Let's raise our faith voices for housing justice!
Proposition 5 will empower communities and support affordable housing.
YES on Prop 5 empowers a majority of local voters to approve bonds for affordable housing, critical public infrastructure, and emergency response in our communities with a 55% vote – but only if those bonds have strict accountability and oversight.
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Many affordable housing units go unbuilt in Contra Costa County because of the need for financial investment. Passing Prop 5 will give local communities the ability to choose to invest in these projects and provide needed homes for our unhoused neighbors.
Prop 5 is supported by the Multi-faith ACTION Coalition, the East Bay Housing Organization, Hope Solutions and many affordable housing organizations.
Faith communities can support housing justice and equity in our community by:
- Educating their congregation about the issue
- Encouraging members to vote in favor of the measure
- Offering resources at a table during social/coffee hour
- Preach on the issue and have someone from your congregation share their housing story
- Partnering with other organizations to advocate for increased funding for affordable housing
You can use your voice and vote to support our faith values this election:
- Our faith commitment: We are called to help the less fortunate, especially with affordable housing and shelter.
- Community well-being: Stable and affordable housing is essential for individuals and families to thrive.
- Economic impact: Affordable housing development can create jobs and stimulate the economy.
Resources on Prop 5:
- Yes on Prop 5 website
- Yes on Prop 5 Coalition Toolkit
- League of Women Voters Prop 5 recommendation
- Social Media Links
- Facebook: @YesOnCAProp5
- Instagram: @YesOnCAProp5
- X/Twitter: @YesOnCAProp5
The Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition Supports Prop 5 - Here’s Why
Lower Approval Thresholds for Bond Measures: A Faith Analysis
What is Proposition 5 on the California 2024 ballot? Prop 5 is formally called the “Lower Supermajority Requirement to 55% for Local Bond Measures to Fund Housing and Public Infrastructure Amendment.”
As the name states, a “yes” vote supports lowering the vote threshold from 66.67% to 55% for local bond measures to fund housing projects and public infrastructure.
Why Faith Communities Should Support Lower Approval Thresholds
Here are several compelling reasons why faith communities should support lower approval thresholds for bond measures which support affordable housing in California:
Moral and Ethical Imperative:
- Affordable housing is a fundamental human right. Religious and spiritual teachings emphasize the importance of helping the less fortunate, providing shelter, and creating a just and equitable society. Supporting Prop 5 aligns with these values.
Addressing Homelessness Crisis:
- California faces a severe homelessness crisis, with many people living on the streets. Affordable housing is a key solution to this problem. By supporting Prop 5, faith communities can actively contribute to real solutions to reducing homelessness and improving the lives of their fellow citizens.
Community Well-being:
- Stable and affordable housing is essential for individuals and families to thrive. It contributes to better health, educational outcomes, and overall well-being. Investing in affordable housing benefits the entire community, not just those directly receiving the housing.
Economic Impact:
- Affordable housing development creates jobs, stimulates the economy, and improves property values in surrounding areas. Supporting Prop 5 and related bond measures can have a positive economic impact on the state and local communities.
Practical Considerations:
- Many faith communities already engage in social service programs, including providing meals and/or temporary shelter. Affordable housing complements these efforts by offering a more sustainable and long-term solution to housing insecurity. Prop 5 will enable more affordable housing to be built.
Collaboration and Partnership:
- Bond measures often involve collaboration between government agencies, non-profits, and community organizations. Faith communities can play a valuable role in this partnership, providing support, resources, and advocacy.
Specific Actions:
- Faith communities can support Prop 5 by:
- Educating their congregation about the issue
- Encouraging members to vote in favor of the measure
- Offering resources or volunteer support to affordable housing initiatives
- Partnering with other organizations to advocate for increased funding for affordable housing
In summary, supporting Prop 5 – and bond measures for affordable housing – is a natural extension of many faith communities’ core values and can have a significant positive impact on the lives of individuals and the overall well-being of California communities.
