DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSION BELONGING
EQUITY STATEMENT
Church at the Park (C@P) affirms and celebrates the inclusion of all people into our community, including people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and individuals of any or no faith tradition. We seek diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in every aspect of our work for historically marginalized and people impacted by broken systems, including homelessness, child welfare, and the criminal justice system.
UNDERSTANDING BARRIERS
As a church, we recognize the profound responsibility we have to support marginalized communities who have often faced trauma and exclusion from religious institutions. Homelessness disproportionately affects people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people affected by broken systems. We are committed to walking alongside individuals in overcoming systemic barriers and achieving stability. Our mission includes offering low-barrier shelter and employment opportunities, fostering an inclusive environment, and implementing equitable policies. Through these efforts, we aim to transform systems in order to create a just, supportive community for all.
KEY INITIATIVES
01 INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY AND SERVICES
We provide low-barrier shelter through non-congregate communities, offering emergency housing for people of all ages and identities. Guests are able to stay with their pets, partners, and property, removing common barriers to seeking shelter and services. Our Outreach and Case Management teams connect with those in encampments and vehicles, providing resources and linking them to housing and medical services. Through our Safe Parking program, we partner with local communities to provide legal parking spaces with sanitation and trash pick-up, supported 24/7 by our Safety Team. We help guests transition into stable housing and are expanding to include supported permanent housing to maintain relationships and ensure lasting stability.
02 COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
To ensure our staff can effectively serve our guests and one another, we offer ongoing training in several critical areas:
Non-Violent Communication
NVC gives staff tools for clearer communication through a framework for understanding others’ feelings, needs, and requests.
“Equity Conversations” is C@P’s monthly gathering designed to celebrate and raise awareness about different identity groups within and around our community. Each month, we highlight a specific group or topic, share a meal and engage in an activity that helps build connection and meaning. Our goal is to build a stronger community, grow mutual understanding, and create a sense of belonging for everyone.
August 2023: Disability Inclusion
September 2023: LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
February 2024: Black History Month
03 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY REVIEW
C@P is committed to operating as a second-chance and low-barrier employer. We have structured our organization to offer employment to those who have a criminal record and are actively making positive changes in their lives. We are committed to providing a path forward for these individuals to secure meaningful and gainful employment, often allowing them to serve in places they may have once visited themselves on their own path.
We continually assess hiring practices and performance review procedures to recruit, retain, and develop staff from all backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences. This includes:
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Establishing pathways for individuals with lived experience to obtain certifications as peer support specialists.
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Increasing the number of bilingual/bicultural staff.
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Providing equitable leadership opportunities.
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Conducting annual equity assessments on compensation.