Faith in Harm Reduction

Faith in Harm Reduction is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to the intersection of faith-based organizing and harm reduction. Founded in 2017, it emerged from conversations with communities of faith, harm reduction organizations, and unions of people who use drugs across the United States. Initially operated under the National Harm Reduction Coalition, Faith in Harm Reduction became an independent nonprofit in spring 2023[2][3].

Mission and Activities

The organization's mission is to create a justice movement that connects people who use drugs, those involved in sex work, and communities of faith. It focuses on developing harm reduction-centered spiritual resources, ritual support, and spiritual care. Faith in Harm Reduction aims to strengthen these connections through peer-to-peer support, information sharing, and spiritual care for the harm reduction movement. It also hosts events and supports a growing national network of leaders who provide resources and support within the community[1][3].

Faith in Harm Reduction has produced resources such as "The Spirit of Harm Reduction: A Toolkit for Communities of Faith Facing Overdose," which guides congregations in promoting harm reduction in both policy and practice. This toolkit was designed to expand beyond Christian communities to include other faiths and impacted groups, such as sex workers[2].

Influence and Partnerships

The organization has been influential in bringing the intersections of faith and harm reduction into public dialogue, media, and major conferences. It has collaborated with entities like the United Church of Christ (UCC), which in 2023 became the first mainline Protestant denomination to approve a harm reduction resolution. This move encouraged congregations to support syringe service programs, despite initial resistance based on misconceptions about the effects of harm reduction[2].

Faith in Harm Reduction continues to advocate for a broader acceptance of harm reduction strategies within faith communities, challenging common stigmas and pushing for greater inclusivity for people with lived experiences of drug use and sex work[2][4].

Leadership and Expansion

Rev. Erica Poellot is the founder and executive director of Faith in Harm Reduction. Poellot previously worked with the National Harm Reduction Coalition for 16 years before dedicating herself to FIHR full-time[2]. As part of its expansion, Faith in Harm Reduction has begun partnerships aimed at supporting incarcerated individuals and has expanded its reach into regions like North Carolina[2].

Impact and Thought Leadership

Faith in Harm Reduction is recognized as a national thought leader in ecumenical and interfaith circles concerning harm reduction and liberation. It has elevated discussions around intersectional justice into federal, regional, and local dialogues[1]. The organization continues to pioneer innovative collaborations between faith communities and harm reduction advocates, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate approach to addressing drug use and related issues[3].