Jesus’s calling is our inspiration and supreme example for the work of justice:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Luke 4:18-19
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
Volunteer Opportunies in our New Haven community
Download this resource handbook compiled by Alexandra Green in summer 2021.
Below is an additional list of action initiatives that are anti-racist and proactively supportive of black businesses and community healing.
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Color Of Change is releasing a Black Business Green Book, a directory of Black-owned businesses, for those interested in offering their support. During this time of COVID, Black businesses are struggling to survive, with many failing to benefit from the PPP loan program.
Please, consider submitting the name of a business to be highlighted in time for the holiday season.
Nile is a digital community that connects consumers with Black-owned companies online.
The Women’s Business Development Council’s Minority-Owned Enterprises Directory is currently showcasing local black-owned businesses. On their resources page, click on the link under Black-Owned Enterprise Directory (in green lettering) to view the PDF.
ShopBlackCT.com is a volunteer initiative and not-for-profit website featuring more than 1,000 Black-owned businesses in Connecticut.
EatOkra is an app for Black-owned restaurants.
Volunteer Your Services
If you can provide critical skills, such as landscaping, painting or carpentry, to a local business, church, or neighbor, ask if there is some way you can help.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven is a nonprofit organization that builds and rebuilds homes with the goal of creating safe, affordable housing and home ownership opportunities for low-income working families. Individuals and groups can volunteer to help build homes. There are also multiple ways to provide financial support.
—The Restore is a donation based retail store open to the public. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven.
Become an IRS Tax Volunteer, and receive training to provide free tax help for low-to-moderate income families who need assistance preparing their tax returns.
Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven is a nonprofit organization that works with adults who want to improve their English reading skills. Tutors are not required to have prior teaching experience or to speak a foreign language.
Become a Mentor or Supporter
Volunteer to mentor a local child or financially support Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern CT
—Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern CT also accepts contributions of clothing and household goods.
https://www.bbbsswct.org/give-used
Support Service Organizations
Christian Community Action Agency is an ecumenical social service organization that provides help and housing to low income New Haven residents.
First Nations Development Institute improves economic conditions for Native Americans through direct financial grants, technical assistance & training, and advocacy & policy.
St. Luke’s Development Corporation is a non-profit organization, which seeks to foster community and economic development for the benefit of the New Haven community.
—Read about their latest property development project here:
https://www.stlukeschurchnewhaven.com/st-lukes-development-corporation.html
The mission of The Salvation Army is “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” The organization provides tutoring, financial literacy programs, food assistance, rehabilitation programs, and disaster relief. Volunteer opportunities are available.
Additional Resources
The Social Justice Resource Center provides information and resources about actions we can take to advance the cause of justice.
Life Together 