Economic Justice
Upward mobility—the American Dream—has become a myth. Concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few has accelerated. Half of all Americans are impoverished or struggling with debt, as the middle class shrinks due to technological advances, escalating costs for higher education, housing, and health care, and a tax structure that rewards the wealthy. People with poor health, limited education, criminal records, or huge debts have diminished earning and buying power.
In support of this commitment, UUSD will provide education for our members and the public about escalating inequality; advocate for a living wage; advocate for affordable health care, housing, and higher education; and provide support and services to the low-income, youth at risk, and homeless in our community.
Direct Help for the Homeless and Food Insecure People
Volunteers prepare and serve meals for guests at Sheltering Hearts, a shelter run by Lighthouse for Broken Winds during the winter months that serves families and those with disabing conditions. Through Share the Plate offerings, UUSD has supported Lighthouse, Shepherd’s Place in Georgetown, the Community Resource Center, and Abriendo Puertas in Milton. We have collected and donated tangible gifts of food, clothing, and hygiene products to the Community Resource Center, Love Inc., Lighthouse for Broken Wings, Shepherd’s Place, and Cape Henlopen School District’s Office for needy students and their families..
Our Economic Justice Work
School Supplies and Holiday Gifts — Each year we collaborate with Cape Henlopen School District to provide students in need with backpacks, school supplies, mittens, gloves, and Christmas gifts. Here is the thank-you letter from the Cape District Homeless Liaison, Shawna Steinmann, for our Christmas gifts in December 2022.
Joanne Saltzberg, BOT President (r) with Shawna Steinmann, Assistant Homeless Liaison, Cape Henlopen School District, December, 2019
Susan & Mac Goekler and Jan Daily, August, 2019, Collection of School Supplies for H.O. Brittingham Elementary School
Unitarian Universalist Delaware Advocacy Network (UUDAN) — UUSD is working with other DE UU congregations to advocate for increasing the minimum wage.