residents of the encampment, as well as representatives from the City of Kirkland (including Mayor Mary-Alyce Burleigh), King County Sheriff's Department, and St. John Vianney spoke to the congregation following worship. Our church members were enthusiastic about the opportunity to back up their words with action. We have scheduled a neighborhood information meeting for Thursday, February 17th, 7-9 p.m., at our church. This will be an information meeting, with authorities present to answer your written questions. It will not be an open hearing. We intend for this to be a positive, cooperative experience for everyone. Please join us with an open heart!
I know that this is surprising news for all our neighbors. We ask for your understanding and support. We apologize for the quick decision. We anticipated having more time to organize, but this changed when plans for a move to Bellevue fell through. Our faith demanded that we respond with compassion. It is our prayer that you will do the same, extending a warm welcome to the residents of Tent City 4 during their temporary stay. You are welcome to visit Tent City 4 for a tour and to become friends with the residents. You are also invited to join us in worship, Sundays, 10:30 a.m.
We are an Open and Affirming church, and all of God's people are welcome here. Jesus offered an extravagant welcome to each person he met, and we share that same love with others. Kirkland Congregational Church is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. It was the first church built on the Eastside, and has a long history of community involvement. We have provided an emergency food pantry for the Kirkland community for 30 years. Almost 20 years ago, this congregation helped a church member give birth to Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing—which has been working to improve affordable housing and also provide shelter for families displaced by domestic violence over two decades. Our church also hosts five other worshiping congregations, and more than 50 twelve-step and community service organizations.
I met this morning with a full representation of Kirkland City government, including the city manager, police chief, and mayor. They expressed a heart-felt welcome to Tent City 4 and affirmed their commitment to make this a positive experience for all of Kirkland. I’m grateful for their support, and commit this congregation to working in cooperation with the city and our neighbors.
This is a small, but important step in the process of finding a permanent solution to homelessness. We hope you will join with us, in love.
I am yours in Christ,
Walter John Boris