FORGOTTEN
TEMPLE OF THE
ABOUT
OUR VISION
We envision a world where responsibility of care is the bedrock of local communities everywhere, and healthy communication and connection is fostered between people who are housed and unhoused.
OUR WORK
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To inspire and educate communities to approach the issues of homelessness and trauma from a place of deep compassion, care, and a desire to help.
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To create systemic change in the way institutions address homelessness, poverty and other forms of marginalization through incorporating the tools, strengths, and principles of spirituality.
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To create and provide opportunities for spiritual empowerment, growth and life change in the lives of those who are experiencing poverty, homelessness and local incarceration.
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To support, develop and represent the crucial work of street chaplains in local communities across the United States.
OUR MISSION
We equip local communities to build professional and community-based systems of spiritual care for those experiencing houselessness and poverty.
OUR VALUES
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Empowerment: We stand under the belief that true change comes from within, not from others. Our role is to uplift strengths, provide brave space for healing, and to demonstrate healthy, communicative relationships. We use these skills to empower individuals, interpersonal relationships and larger communities.
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Connection: We see that so many communities in the US are deprived of the kind of connection that allows for a healthy, thriving and positive community experience. We seek to find ways to build and heal connections within a community.
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Spiritual Care: We believe that spiritual care is the most essential and undervalued piece of the social services system in our society and must be brought to the forefront if we are interested in seeing any sort of cultural change.
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Radical Space of Belonging: We seek to create radical spaces of belonging wherever we are and in every space we support. This means that people of all races, genders, sexualities, socio-economic statuses, mental states, sobriety states and housing states are treated with respect, human dignity, kindness, compassion and welcome.
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Compassionate Boundaries: We believe that at the core of any community of belonging are strong, clear, and compassionate boundaries that protect and serve all people within the community.
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Abundance: We believe that abundance and prosperity is a sacred human experience. We believe that every human being has an inalienable right to abundance, prosperity, and pleasure.
About Founder & Street Minister
Rev. Charlotte Cramer
Rev. Charlotte is an ordained Interfaith Minister and Chaplain with her Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry, a Certificate in Chaplaincy from The Chaplaincy Institute, and four units of Clinical Pastoral Education from The Shaw Chaplaincy Institute. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Temple of the Forgotten, as well as a street chaplain in Portland, OR, providing interfaith spiritual care for the unhoused in the city. Rev. Charlotte has volunteered in Marin County Jail, providing direct spiritual care to inmates, and will be doing the same in the Multnomah County Jail in Portland. Rev. Charlotte is a frequent guest preacher, and leads workshops on topics such as homelessness, addiction and deep listening. Rev. Charlotte lives in Portland, OR, with her little puppy dog, Willie, and spends her free time hiking, practicing jiu jitsu, and going camping.
Keep up to date with Rev. Charlotte's work as an interfaith street chaplain by subscribing to her Substack below!
