Poverty vigil Jan. 7 at State House

Shofars will sound Jan. 7 at 3 p.m. to announce the beginning of the seventh annual Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty. The vigil will be held at the Rhode Island State House in the rotunda.

Speakers will include Gov. Gina Raimondo as well as Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed and Speaker of the House Nicholas A. Matiello. The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, will deliver the keynote address.

The vigil is open to the public. Last year more than 200 people participated, including leaders from virtually every faith and community in the state. Also participating were a number of Rhode Island’s elected officials including Gov. Lincoln Chafee.

During the vigil, the names of all of Rhode Island’s elected officials will be called by clergy. They will be asked to govern with wisdom and knowledge as well as to produce a moral budget that will not be “on the backs of the poor.”

The Interfaith Coalition is an advocate for Rhode Islanders who live at or below the safety net. This includes people living on the edge of poverty and people living in poverty. The Coalition believes every Rhode Islander shall have: A decent, safe and affordable home; adequate food and nutrition; equal access to affordable and quality healthcare; equal and quality education for all children; and decent work with adequate income.

Over the years, the R.I. Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty has been a frequent advocate at the General Assembly, meeting with legislators and participating in hearings on a number of poverty- related issues. This includes the issues of homelessness, housing, healthcare, education and predatory lending.

This year, the Coalition expects well over 200 people to attend the vigil.

MARTY COOPER is the Community Relations director for the Jewish Alliance.