Pastor Calls for Urgent and Bold Response to Housing Shortage

Rev. Matthew Kinney of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Grange called for an “urgent and bold” response to the housing crisis in La Grange following the historic flood two weeks ago.

“We’re in a crucial moment for our city,” Kinney said. “We don’t want to force our fellow citizens and parishioners to move. We cannot afford to fail at this critical moment,” Kinney added.

Kinney said his church collected information from 84 parish families who lost their homes in the flood. More than 350 parishioners are now homeless, Kinney said. Most of those parishioners lived in the flooded mobile home parks along the Colorado River.

“I have great respect and gratitude for the city leadership. I see passion and compassion for our community. We’re all working toward the same goal,” Kinney said. “My role is as an advocate for the displaced, and we need an urgent and bold response to these housing questions.”

Kinney said the total number of homeless city-wide might be 800 to 1,000 people.

“I don’t think that’s far off,” said La Grange Mayor Janet Moerbe in an interview last Thursday.

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