Remember BUILD’s activism

Reading the Sept. 1 editorial, “A good start for affordable housing funds,” my excitement dissipated when, once again, there was no mention of BUILD (Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct Action). Lexington would not have addressed this overdue need if not for us.

The 27 diverse congregations have been working since 2003 to address the root of community problems. We won a restorative justice program for youth, a drug treatment program that has treated over 430 women in our local jail saving $4.5 million and this year’s mental health/drug abuse commitment.

BUILD persevered for seven years, advocating, debating, seeking allies, hearing another “no” at our annual Nehemiah Action Assembly, spending countless hours at council meetings hoping for good news, having our diligent research dismissed. BUILD’s collective compassion and love for our neighbors in need of a safe, affordable home did not discourage us from doing what God expects us to do: justice.

At our 2014 Action Assembly, Mayor Jim Gray committed to developing a plan and fund. We celebrated a few months later upon hearing a unanimous “yes” from our council.

In the future, do acknowledge BUILD’s many positive outcomes. Now, on to this year’s work of doing justice.

This story was originally published September 13, 2016 at 7:32 PM with the headline "Remember BUILD’s activism."