Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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Thirst, Hygiene, Dignity
June 30, 2026
More than 1.6 billion people worldwide lack adequate housing, and at least 150 million are entirely without shelter. Homelessness is not merely an absence of a roof — it is the compounded denial of water, sanitation, energy, safety, dignity, and economic participation. It is both a cause and consequence of systemic inequality, and its persistence represents one of the most visible failures of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) midpoint now past and voluntary national reviews underway, the 2026 High Level Political Forum (HLPF) provides a critical moment to examine how homelessness intersects with the goals under review — particularly SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17. Progress on these goals is inextricably linked: a person without stable housing cannot meaningfully access clean water or sanitation (SDG 6); cannot benefit from affordable, clean energy (SDG 7); is excluded from digital and physical infrastructure (SDG 9); and is the direct subject of SDG 11's target 11.1 on adequate housing for all. Realizing these commitments demands the kind of integrated, multi-stakeholder partnership envisioned by SDG 17.
You are invited to attend a virtual side event of the HLPF on Thursday, July 9, 7:30 am-9:00 am Central Time titled, “Thirst, Hygiene, and Dignity: The Hidden Face of Homelessness under SDS’s 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17. This event will be moderated by Sister Jean Quinn, DW, who continues to serve as Executive Director of UNANIMA International through September 30, 2026.
ECOSOC-accredited Event Sponsor: Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul
ECOSOC-accredited Event Co-Sponsors: Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Loreto Generalate, Working Group to End Homelessness, NGO Committee for Social Development, Justice Coalition of Religious
Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness of homelessness as a multi SDG issue
- Identification of practical, integrated solutions
- Strengthened collaboration across sectors and stakeholders
Target Audience
- Member States and government representatives
- UN agencies and experts
- Civil society and grassroots organizations
- Faith-based organizations
Registration Link: https://daughtersofcharity.zoom.us/meeting/register/Mq1oxFSyQiyh16FfwRPXKQ
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