Join us!

A well-known Portland Church, Imago Dei, recently invited a panel of African-American male leaders to speak on “The Black Male Experience” (http://www.imagodeicommunity.com/sunday/sermon-archive/ title “holla”).   

One of the thoughts a member of the panel expressed was that “Black people don’t want your help.  They want to share in your humanity.” This truth gave words to the exact feeling that drew the four women of the Monroe House (Hannah, Hillary, Gayle and Lauren) to East Garfield last July to begin on an endeavor of intentional community.

Almost a year after our move we have not only found the phrase tried and true, but have come to believe that it is the key to overcoming the racial divisions that have such deep roots in our city.   By doing life together with families on our block and in our building, we have been able to see beyond skin color and culture, and embrace each other as human beings and recognize the image of God in each person.

The desire to share in people’s humanity also informs how we define “ministry” in our neighborhood.  Instead of basing our activities around the question “how are we going to help people?” (Which often ends up being very top-down)  we ask, “How can we share in each other’s humanity?”  We have left “outreach activities” for daily life activities. Little ways of having needs that make us equal such as borrowing a mixer or using a neighbor’s washing machine.  We have found some great common ground with our neighbors, so nights and weekends tend to be full of laughter, reading books, making crafts, and one of our favorites having meals together.

Sharing in humanity with those outside of our doors has to begin with our own commitment to each other.  Those living in the Monroe House are not just roommates, but are living life through love, vulnerability, and accountability.  We believe in simplicity, making room for time and resources to be best used to aid those in need and releasing the control with which money and power often keeps our society in bondage.  The value of creative and loving problem solving is held high, both inside our home and outside of our doors.

We welcome you to come experience our lives first hand!  You can start by checking out our blogs (Hillary- believethatlovewins.blogspot.com) emailing us, stopping by for an afternoon, and joining us for one of our monthly potlucks.

The mission of the Monroe House is to provide a loving environment, rooted in Jesus, where we can share in each other's humanity and honor the image of God in each person that walks through our doors. We see love as the way to overcome barriers that separate us and we seek to practice this love with reckless abandon.

         We would love you to be a part of it!