ELCA Homeless and Justice Network

The Homeless and Justice Network of the ELCA is a coalition of ministries called to serve with those on the margins who are struggling with poverty, homelessness and justice issues. This unique network is a ministry with, rather than for, those experiencing poverty, homelessness and injustice. We in the network believe that all God’s children deserve an opportunity to gather and be the church together, inside or outside the church walls. The HJN gathers pastors and leaders of these ministries to connect, refuel, bring new ideas to the table, share stories that ignite passion, and equip each other as leaders from within so that, as we stand on the margins with Jesus, all are included. The eight principles of the Homeless and Justice Network are:

1. Community is vital to all that we do.
2. Jesus stood on the margins so that all could be included, and so do we.
3. God loves all people, no matter what.
4. We respect the dignity and value of all people, without condition.
5. We minister with — not to or for — one another.
6. A church is the people, not the building.
7. Everyone has something to offer, and we need every person if we are to be whole.
8. We see lives transformed and are transformed ourselves.