With federal and provincial governments failing to adequately address the housing crisis, a faith group in Victoria is raising money to subsidize rents.

“This is one little action that we're feeling is helpful,” said Penny Tennenhouse with the Avodah group at Congregation Emanu-El in downtown Victoria. “I think the government's doing some things, but it comes to other people because the government's not doing too much.”

In July the group started providing $120 a month to help a family with rent. It might seem like a small thing, Tennenhouse said, but “it isn't to that family.”

After six months the family no longer needed help and Avodah has decided to help others through the Burnside-Gorge Community Association. On Feb. 14 the group is holding a concert to raise money to expand the program and help more families.

“I'm hoping this concert will make more people aware of it,” said Tennenhouse. “It's pretty new for us and something I think is going to grow.”

The “There is Love” concert with Greg Davidson, Joanne Davidson and Robyn Cathcart is at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, at Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue, 1461 Blanshard in Victoria, $10 minimum donation.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.