How a Habitat Interfaith Build sparked a growing partnership
From a Build Site to a Shared Table
How a Habitat Interfaith Build sparked a growing partnership
Two years ago, at a Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build, Pastor Erik Kindem picked up a hammer. So did Rabbi Allison Flash.
They were there for the same reason many of us show up: to put faith into action. To build something real. To stand shoulder to shoulder with people from different traditions and say, “We can do good work together.”
That’s where their partnership began.
From Framing Walls to Framing Community
Paths to Understanding partners with Habitat on Interfaith Builds because they do more than construct homes. They build relationships. When people work side by side, something shifts. Stereotypes soften. Curiosity grows. Trust begins.
Erik and Allison met in that space.
As they talked over lumber and lunch breaks, they realized they shared a deeper hope: not just serving together once, but creating space for their communities to know one another. Not in a debate. Not in a crisis. But around a table.
That conversation led them to the Potluck Project.
The Potluck Project Comes to Life
With PTU’s support, Erik and Allison began planning a simple gathering: bring food, bring your people, bring your stories.
They have now hosted two potlucks, expanding beyond two communities to include a third.
Nothing fancy. No long speeches. Just neighbors meeting neighbors.
People shared meals. They listened to one another. They asked real questions. They discovered common ground—and honored real differences.
The goal was never to blur lines between traditions. It was to build relationships strong enough to hold those differences with respect.
As we often say at PTU, we are working to build belonging and civic muscle. Potlucks may seem small. But when communities face rising fear, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hate, and social division, small, steady relationships matter.
Growing the Vision
In a recent planning call, Erik and Allison reflected on what they are learning:
- two gatherings per year feels sustainable.
- Keep the tone casual and welcoming.
- Protect the original purpose: relationship first.
- If deeper civic conversations happen, host them separately and clearly name them.
They are also exploring ways to widen the circle—possibly partnering with other interfaith networks and community groups, and even hosting a summer picnic-style gathering.
The idea is simple: steady rhythm builds trust but keep the stress level low.
A Deeper Strategy
We live in a time when social media amplifies outrage and isolates communities into isolated groups. But when people share food, stories, and laughter, something deeper forms.
Bridging relationships across faith lines strengthens our whole community. It helps block dehumanization before it spreads. And it builds the local trust our democracy depends on.
That is what started on a Habitat build site. Two leaders met while serving. Now three communities are meeting around tables.
This is how change often begins—not with a headline, but with a handshake.
Not with a policy paper, but with a potluck. The policy conversation can start when we see each other as human beings.
If you are interested in starting a Potluck Project in your community, we would love to talk with you. Let’s keep gathering neighbors and growing trust.