Boise religious groups ride wake of financial crisisBeyond the unemployment offices and the rows of foreclosed homes, faith-based organizations have been quietly caring for victims of the economic train wreck.
"You can't just talk about finding God when people's stomachs are empty," said Rabbi Dan Fink of Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel in Boise. "On the surface that may not seem like spirituality, but it absolutely is."
The congregation's budget is struggling, Fink said.
It's a time to get creative and to take care of the most vulnerable community members, Fink said.
"(Crises) take us as a community away from abstract issues of philosophy and observance and bring us down to Earth," Fink said. "The first priority becomes taking care of those who are hurting."
One of the ways his congregation is doing that is by collaborating with All Saints Episcopal Church. Ahavath Beth Israel is working to provide another day of staffing at the free clinic housed in one of the church's buildings.
Marie Blanchard opened Friendship Clinic in 2004. It's only open for a few hours on Monday nights.
"I was so excited when the synagogue wanted to partner with us," said Blanchard, who has been a member of the All Saints congregation for 30 years. "Most of our (patients) can't afford a minimum payment. They really can't."
http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/697919.html
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