Feeding the Hungry or Fueling Crime? The Dilemma Facing Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

For years, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon has been a beacon of hope for the city's most vulnerable, providing a daily food pantry and weekly hot meals to those in need. But as the surrounding neighborhood has seen a surge in crime, drug use, and visible homelessness, the cathedral's efforts have come under fire, pitting its mission of radical hospitality against the security concerns of its neighbors.

Balancing Compassion and Community Safety

A Decade of Reliance and a Growing Backlash

Gwen, a 70-year-old resident, has relied on the food provided by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral for nearly a decade, particularly enjoying the dessert and house salad. Living on a fixed income, she struggles to make ends meet, with her apartment consuming a large portion of her Social Security. The cathedral's food pantry and weekly hot meals have been a lifeline for Gwen and many others like her.However, in recent months, the cathedral's efforts have drawn the ire of neighboring businesses, churches, and homeowners. They claim that the cathedral is at least partially responsible for a surge in crime, drug use, and visible homelessness in the area. The backlash has caused Trinity to reevaluate the balance between its mission of service and hospitality and the security of the cathedral and its congregants.

Radical Hospitality and the Challenges It Brings

Trinity's philosophy of "radical hospitality" means that everyone is welcome to partake in the cathedral's services, regardless of their backgrounds, appearance, or beliefs. This open-door policy has been a key part of the church's religious beliefs, with members describing hospitality as a fundamental aspect of their faith.However, this approach has not come without its challenges. The Wednesday meal at Trinity resembles a restaurant more than a stereotypical food pantry, with volunteers showing guests to tables, taking orders, and waiting on them. This level of hospitality has attracted a diverse crowd, including some individuals who have been accused of contributing to the neighborhood's crime and drug problems.

The Neighborhood's Changing Landscape

The increase in visible homelessness and open drug use in the area surrounding Trinity Cathedral has been attributed to a variety of factors. The Portland Police Bureau's sweep of the nearby Old Town neighborhood is believed to have pushed many people to move northwest, contributing to the problem. Additionally, a local McDonald's and a weekly needle exchange event have also been identified as potential contributors to the issue.Residents like Michelle Milla, who moved to the area from St. Louis last winter, have witnessed the escalating crime firsthand. Milla has seen rampant drug activity and reports of break-ins in her neighborhood, leading her to question whether moving to the area was the right decision.

Tensions with Neighboring Institutions

The conditions in the area have also led to tensions between Trinity Cathedral and the nearby St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, which operates a school in the neighborhood. Parents at the school have organized meetings to discuss their concerns, with the food pantry being identified as an area of particular concern.While St. Mary's Cathedral and its school have declined to comment directly on the situation, they have acknowledged that the food pantry has been a topic of discussion in neighborhood meetings. The cathedral's leadership has emphasized that they do not wish to single out Trinity Episcopal Cathedral for blame, but rather to find a balanced solution that addresses the community's needs.

Adapting to the Challenges

In response to the growing concerns, Trinity Cathedral has taken steps to address the security issues on its campus. The cathedral has increased its security presence, with security personnel now on-site every day of the week, necessitating a ,000 increase in its budget.Additionally, the cathedral has implemented more lighting and cameras across its 118-year-old campus, in an effort to make it less hospitable to criminal activity. The congregation has also held meetings to discuss security improvements and the level of crime in the surrounding area, with members expressing concerns about their personal safety and the criticism from neighbors.Despite the challenges, Trinity's leadership remains committed to its mission of serving the community. Rev. Nathan LeRud, the dean of Trinity Cathedral, has made it clear that the food pantry is not going anywhere, as he believes it aligns with the tenets of his faith. However, the cathedral is also engaging in ongoing conversations to find a balance between its mission of radical hospitality and the security concerns of its neighbors.