Riverside Weekly Actions | July 23, 2026
Hope is Organized
Christian hope has been accused of passive optimism. Not for me. For me, my hope is rooted in love in action. It is love that puts on walking shoes. It is love in action that feeds the hungry, visits the imprisoned, welcomes the stranger, and challenges systems that deny God’s image in others. That is why organizing matters. Every volunteer recruited, every conversation held, every march taken, and every partnership formed is a declaration that injustice does not have the final word. As the prophet Micah reminds us, we are called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
I’m not passively rolling over and letting this system of oppression walk all over me and my beloveds. This season, let our faith be known not only by what we believe, but by how we raise our collective voice, how we organize as a collective and by how faithfully we walk together toward justice.
Urge the Senate to Protect Haitians by Preserving Temporary Protected Status
Haiti is experiencing a humanitarian crisis. Despite this, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals is set to terminate as early as July 24, 2026. By advancing S.4814, Members of the Senate can help protect Haitians from being forcibly returned to life-threatening conditions. Senators should also urge the President to grant Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to Haitian nationals until legislation is passed.
Take action today. Urge your Senator to support S.4814 and establish protections for Haitians who cannot safely return to their countries of origin.
This is the call for action from our Haitian neighbors.
August 1: Advocacy Training with National Iranian American Council
Our tax dollars are being used illegally to destroy schools, hospitals, bridges, and entire communities in Iran. We can no longer stay silent.
Join members of NIAC Action New York, Peace Action New York State, Just Foreign Policy, and Action Corps for an interactive training that will equip you to turn your voice into lasting political influence.
You’ll learn how to secure and lead effective meetings with elected officials, build meaningful relationships with lawmakers, and advocate for peace, diplomacy, civil rights, and humane immigration policies. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to deepen your skills, you’ll leave with practical tools to organize effectively, hold leaders accountable, and help shape a more just future. These are transferable skills that can be used to lobby across issues!!
More information and registration here: RSVP for Lobby Training 101: Get in the Room and Make Change in New York City!
Riversiders joined Metro-IAF/Manhattan Together organizers and community leaders this week to learn about New York City’s mental health crisis and the urgent need for a more compassionate response. We heard that many 911 calls involve people experiencing mental health distress, yet too often the response is rooted in policing rather than care. Instead of receiving the support they need, many New Yorkers are criminalized and, in some cases, end up in places like Rikers Island rather than appropriate treatment facilities.
The Mayor has committed to establishing two mental health crisis intervention centers in each borough, but turning that promise into reality will require sustained community organizing and public support.
Riverside is joining this effort by hosting a Mental Health Listening Circle this fall, creating space to share experiences, deepen understanding, and imagine a healthier city together. If you would like to help plan the event, please contact msj@trcnyc.org. And mark your calendar for October 11, when we will rally with communities across the city to advocate for compassionate, community-based mental health care for all.
Bilingual Volunters Needed!
The Social Services Ministry continues to expand partnerships that bring practical resources directly to our Food Pantry guests. In July, Manhattan Together launched its first on-site outreach, helping NYCHA residents address housing issues such as mold, leaks, and unsafe living conditions through advocacy and direct support. Future visits are planned for August, and we are seeking bilingual (English-Spanish) volunteers to serve as referral contacts and help connect Spanish-speaking guests with these vital services. If you are bilingual and interested in volunteering, we would love to hear from you.
Additional weekly resources continue to strengthen our ministry. The Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit provides assistance with SNAP, HRA benefits, Rent Freeze, Fair Fares, IDNYC, and other public benefits. Heart to Heart Home Care offers information about home health aide services, while a licensed health insurance representative helps guests navigate Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Essential Plan enrollment. These partnerships ensure our neighbors receive compassionate, accessible support beyond food assistance.
August 28: Covenant for Our Futures Action
Over the past year, Riverside has stood alongside communities impacted by war, poverty, climate injustice, anti-immigrant policies, and attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community. We believe our faith calls us not only to pray for our neighbors but to organize for a more just and compassionate world.
On Thursday, August 28, Riverside will join GreenFaith and partners from across the country to launch the Covenant for Our Future campaign, a national, multifaith movement calling for the repeal of H.R. 1 and renewed investments in people and the planet.
The day will begin with a prayerful witness outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where we will stand in solidarity with immigrants detained far from their loved ones. From there, we will undertake a pilgrimage to Federal Plaza, lifting our voices for climate justice, immigrant dignity, and policies that protect the most vulnerable. Save the date, invite friends and family, and watch for registration details. To join the planning team or learn more, contact msj@trcnyc.org.