Social Justice

At First Pres, we seek to foster the individual passions and talents of our community and work together to bring about positive change for the world.

Our current work is focused on advocacy and active support for immigrants and refugees and people in the New Haven area who need food, clothing, and shelter. We also support the national and international justice initiatives of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and mission co-workers across the world. To pursue these efforts, we have partnered with several different organizations in the area, including IRIS, CCA, and Columbus House.

IRIS

Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) is a non-profit agency whose mission is to help refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, strengthen hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut’s communities. Our church has worked with IRIS to use our building as temporary housing and a coat closet for refugees as well as hosting their craft fairs, participating in the IRIS Run for Refugees, and volunteering at their community garden.

CCA

Christian Community Action’s (CCA’s) mission is to express faithful witness by providing help, housing, and hope to people who are poor in New Haven. Our church participates in food drives for the CCA food pantry, provides meals and groceries for Thanksgiving, and also provides diapers and funds for other supplies over the course of the year.

Columbus House

Columbus House’s mission is to serve people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by providing shelter and housing and by fostering their personal growth and independence. Before the pandemic, our church prepared and served dinner for Columbus House residents monthly and hosted Abraham’s Tent housing homeless individuals in our Owens Building for a week each winter. We are beginning to resume these activities again in accordance with Columbus House’s covid policies.