The Hope Commission recommends the creation of an Office of Faith-Based and Community
Initiatives like those already established in twelve states. The Office would strengthen
communication with government and among faith-based institutions; provide technical
assistance in the areas of program design, implementation and evaluation; secure and provide
funding; and build organizational capacity for faith-based organizations.

Today, more than ever, the city needs its religious groups to be its strength, offering moral
guidance and making sure the lessons of peace and love are not limited to sermons.

An active and engaged religious institution is especially important in the highest poverty and most
crime-ridden parts of the city, where some young people have lost touch with these moral
institutions of the community. The City’s faith-based community will be counted on to be
leaders and co-partners in implementing the recommendations of the Hope Commission.