In February 2011, members of Immanuel began fifty one on one listening conversations with our Immanuel neighbors. After reflecting on what we heard, we decided to focus on the challenges and opportunities for some specific neighbors – the residents living on South Marshall Street, just two blocks from Immanuel.
Slowly we have been establishing relationships with (1) the residents of Marshall House, a shelter for homeless children and families; (2) more than 300 Burmese and Nepali refugees sponsored by Catholic Charities who all live on S. Marshall St; and (3) Habitat for Humanity along with the new residents of the recently built 16 houses on S. Marshall St.
In 2011, Immanuel minister Ed Horstmann invited leaders of various faith communities, as well as leaders of Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities, Marshall House and neighborhood groups to join us in conversations about working together to implement changes that support the neighborhood’s priorities on S. Marshall St. This group, the South Marshall Interfaith Coalition, meets monthly. It has expanded to include representatives of Hartford government, businesses, non-profits, the Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association, as well as residents of S. Marshall St. The focus of our efforts is to promote positive, sustainable change in the neighborhood.
For more information, contact Immanuel member, Mike Rion.
