Empower Hampton Roads

“Building a network of faith communities seeking to empower people for a positive change in Hampton Roads”

EHR Newspaper article PDF | JPG
EHR Flyer PDF | JPG
EHR website

Mission Statement
Empower Hampton Roads is a local coalition of faith communities committed to sharing our collective energies, needs, and faith as we bring the message of justice to all those who make and shape social policy for the people of Hampton Roads.

The organization…
EHR is a coalition of faith communities working together for positive change in the Hampton Roads region. EHR organizes people of faith to participate effectively in the political, environmental, social and economic decisions that affect their lives and the lives of those around them. EHR addresses the causes of social problems and seeks changes in laws, policies, and corporate practices in order to make our region a better place for all.

The issues…
EHR focuses on issues that impact the quality of life of everyone in our region, especially those without power and voice. Three issue areas were selected for analysis and action.

  • Housing – Many people in our region do not have access to decent affordable housing.
  • Education – Many children in Hampton Roads are not prepared by the public school system for lifelong success.
  • Jobs and Economy – Many people in our region lack jobs, decent wages, and necessary support with training, day care, and transportation.

The potential…

  • “We want to do more than put band-aids on problems; we’re coming together to make systemic change.” -Rev. Willian Booth, First Baptist Church of Hampton
  • “We have come to see the value of networking through congregations to become a unified voice for social change.” -Rev. James Parke, Ascencion Catholic Church of Virginia Beach
  • “It is an incredible experience when people take responsibility for their lives and demand to participate in the decisions that impact their lives. Here is the vehicle for that type of participation.” -Angela James, Lead Organize Empower Hampton Roads
  • “There is something about this combination of committed clergy and lay people that has a way of mobilizing hundreds of thousands of people.” -David Rusk, Author, and national urban expert
  • “When they start figuring out what common ground they have, the sky’s the limit.” -John Norton, Gamaliel Foundation