December 15, 2005 (Baltimore, MD) - Lutheran Services in America (LSA) is starting Phase I of the Affordable Housing Initiative

Beginning in January of 2006, Lutheran Services in America is beginning Phase I of the Affordable Housing Initiative by sending out an online survey to Lutheran social ministry organizations.

LSA staff member, Jan Ulrich, will be surveying Lutheran social ministry organizations. Approximately two-thirds of LSA member organizations are currently participating in the affordable housing arena.

Jeff Schacht, a diaconal ministry candidate, will be surveying congregations to gather information about the scope and scale of their efforts in housing. Information will be gathered about ELCA and other Lutheran congregations and entities engaged in affordable housing initiatives.

In Phase Two, LSA will gather a steering committee of individuals from Lutheran organizations who are experts in various aspects of housing. They will evaluate what has been learned from the mapping project and identify opportunities that may exist to enhance the capacity, effectiveness, and impact of Lutheran efforts in housing.

Phase Three and beyond will focus on mobilizing that collective Lutheran capacity to seize those opportunities.

Join LSA in its efforts to address the problems of unaffordable housing and poverty. To learn how you can help contact Jan Ulrich at 410-230-2841 or e-mail julrich@lutheranservices.org. Together we can make a difference.