JOIN US FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

  APRIL 4 -- March to commemorate the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King is being led by the Albina Ministerial Alliance (AMA) on  The NAACP-Portland Branch (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon are co-organizers.  The First Unitarian Church will co-sponsor.

When Dr. King was assassinated in 1968, he was actively working to build the Poor Peoples' Campaign which focused on the three social evils of racism, war and poverty. The march coincides with the re-igniting of the Poor Peoples' Campaign here in Oregon and nationally. It is a non-violent action to demonstrate we have not forgotten the vision articulated by King and to show that we continue to strive for the beloved community.

The Interfaith Alliance encourages everyone to join the march. We will gather at the Japanese American Historical Plaza (W Waterfront & NW Davis at 5:00 PM.  From there  at 5:30,   march across the Steel Bridge on Pedestrian Path to  join a 6:30 Rally at Martin Luther King Statue  at MLK Blvd and NE Holladay Street.

APRIL 5 -  INTERFAITH ALLIANCE MONTHLY MEETING

St. Andrews Catholic Parish, located at 806 N. E. Alberta Street. will be hosting the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty’s monthly meeting on Thursday, April 5^th from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

  Guest speaker will be Scott School Principal, Gina Roletto  She will share her insights educating students  from the multi-cultural, socio-economic diverse families of the Cully neighborhood.

CANDIDATE FORUMS - THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE ON POVERTY AND THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ARE CO-SPONSORING TWO CANDIDATE FORUMS FOR THE MAY 15TH PRIMARY ELECTION:

April 10, Tuesday at 6-9pm, Multnomah County Board Room, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd. .Candidates invited to participate are running for  Portland Metro President, Multnomah County Auditor,  and  Multnomah County Chair and Commissioner District 2

April 24, Tuesday at 6-9pm, Multnomah County Board Room, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Candidates invited to participate are running for Portland Commissioners, Districts 2 and 3;  and Portland Metro Councilor, Positions 2 and 4

 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

April 14, Saturday, • 1:00-4:00pm  - St. Vincent de Paul needs volunteers to revitalize Oak Leaf Mobile Home Park. Join us to learn how you can help. 

 1:00-3:00pm – “ Training on Poverty” and

3:00-4:00pm  - “Specific Oak Leaf Needs and How You Can Volunteer”

Living Cully Plaza 6723 NE Killingsworth, Portland, Oregon

 We will cover Systematic barriers,  how to build hope through meaningful relationships and networking, the whys behind behaviors and  how  to better communicate

PRESENTERS:

Gienia Baines earned her Bachelor of Education degree in Family and Human Services at the University of Oregon. She has over 15 years experience working in the social service field with her primary focus being people who are experiencing poverty. Gienia is also a certified Poverty 101 trainer through Poverty Bridge, a non-profit in Portland Oregon. Gienia now works as the Social Service Director at St. Vincent de Paul in Oakridge, Oregon, the community where she grew up and raised her 6 children. Both her parents struggled with addiction and mental health issues. She and her children are the first people in her family to graduate from college and to break the cycle of abuse, drug addition, and poverty. Her education and work experience combined with her personal experience of growing up in generational poverty has inspired Gienia to be a consultant to help educate others about the realities of living in poverty, and how to overcome the barriers professionals often face when working with this culture. Gienia was in charge of the revitalization of Oakridge Mobile Home Park where crime was reduced by 94.5% within the first year of St. Vincent de Paul purchasing it. The clean up removed over 300 yards of garbage. Community Caring Days were created to revitalize the neighborhood.

Rhea Cramer studied at the University of Oregon where she earned her undergraduate degree in Family and Human Services and her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education. Rhea started her career as an early childhood educator at First Place Family Center’s Preschool program, where she worked with families experiencing homelessness. Rhea then worked for Options Counseling Services as a Family Builder providing home visits and case management in hopes of family preservation for families who have involvement with child welfare. Rhea has also served as a University Supervisor in the Family and Human Services Program at the UO and taught courses on generational poverty and addictions in the Substance Abuse and Prevention Program. Rhea also has collaborated with her mother to deliver presentations on generational poverty all over the state of Oregon. Currently, Rhea works as an Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Educator at Early Childhood CARES to provide preschool consultation and home visits to children

CANDIDATE FORUMS FOR MAY 15 PRIMARY ELECTION

 THE INTERFAITH ALLIANCE ON POVERTY AND THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ARE SPONSORING TWO  CANDIDATE FORUMS FOR THE MAY 15^TH PRIMARY ELECTION: April 10, Tuesday at 6-9pm, Multnomah County Board Room, 5601 SE Hawthorne Blvd. .Candidates invited to participate are running for  Portland Metro President and  Multnomah County Chair and Commissioner District 2

April 24, Tuesday at 6-9pm, Multnomah County Board Room, 5601 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Candidates invited to participate are running for Portland Commissioners, Districts 2 and 3;  and Portland Metro Councilor, Districts 2 and 4

JOIN THE ACTION

March 19 -  5:30- 7:30 PM -SPARC Kickoff Event: A Community Convening -   Revolution Hall, 1300 Southeast Stark Street,  110, Portland, OR 97214

 Event Details

Portland is launching the community initiative SPARC (Supporting Partnerships for Anti-Racist Communities) to address racism as a driver of  homelessness. The goals are to engage community stakeholders in a productive conversation about how structural racism results in disproportionate homelessness for people of color and solicit input about ways Portland can address this issue.

What is SPARC?

Racial and ethnic minorities experience homelessness in greater numbers and for longer durations. Through research and action, SPARC (Supporting Partnerships for Anti-Racist Communities) is a catalyst for national anti-racism systems transformation.

Addressing racism and racial inequity in homelessness means fundamentally changing the conversation we are having in America about the root causes of housing instability, risk for homelessness, and barriers to exiting homelessness for people of color. As we initiate dialogue nationally, it is critical to engage policymakers, service providers, and people with lived experience to understand how racism impacts homelessness.

SPARC is an initiative of the Center for Social Innovation in partnership with The Bassuk Center on Homeless and Vulnerable Children & Youth. With support from the Oak Foundation and others, the SPARC team is launching a multi-city initiative to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, hold public discussions and forums, train providers and activists, and collaborate with leadership in systems of housing, health care, education, and criminal justice. Discussions by a panel of local leaders and service providers will cover topics that address racism and homelessness in the Portland area. Join us for light refreshments and networking opportunities following the program.

March 30 -

12:00-2:00 PM - WALK OF THE CROSS -  - starting at Ainsworth United Church of Christ, 2941 NE Ainsworth.

Join  ecumenical, annual public prayer walk to recall the pain and suffering of Jesus Christ, and the present day pain and suffering of many in our community.

POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN

  Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, Campaign Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign, explains goals of 2018 campaign. “Dr. Martin Luther King watched as a teacher in Marks, Mississippi cut an apple in four to feed four hungry students. That sight moved him to tears and inspired him to join with others to launch the first Poor People’s Campaign. That same year, Dr. King traveled to Memphis to support Black sanitation workers who went on strike to demand respect and a living wage. They declared their humanity to the world with signs that read, “I AM MAN,” and their struggle helped fuel the Poor People’s Campaign.

50 years after Dr. King visited, "Marks is still one of the poorest counties in the United States. Memphis and Marks were the first stops on a tour spotlighting the harshest poverty in the nation. Over the next two months, we will travel coast to coast, from immigrant farming communities in California’s Central Valley to Alabama’s Lowndes County, where families are suffering from inadequate wastewater treatment. “We won’t just highlight poverty, but the inspiring organizing that is changing lives. On every stop, we will meet local organizers to elevate their leadership and invite them into our campaign.”

On Tuesday, March 6^th,  from 6:00-7:00 PM, at Ainsworth United Church of Christ,  2941 NE Ainsworth,  you will have an opportunity to learn more about the  POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN.

Program is being hosted by Ainsworth United Church of Christ, Sisters of The Road, Social Welfare Action Alliance, and the Western Regional Advocacy Project (WRAP).  Coffee and snacks provided.

JOIN US! MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Attend February Community Meetings

"HILL BLOCK" MEETING,  TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 6-8 PM, NEW SONG CHURCH, 220 NE RUSSELL.

Metro Wide Peace and Justice Service, Augustana Lutheran - 7:00 PM - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Doctor of Ministry Rev. Kip Banks is pastor of East Washington Heights Baptist Church in Washington DC and  the National Director of Advocacy for the Progressive National Baptist Convention that was founded by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Rev. Dr. Ralph Abernathy.   

Joining Rev. Banks  will be JOSHUA DUBOIS who was the White House Director of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships for President Obama. He is author of the book “The Presidents Devotional” and was named by TIME Magazine the “Presidents Pastor In Chief”. This will be an evening of great music with an inspirational message calling America to a renewal for justice and peace work. We are expecting an overflow gathering of between 500-1000 people and will have closed circuit televisions in the fellowship hall for the overflow and speakers outside to accommodate all. No charge just a freewill offering. All are welcome.

INTERFAITH ALLIANCE MARCH 2 MONTHLY MEETING  will be held at Congregation Beth Israel, located at 1972 NW Flanders from 12:00-2:00 PM

Featured speaker will be  Brandi Tuck, Executive Director of Homeless Family Solutions, who founded the organization in 2007 with a mission of “giving hope to homeless families.”

Come join us, share your thoughts,   listen to those working on the front lines of poverty,  and consider how together we can make a difference.  

FEBRUARY 2018 INTERFAITH ALLIANCE MEETING

Next meeting of the Interfaith Alliance will be on Thursday, February 1, at 12:00 PM at  Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock.  Featured speaker will be Deborah Kafoury, chair of the Multnomah County Commission.

STREET ROOTS BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

     Hundreds of Street Roots supporters gathered at the Portland Convention Center on October 5, 2017, including several members of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty.  Shown above are Tom Hering, Rose City Presbyterian Church, Dave Albertine, the Madeleine Catholic Parish, Holly Schmidt, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Carol Turner, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Sarabelle Hitchner, First Unitarian Church.

City Commissioners Nick Fish and Chloe Eudaly brought message from Portland Mayor, Ted Wheeler, applauding the efforts of Street Roots Executive Director, Israel Bayer, the prize-winning journalists who produce such an excellent paper, and the 170 street vendors who act as "ambassadors for the homeless!"

OCTOBER 5 INTERFAITH ALLIANCE MEETING - SPEAKER: REV. MARK KNUTSON

Rev.  Mark Knutson, Pastor Augustana Lutheran Church The October 5th  Interfaith Alliance meeting will be held in Room 27,  at Augustana Lutheran Church, 2710 NE 14th Street, from 12:00 - 2:00 PM.

Rev. Mark Knutson, will reflect on  "Poverty in Portland”, as he has experienced it through his 22 years as pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church.

He advises that  he came to Augustana  in 1995 in response to "God’s call and the possibility of growing a multicultural congregation that is unafraid to step out in faith on the important issues of our day for the well being of all."

 He says that the biggest challenge now is "Discerning what the cutting edge issues of justice, peace, diversity, equity, reconciliation and inclusion are going to be and helping to position the church to be ready and relevant to be proactive with others as a voice of conscience and a move in action always ready to step out in faith to do what is right."

Following Rev. Knutson’s remarks, Interfaith Alliance Co-Chair, Carol Turner, will lead a discussion of ways the Alliance may work to improve poverty awareness and assist those in poverty during coming months.  All are welcome!

CULLY NEIGHBORHOOD WALK

You are invited to accompany groups led by Malia Jimanex of Verde and/or Taren Evans of Habitat Walks on excursions around the Cully Neighborhood.  Not only will you improve your fitness,, you will get acquainted with your Cully neighbors and help them keep an eye  on  safety and livability issues.  Once in a while you may help them  pick up some trash.    . Walks start at Living Cully Plaza, 6723 NE Killingsworth.  Ample parking is  available.  

For more information, contact Marilyn Mauch at _mauch@comcast.net or Taren Evans at taren@habitatportlandmetro.org

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

Cully Mobile Home Repair/Maintenance If you have a few hours to spare,   your help is needed to clean up and upgrade Cedar Shade and Arbor Mobile Home Parks.  Marilyn Mauch says, “I’m 83 going on 84 next year, so I can’t do any heavy lifting, but I can sure clean mold.  And,” she added, “It’s a great way to meet your neighbors!”  Whatever your skill level, your help would be appreciated.

Friday, July 6 and Friday, July 7 2-8 Miscellaneous/ General Repairs Cedar Shade Mobile Park, 7120 NE Killingsworth

Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15^{th -}  9 Am-1PM   - Roof Repair – Meet at Living Cully Plaza, 6723 NE Killingsworth

Thursday, July 27 and Friday July 28:  10AM-4PM – Miscellaneous/General Repairs – Arbor Mobile Home Park, 6415 NE  Killingsworth Street

Sunday, July 30, 2-8PM, Window Repair – Cedar Shade, 7120 NE Killingsworth, and Arbor Mobile Home Parks, 6415 NE Killingsworth.

To sign up:  Email Brenna Bailey:  bbailey@stcharlespdx.org

CULLY STANDS TOGETHER

Community gathering to  promote the multi-cultural diversity and resilience of the Cully neighborhood will be held Saturday, July 8 – ll:00AM – 3:00 PM,  at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5520 NE Killingsworth, Bus Line 72.  There will be food, performances and fun for kids Sponsored by Living Cully, Haciendas, Northeast Emergency Food Bank, Cully Blvd, Naya Family Center,  42^nd Avenue, and Trinity Lutheran Church.  Please bring food to share with neighbors.

Jesse Jackson Speaks of Portland Martyrs

In response   to the recent hate crimes in Portland, at the invitation of Rev. Mark Knudsen, the Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke  to a public press gathering   at Augustana Lutheran Church on June 2, 2017. Rev. Jackson  said that we must prayerfully acknowledge the “martyrs among us” whose lives are sacrificed   as were the two men who were killed while trying to stop an “anti-Muslim” hate rant at the Max train station.   He noted that  “we may not be able to stop their crucifixion, but neither can they stop our resurrection.” We must   become “instruments of peace, not hate.”   He recommended that when they march, we stay home, “denying  them fuel for their hate.”

He observed that “poverty is an annihilation,”  and that we must “leave the racial battlefield to seek an economic common ground that will enable us to  achieve the moral high ground”  where all men are treated equally in a global community.   We must pull down the walls of ignorance to build bridges of understanding. We must remember that regardless of our color or religion, we live in “one big tent.”  B. Gregg

Salem Rally June 6

On June 6, 2017, Interfaith Alliance members and Jessica Rojas of the NE Coalition joined a rally on the steps of the state house, sponsored by the  Better Oregon Coalition, representing  parents, students, teachers, nurses, small business owners,  labor unions, social workers, the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, economists, and other community advocates from every region in Oregon. Their message was simple. Oregon is in crisis and our children, our schools and colleges,  small businesses,  health care programs, the elderly and people in poverty need help now.  

According to studies by the Tax Foundation and the Heritage Foundation, California (13.3%) and Oregon (9%) have the highest middle class tax in the nation.     On the other hand, Oklahoma, Oregon, and North Carolina have the lowest corporate tax burdens in the nation.

More Oregon corporations are finding a way to avoid being subject to the state's corporate income tax,  In 2004, 35,880 Oregon corporations filed income tax returns. By 2014, that number had dropped to 29,376.

With major cuts on the table due to the state’s $1.4 billion deficit  speakers at the rally  demanded that  legislators take immediate action to address  the need to make corporations pay their fair share.

WE CAN’T WAIT! the crowds shouted.   INVEST IN   PEOPLE, NOT CORPORATIONS!

"When we better fund education, health care and other critical services we improve the productivity and vitality of the our state," said Hanna Vaandering, the president of the Oregon Education Association. "We as a coalition refuse to accept cuts to services for students and those in need as long as corporations in Oregon are paying lower taxes here than anywhere else in the country."

Rev Mark Knudson, pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church  in Portland said that our budget expresses the values of the people of Oregon and noted that a society is judged by the way in which they treat the most vulnerable among them, the children, the elderly, the poor, the sick, etc.  Also educated, healthy people are good for our state’s economy.

He quoted from Martin Luther King, Jr. speech in which Dr. King said,  “I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture of their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, men other-centered can build up.   I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and nonviolent redemptive goodwill will proclaim the rule of the land.”    B. Gregg

Salem Rally To Protest 1.6 Billion Budget Cuts - June 6

Last Friday, the Advocacy workgroup of The Alliance unanimously voted to support a Salem rally  sponsored by A Better Oregon coalition. As you know, Oregonians are bracing for $1.6 billion in budget cuts as a result of Oregon’s lowest-in-the-nation corporate taxes.

If lawmakers do not show leadership and ask corporations to pay their fair share the results will be devastating:  350,000 Oregonians would be kicked off their health insurance and severe cuts to public education could occur with greatly increased class size. We need to tell our elected leaders it is outrageous to ask Oregonians to accept deeper cuts that directly impact people living in poverty while Oregon has one of the lowest corporate taxes in the nation.

What: Legislature Rally to voice our opinion about budget cuts

When: June 6th, Leaving Portland at 10 a.m.

Where: Salem on the Capitol Steps at Noon

Why: To Ensure $1.6 Billion in Cuts Don't Impact Programs with Poverty Implications

How: Traveling by bus, van or carpool;  Register here for free lunch: https://fastfor.ms/E58F2.

RSVP by 5 p.m. May 31 to Sarah Carolus: 503-381-6944 or scarolus3@gmail.com

The rally is also being supported by Oregon Center for Christian Voices and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. Please announce or share this information with your congregation as soon as possible. See if you can insert an announcement into your bulletins or publicize from the pulpit. In addition, feel free to pass this along to other friends or colleagues who may be interested. You can email me with any questions at tehering@gmail.com.

MAY ALLIANCE PLANNING MEETING

Thursday, May 25. 12:00 noon- 2:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church 1624 NE Hancock, Fireside Room. Code to enter: 26312

Speaker will be Cameron Herrington from Living Cully

RALLY: Tuesday June 6, Noon Salem Capitol Steps

Oregonians from all around the state will rally in Salem on June 6  to tell legislators that We Can’t Wait  for big business to decide it’s time to pay their fair share. We need action from our legislators. We need new revenue to stop the cuts and finally invest in schools, healthcare and public services that we can be proud of. Register online: https://fastfor.ms/E58F2

WORLD ENVIRONMENT GLOBAL GOALS FAIR

Saturday, June 3, 2017, 12:00 4:00 PM, Portland Hawthorne Hostel, 3031 SE Hawthorne Blvd. --  Live music, local food & drink vendorsl UN SETS GOALTO ERASE POVERTY

On May 8, 2017, United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, said,

“Eradicating poverty remains the greatest global challenge.   Poverty is more than the lack of income and resources to ensure a sustainable livelihood. Its manifestations include hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination and exclusion as well as the lack of participation in decision-making. Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable

Breaking the Chain of Generational Poverty, Starting With the Children

Dr. Mandy Davis, Executive Director, Trauma Informed Oregon, Portland State University  On Sunday, May 7, the Interfaith Alliance will be sponsoring a community-wide event featuring a presentation by Dr. Mandy Davis regarding the impacts of living in poverty. It will be held in the atrium at the MADELEINE PARISH, 3123 NE 24th from 1:30-5:30 PM. Light refreshments will be provided.

Dr. Davis’ presentation is entitled: BREAKING THE CHAIN OF GENERATIONAL POVERTY, STARTING WITH THE CHILDREN. It will enable attendees to:

• Gain a new understanding of the affects on people living in crisis from poverty, homelessness, hunger, addiction, violence, etc.
• Learn how these affects impact the development of children
• See how these affects can last for generations,

To register, Email registerinterfaithalliance@gmail.com Suggested Donation: $10.00; no one turned away for lack of funds