The Maui division of Faith Action for Community Equity, or FACE, had its coming out party on Nov. 15 at Christ the King Church in Kahului. About 400 community members and observers listened to six public officials pledge to help the new organization bring about improvements in three priority areas.

Affordable housing and appropriate land use

More and better diversified jobs and holding employers accountable for fair labor policies

Improvements in the handling of immigration issues.

Making the pledges were U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, state senator Roz Baker, Maui Council members Joseph Pontanilla, Michael Victorino and Gladys Baisa and the director of the Maui County Housing and Human Concerns Department Lori Tsuhako.

Keynote speaker Deacon Stan Franco rallied the crowd to change “no can” attitudes to “can” attitudes.

FACE Maui’s housing task force announced plans for a housing summit in the spring, and the immigration task force announced an education program to teach immigrants current laws and procedures.

For information on FACE, visit www.facehawaii.org or call the FACE Maui office at 214-1121