We should all take a very brief moment to stop, to reflect, and to take a deep breath before once again moving forward boldly, fearlessly, and with purpose to help the most vulnerable in our country.

It’s hard to believe that the election is finally over after months and months of often bitter and acrimonious campaigning.  We can now all take a moment—but only a very brief moment—to stop, to reflect, and to take a deep breath before once again moving forward boldly, fearlessly, and with purpose to help the most vulnerable in our country.

Whether you were relieved or disappointed with the results of this election, the truth of the matter is we have serious issues to contend with in every corner of our country. Unemployment, poverty, discrimination, homelessness, and the looming fiscal cliff are all burning issues we need to address if we are to ensure all people have the ability and the opportunity to lead stable, healthy, and dignified lives.

Probably the saddest thing about this past election is the fact that those who are suffering the most—vulnerable individuals and families, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness—were seemingly forgotten or blatantly ignored. We heard constantly about the middle class and the rich, but never about the poor and marginalized.

Funders Together to End Homelessness believes that this is where philanthropy can play a bold and vital role going forward. Our voices must be heard in our communities, in our states, and throughout our country. Now is the time for philanthropy to be both a catalyst and a bold advocate, calling on politicians, business and faith leaders, educators, service providers, and all of our fellow citizens to work together to build opportunities for all people, including the most vulnerable.

The president said it best in his acceptance speech on Tuesday night,

The belief that our destiny is shared; that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations. The freedom which so many Americans have fought for and died for comes with responsibilities as well as rights. And among those are love and charity and duty and patriotism. That’s what makes America great.   

-Barack Obama

We need your organization to be part of a national movement calling for effective initiatives that permanently move people from lives of homelessness and vulnerability to lives of opportunity. Please join us!

As Executive Director of Funders Together, Anne brings years of expertise in both the corporate and not-for-profit sector. She is passionate about promoting the philanthropic community’s catalytic role in ending homelessness, working with government to create public-private partnerships, and advocating for funding and policies which end, rather than manage, homelessness.