A Condensed Statement from Interfaith Council of Santa Clara County
 
Labor Day provides a unique opportunity for both the religious community and the labor movement to rediscover their common bonds: social justice; equality, dignity, and respect for all persons; economic justice; and fair treatment in the workplace. Today we join other congregations throughout Silicon Valley and across the nation on our 19 ^th annual Labor in the Pulpit.
 
According to the National Associating of homebuilders only 21% of San Jose households can afford to buy an average priced home versus the NATIONAL average of 63%. According to the last count in 2013, there are 4,770 homeless people in San Jose, with the majority of those living outdoors, in parks, a car or encampments.
 
Prices for a mini studio can run from $1,500 to $1650 per month in Santa Clara County. This cost takes a lot out the monthly income for the working poor among us. Housing costs leave the working poor in less predictable circumstances and an increasingly unsustainable and perilous economic condition. Most low wage earners would prefer to be financially independent. These workers are responsible to the work for which they are employed but they receive a low salary and cannot afford the cost of housing without outside assistance. This usually results in few families banding together to live in a one-bedroom apartment or garage.
 
We live in a valley where there is so much wealth, yet 6 million Californians are living below the poverty line. That’s almost 20% of the state's population! So many of us earn incomes so low that we have to work multiple jobs, spend time away from our families, miss out on the childhood of our kids, do the impossible so we can keep a roof over their heads—and sometimes we can’t even do that.
 
In a country that’s faith driven, our voices matter. We play an important role in addressing and ultimately resolving the housing crisis our valley is facing. All faith traditions believe it is a virtue to lift up the cry of the poor. Clergy everywhere believe that the creator cares for everyone, with special attention to those who are in poverty.  All of us are one another’s keeper, and it’s time for all of us to use our voices and defend the needy and poor.
 
The Interfaith Council on Economics and Justice is a part of Silicon Valley Rising campaign, a coalition of labor and community and faith based organizations dedicated to addressing income inequality in our communities. Silicon Valley Rising engages community members in a comprehensive campaign to raise wages, create affordable housing, and build a tech economy that works for everyone. Our Labor in the Pulpit program is a key component of that program.
 
Please contact me at 408 600-1652 or [email protected] with questions or to learn more about the program.
 
In Faith and Solidarity,  Ari Morales Interfaith Liaison, ICEJ