Recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, we, as Unitarian Universalists (UUs), hold that access to affordable, habitable housing is a fundamental right in a just society, and it is an achievable goal with help from the community.

Tri-Valley Haven

Accordingly, our congregation members have established and funded programs that assist low-income individuals and families in Livermore. In 1976, our members created a crisis hotline that eventually became the Tri-Valley Haven organization. The Haven has since expanded to provide shelter for unhoused families and victims of domestic abuse, to operate a food pantry, and to operate a thrift store. And UUCiL (Unitarian Universalist Church in Livermore) has supported them every step of the way.

Open Heart Kitchen

Our first minister, Rev. Elizabeth Selle Jones, founded Open Heart Kitchen in 1995, which started off preparing meals in members’ homes and now serves the tri-city area. It continues to provide thousands of meals and support to our unhoused or food insecure neighbors, and UUCiL continues to support them. Every year, UUCiL establishes a “Giving Tree” in December where members can take gift-idea tags off of a Christmas tree and buy something their clients need like socks or blankets, which goes to Open Heart’s Vineyard Resource Center.

Bus Passes

We have also supported cooperative community efforts by writing grants to raise funds and collecting donations to support Asbury United Methodist church provide bus passes to people without transportation, so that they can get to a food bank, laundry, healthcare appointment, or job interview.

Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. Two that apply to our purpose of supporting our unhoused neighbors are:

1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.