At SAF we see the number or poor and homeless grow year by year. It becomes increasingly clear that we must address the social, spiritual and political causes of this widespread poverty.

SAF goals include an advocacy role for staff, donors, and persons served which enables us to take clear advocacy positions on behalf of the poor and oppressed. We strive to have an effective policy on advocacy and look for ways to cooperate with community members and agencies in advocacy efforts.

Advocacy is an action taken by individuals, groups, or organizations, that defends, promotes, supports, protects, or enhances another person, group or cause. Generally, advocacy is standing with or standing for a person or group understood to be disadvantaged or denied justice in society. Advocacy efforts are intended to amplify individual or group attempts to obtain justice. SAF seeks to assist the self-determined activities of those overlooked by society.

In the effort to bring about justice, advocacy may include education, affecting public policy, joining coalitions, and participating in nonviolent civil disobedience. Effective advocacy will also enable and support individuals and groups who seek to right the injustices afflicting them, or correct the abuses to which they are subjected.

SAF's role as an advocate also includes stimulating social awareness, not only among those who perceive themselves to be subjects of injustice, but also among those who are apathetic or opposed to the idea of social responsibility.