In recognition and celebration of the 2024 UNs’ World Interfaith Harmony Week, the Interfaith Build for Unity Subcommittee of Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity–a diverse group of individuals from a variety of different faith backgrounds, belief systems, and spiritual practices who unite to build affordable homes for El Paso County families through the Interfaith Build for Unity Project– is celebrating with the “Who is Your Neighbor” Initiative. Overall, this year our celebration will focus on the theme of understanding what "neighborliness" means to individuals of diverse ideologies and faiths, and focus on providing multiple opportunities for diverse faith communities to partner with government officials to address the need for affordable, safe housing, and build bridges across lines of faith.

From Feb 1st- Feb 7th, daily “Who is Your Neighbor” World Interfaith Harmony Week events and activities planned during this week can be accessed via Pikes Peak Habitat For Humanity’s new interactive webpage which will provide opportunities for individuals to learn more about the initiative, engage in daily interfaith challenges, find interfaith resources, and learn about the importance of advocacy and partnering with local civic officials to address the need for affordable homeownership. Additionally, on Sunday, Feb. 4, Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity, the Pikes Peak Interfaith Coalition, The Colorado Springs Mayor's office and numerous other community partners are coming together to put on an interactive, interfaith dialogue event for faith leaders and individuals throughout El Paso County. During the event, attendees will be able to:

•  learn more about this important global initiative
• have an opportunity to participate in a unique interfaith dialogue experience surrounding the topic of housing affordability with individuals from diverse backgrounds, faith traditions, and spiritual practices
• Hear representatives from the Colorado Spring's Mayor's office articulate 1) their strategy to address this community issue 2) how diverse faith groups can get involved to help solve this community issue
• Hear a diverse panel articulate their experience seeking housing locally and articulate why the concept of neighborliness and building bridges is important to them

Finally, our interfaith dialogue this year, is a part of a larger national initiative called "Team Up" that brings together Habitat for Humanity International, Catholic Charities, Interfaith America and YMCA of the USA. Team Up began as a part of the bipartisan United We Stand Summit at the United States White House in September 2022, which sought to counter the corrosive effects of hate-fueled violence on our democracy and put forward a shared vision for a more united America. Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity is one of 32 grantees selected for the pilot year of the Team Up Project, to implement new projects across the country that bring people together across differences and see what works. Our work will be shared with the Team Up national network, the expansive networks of the partner organizations and beyond, to serve as an example and inspiration to further bridge building work within our organizations and beyond. Therefore, this year, our world will not only serve our local community, but our World Interfaith Harmony Initiative will also be shared on the national level.