We engage in campaigns to change the world. Jesus calls us to advocate with and for the marginalized, and we take this calling seriously. Here are several areas where we are working to make a difference. Join us.
Payday Lending
The Ecumenical Poverty Initiative is a founding member of the Faith for Just Lending coalition against predatory payday lending. For the latest on our work against payday lending, check out: http://lendjustly.com/
Hunger and Food Insecurity
The Ecumenical Poverty Initiative is working to combat Hunger and Food insecurity in several ways. We are working closely with the Black Church Food Security Network to develop local food initiatives.
We also work on national legislation to combat hunger across the United States by supporting programs like SNAP (food stamps), WIC, and free and reduced-price school lunches and breakfasts.
Living Wage
The Ecumenical Poverty Initiative supports a living wage. Because this issue is stalled in D.C., our effort have focused primarily on the state and city levels. EPI was involved in raising the minimum wage in West Virginia, as well as a recent increase in the wages of city employees in Greensboro, NC.
EPI also works to raise awareness about what a living wage is and how it should inform U.S. economic policy.
We also work with Labor Sabbath to raise awareness in churches about the importance of the labor movement.
Paid Leave and Family Benefits
The Ecumenical Poverty Initiative is a strong supporter of paid leave and family benefits.
Poverty and Elections
- Ecumenical Poverty Initiative joined Second Chances Florida in its “Vote Yes 4” Campaign for the November 2018 Election. The Voting Restoration Amendment, better known as Amendment 4, restores voting eligibility to over 1.4 million formerly incarcerated citizens in Florida. Voters adopted the amendment by 64%. It is effective January 2019.
- Through its partnership with the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, Ecumenical Poverty Initiative engaged in voter mobilization and registration for the 2018 Midterm Elections.
- Working with the Circle of Protection, the Ecumenical Poverty Initiative has asked the 2016 presidential candidates to make short videos explaining how they would address poverty if elected.
