Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s Call-in Day to the Baltimore Archdiocese and Director of Parish Renewal Julie St. Croix to demand they keep the Transfiguration Pantry open! Because of yesterday’s collective action and the petition, the Archdiocese has reversed their position on closing the pantry and has agreed to meet with us to discuss the pantry and the problem of hunger in communities across the diocese. This shows the power we have when we raise our voices together. 

We appreciate Director St. Croix for hearing the concerns of those who called and the over 500 people who signed the petition. The decision to allow the pantry to continue using the church’s parking lot is the right thing to do. The Archdiocese has informed us that the pantry can remain at least until the church property is sold. 

Less than a year ago, we launched the Right to Health Campaign because poverty has become the 4th leading cause of death in this country. The stresses and strains of homelessness and making ends meet are reaching a breaking point. We see it everyday - the food pantry lines, the calls for help with slumlords, the denials by insurance companies for needed healthcare. 

While we know that charity is not the answer to systemic poverty and hunger, community-led projects of survival like Transfiguration’s pantry should be supported, not denied. And during these times of increasing economic insecurity and attacks on Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits, the need will only grow. We look forward to meeting with the Director St. Croix to discuss not only how we preserve this lifeline in Southwest Baltimore, but how the Baltimore Archdiocese can use their power and resources to address hunger across their jurisdiction from the city to all points west through Garrett County. 

Thanks to all who have participated in this effort. We will keep you posted on these promising developments. 

Power to the Poor!