Community Homeworks will host its 3rd Annual Faith-Based Roundtable on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (120 Roberson Street, Kalamazoo). The event will bring together more than two dozen faith-based organizations from across Kalamazoo County, representing a wide range of faith traditions, to ground themselves around the shared importance of a strong and healthy housing ecosystem in our community.
The luncheon event will feature a keynote address by Jerry Berrigan, founding member of Peace House, a Catholic Worker community located in Kalamazoo’s Eastside neighborhood. Since 2009, Peace House has offered free afterschool and summer programming to local children and youth. Berrigan, a licensed residential builder and owner of Plowshare Construction, has spent his career in the building trades and remains deeply committed to social justice and community development.
Following the keynote, guests will hear from a three-person storytelling panel featuring Kim Rackley, Talia Coleman, and Rabbi Schicker, with moderation by Nancy Servoss from the Community Homeworks team. The discussion will highlight personal experiences, shared values, and collaborative opportunities for faith communities to engage in housing-related work.
“This year’s annual Faith-Based Roundtable Luncheon is a special time for leaders in the faith community to take a pause and share space with others who share a passion in housing,” said Nancy Servoss, Fund Development Specialist at Community Homeworks. “We will gather to share a meal and learn more about a common value: safe, stable, and sustainable housing for our community.”
Community Homeworks Executive Director Chris Praedel reflected on the longstanding role of faith communities in housing work, saying, “We recognize that prior to the existence of organizations like Community Homeworks, the faith-based community was the one to respond to community members when health or safety issues arose in their home. We want to bring the faith-based community together each year to recommit ourselves to the importance of a thriving and sustainable community of homeowners.”
He continued, “This event is a great way to connect individuals in our diverse faith community, from many faith traditions, who are passionate about housing in our community.”
The event is free to attend and includes a catered lunch. Multiple individuals from each organization are welcome to join. Advance registration is requested to ensure adequate seating, materials, and food.
To register or for more information, please contact Nancy Servoss at nservoss@communityhomeworks.org
or (269) 998-3275.
