I am in your midst as one who serves.

These words from the Gospel of Luke, inscribed in the oculus high over the altar of St. James Cathedral, speak to our mission to carry out Christ’s teaching in our community. Every day, St. James volunteers reach out in love to the needy of First Hill and downtown Seattle.

On this page, you can explore the many opportunities to get involved in outreach here at St. James, by volunteering in one of our many ministries, taking advantage of opportunities to advocate for those in need, to learn more about social justice and Catholic Social Teaching, to pray, or to donate to many worthy causes.

 

 

PREVENT DEVASTATING CUTS TO HUMAN SERVICES

Michael, a 31 year old quadriplegic man who lives with his pregnant wife and daughter relies on home care services to remain in his home with his family. Without these services, he would be forced to move away from his family to a skilled nursing home. A 53 year old National Guard veteran, Gary, found himself homeless for the first time in his life after moving to Seattle for a job that later fell through. He relies on the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program for housing and support while he looks for steady employment. He would find himself again on the streets if this program were cut.   In a supplemental budget released in preparation for the special session which began November 28th, Governor Gregoire proposed deep funding cuts to K-12, higher education and cuts to human services that would eliminate the Disability Lifeline (now called Housing and Essential Needs) and the Basic Health Plan, as well as home care services for vulnerable persons.  The funding cuts attempt to address the looming State revenue shortfall of nearly $2 billion.  This round of proposed budget cuts comes after three years of spending reductions for social services and government programs totaling over $10 billion.  These cuts would devastate the “safety net” programs for children, families, and individuals in need.

TAKE ACTION: Contact your legislators and ask them to protect and fund vital safety net programs.