SAN GABRIEL PRESBYTERY - RESPONSE TO HOMELESS FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS BY CHURCHES
1.
Church Name
2.
Name and Title of Person Completing Survey (optional)
3.
How do you feel about your current practices around homeless individuals who arrive on your church property, either camping out or seeking assistance?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Unsure
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
4.
What has been your practice when individuals not connected to your congregation appear at the office seeking assistance or financial help? (Check all that apply)
Refer to local social service organizations
Provide groceries or other items but no cash
Provide cash assistance on a limited basis
Install barriers to prevent unknown visitors from entering the office
Politely turn them away
Other (please specify)
5.
What has been your practice when you encounter homeless individuals sleeping overnight on the church property? (Check all that apply)
Ignore
Remove personal items to discourage encampments
Install barriers (fencing, cameras, lighting) and/or signage to discourage overnight stays
Reach out to the individuals to refer to services
Notify police to remove the individuals
Other (please specify)
6.
What challenges has your church encountered when considering ministries to your unhoused neighbors? (check all that apply)
Funding
Volunteers/Staffing
Complaints from neighbors about "attracting" the homeless
Concerns from some congregants about "enabling" the homeless
Lack of knowledge/resources about best practices
Other (please specify)
7.
Are there areas of engaging our unhoused neighbors on your church campus where you particularly need assistance or training in best practices? (Check all that apply)
Dealing with homeless individuals sleeping overnight
Responding to requests for assistance
Knowledge of services for referral
Protecting staff and volunteers
Protecting church property from vandalism
Other (please specify)
8.
Does your church provide any of the following services to your unhoused neighbors? (check all that apply)
Meals
Day respite
Overnight shelter
Onsite housing
Safe parking facilities
Restroom Facilities
Showers
Laundry facilities
Medical/Dental treatment
Clothing
Hygiene items
Outreach or case management services
Other (please specify)
9.
Are there people who attend your church who are in need of any of these services?
Yes
No
Unsure
10.
Does your church provide financial assistance to other organizations assisting your unhoused neighbors, and if so, which ones? (Check all that aply)
Friends in Deed
Union Station
Door of Hope
Inland Valley Hope Partners
Local church ministry
Other (please specify)
11.
Would your congregation be interested in learning more about how Presbyterian churches are impacting local housing policy and affordable housing solutions?
Yes
No
Unsure
12.
The San Gabriel Presbytery is supportive of policies that would promote the repurposing of church-owned properties for the development of affordable housing. Would your church be willing to consider converting any existing church-owned property (or portion thereof) for the development of affordable housing units if the opportunity were to be made available?
Yes
No
Unsure
13.
In regard to Question 12 above:
...converting any existing church-owned property (or portion thereof) for the development of affordable housing units if the opportunity were to be made available.
If so, please provide contact information for one or more individuals in your congregation who would be interested in receiving additional information regarding this issue.
14.
What type of support would be most useful to you and your congregation in initiating or continuing efforts to assist homeless individuals and families in your community?
15.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING TIME TO COMPLETE THIS SURVEY