MONROEVILLE, Pennsylvania — Pastor Jason Howard is not political, nor does he see his role as the pastor of his congregation to favor a side, but he says he is intrigued to lead a discussion with Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) on the effect addiction and crime is having on our local communities across the country.

“When the campaign initially reached out to me and said, ‘Would you be willing to have a conversation?’ I said, ‘One of our big felt needs is this homelessness addiction crisis that we’re watching play out in front of our eyes on the streets where we go all the time,’” explained Howard.