Dear ,

Over the past few weeks, the Virginia Interfaith Center hosted a series of Faith and Housing Workshops in Fredericksburg, Newport News, and Petersburg, bringing together clergy, lay leaders, and housing professionals to explore how faith communities can respond to Virginia’s affordable housing crisis. These gatherings were rich in dialogue, practical insights, and inspiring examples of how congregations can leverage their properties and missions to create affordable housing solutions for their communities. 

Each workshop served as a space for learning and connection, where participants shared their hopes, challenges, and experiences in developing housing projects that serve their neighbors. As attendees learned about complex zoning laws, financing, and community engagement, they gained valuable tools to begin or advance their own initiatives. The energy in each room was a testament to the power of faith-rooted collaboration. 

These workshops did more than inform; they sparked vision and action. They reflect a growing movement across the commonwealth to reimagine how sacred spaces can be used to meet urgent community needs. As we continue this work, we are building not just housing, but hope, dignity, and justice.  

We invite you to be part of this growing movement—join us for a virtual workshop on Thurs., October 3, and take the next step toward turning faith into action for housing justice.

Yours in Solidarity, 
Keisha 

Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook
Executive Director 

The Virginia Interfaith Center proudly supports this statewide forum. We will hear from candidates running for the offices of Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General. They will discuss their past work on issues important to the disability community, as well as protecting Medicaid, employment opportunities, inclusive and affordable housing, and voting rights and accessibility. The event will have ASL interpretation.

Join us at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Rd. in Henrico, for a candidate forum featuring House of Delegates candidates. Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook, executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center, will moderate the event. Everyone is welcome to join us for this important conversation.

Join neighbors and changemakers for a day of civic action in Petersburg to learn skill-building, community power, and effective organizing. This teach-in equips you with tools to take action and empower local voters to GET OUT THE VOTE. Complimentary breakfast and lunch served but you must register. Interpretation available in English and Spanish. 

VICPP is partnering with the Ekoji Buddhist Sangha of Richmond, and the Williamsburg Buddhist Sangha to invite dharma practitioners from across the commonwealth (Buddhists, Hindus, and others) for a day of connection, reflection, and public presence. 

We will gather at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Nov. 1, at Richmond Hill, 2209 E Grace St. in Richmond, share a lunch (vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options available), then take a silent, meditative walk down to the lawn near the Virginia General Assembly building. The route is about a mile each way. This is not a protest, but a peaceful expression of our shared values. 

We hope to document the event and inspire future conversations and action around the role of interfaith organizing and statewide advocacy. The purpose is to demonstrate that our dharma communities are present, connected, and committed to building a more just and compassionate Virginia 

Register for the free Fall 2025 History and Health Symposium, "Improving Access to Childbearing Health Care: Histories, Solutions and Strategies," at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd. in  Richmond. 

This symposium will explore how access to childbearing care and resources is related to improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities. VICPP Health Equity Manager Kathryn Haines will join Makunda Abdul-Mbacke M.D., M.P.H., of Piedmont Preferred Women's Healthcare, and Paulina Guerrero, Ph.D., assistant professor, gender, sexuality and women's studies, on the Maternal Health in Rural Areas panel.

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy advocates economic,
racial, and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices
through education, prayer, and action.