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A Common Compassion

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Empowering Community, Connection, and Hospitality

Next Steps!

Want to stay involved in the work of the Aurora Commons and loving our unhoused neighbors? See some next steps below!

Soul Care for the Streets Workshop

Sunday, February 12th, 12:30-3pm, CLC Great Room at Bethany Green Lake

If you are feeling called to have better understanding of both the challenges facing our neighbors and the ways you can be helpful, this training will cover companionship, accompaniment and basics of street life. Also, ways to consider being in relationship with unhoused neighbors that honors various levels of comfort, skill and commitment. Come to learn how you can get involved in loving your unhoused neighbors and join a movement of local churches serving on North Aurora. Lunch provided. Sign up here.

Circles of Care

Sundays, March 5 - March 26, Details TBD

Join us in a training that will equip a team of volunteers to circle around an individual or family experiencing homelessness to support a transition to housing or other next steps in the loving support of community.


A Common Compassion Giving Update

THANK YOU for joining us in a movement towards A Common Compassion for our unhoused neighbors in Seattle! For the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost we set out to simplify, save and give above and beyond our normal tithes and offerings to raise $500,000 in 50 days for the long-term home of Aurora Commons.

Together we exceeded our goal, raising $912,511.00!


In addition, we have countless stories of transformation, moving towards deeper compassion for our neighbors living outside. Like any genuine movement, we hope and pray this transformation continues throughout our church and city. Towards that end, please continue to make use of the resources below.

Those experiencing homelessness in Seattle have become increasingly vulnerable through the pandemic. People are being displaced due to economic conditions, the ongoing effects of early childhood trauma, addiction, and other challenging circumstances. The housed community is presented with this troubling reality with an increasing number of tents in parks and on street corners. At the same time, BCC’s long-time partners at The Commons, the “living room on Aurora” that provides a restorative community, trusted resources, and invaluable connection, is at risk of itself being displaced.

Join us in the journey of learning to love and walk alongside our unhoused neighbors well.


Resources

Whether you are interested in learning more about homelessness, finding opportunities to serve, or engaging your family in conversation, we have some great resources for you below.
  • A Common Compassion Devotional -  Download the weekly devotional, with prayers and practices to engage your spirit, soul, and body with opportunities to learn and grow alongside our community.
  • FAQ Sheet - These facts are not comprehensive, as homelessness is a complicated issue. However, it's worth taking the time to learn and grow as we can, and this FAQ sheet is a great place to start! 
  • Conversation Starters - It can be intimidating to start a conversation with a stranger. We hope this document will be able to help you begin a conversation with our unhoused neighbors, as a simple conversation can be a great place to start showing the love of Chris.
  • Talking to our Kids about Homelessness - Our children see our neighbors who may be standing on the side of a road or living in a tent. How do we engage our children in this conversation, to help raise them to be people of justice and compassion? 
  • Resource Bookmark - Print this bookmark as a quick reference for Bethany's local partners! If you should want to give money or food to someone you meet, you can also share this bookmark with a list of local resources that can provide sustainable support.