YOUR TAX DOLLARS - TIME TO SPEAK OUT

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“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.”   Dwight D. Eisenhower, U.S. President and World War II Commanding General of the Allied Forces

President Donald Trump’s  2018-19 Budget proposals are now on the table; priorities below:.

$716 billion – for  defense.    Trump declares that  “We’re going to have the strongest military we’ve ever had by far.  We’re increasing our arsenals of every weapon.  We’re modernizing and creating a brand new nuclear force.” 

In addition, budget proposes::

• $23 billion -- for a border wall, $2.7 billion to detain up to $52,000 undocumented immigrants, and $782 to hire 2,750 more customs and immigration agents.
• $21 billion -- for infrastructure spending; money also to be drawn from state and private funds.
• $10,000 billion -- for opioid treatment to fund Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which would require $5 billion be cut from current programs.  Spending would be subject to year-to-year approval of congress.

TO HELP PAY for these programs,  the Trump plan would cut Medicare by $554 billion over the next 10 years, a 6 percent reduction from projected spending, including cuts in Medicare payments going to hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

 It would also  completely eliminate 66 federal programs, for a savings of $26.7 billion, (more than enough  to pay for the border wall of $23 billion) including: 

• Education Department Programs — $4.976 billion;
• Health & Human Services -- $4,834 billion;
• State Department US AID -- $4,256 billion;
• Housing and Urban Development -- $4,123 billion
• Other Independent Agencies Programs- $2,683 billion
• Agriculture Department Programs-- $855 million
• Commerce Department Programs-- $633 million
• Labor Department Programs-- $527 million
• Environmental Protection Programs -$493 million
• Interior Department - $122 million
• Energy Department Programs -- $398 million Low Income Home Energy Assistance -- $235 million

   Since this is currently a PROPOSED budget, now is the time for concerned citizens to contact their congressmen.   For those of us who do not want to see cuts to Medicare, Education,  US Aid, Affordable Housing,  Home Investment Programs, Scientific Research (Energy, Climate), Five Earth Science Missions,  National Wild Life Refuge, Aid to Developing Nations, Global Agriculture and Food Security Programs, Environmental Protection, Migrant Worker Training, Public Broadcasting etc., our course is clear.   We need to speak with our conscience, affirming how we want our tax dollars spent.   On the other hand, such a “mighty military”  would make a fine parade.         B. Gregg

JANUARY 2018 INTERFAITH ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER

INTERFAITH ALLIANCE BACKS BALLOT MEASURE 101-JANUARY 23  By Tom Hering,   Advocacy Action Team Co-Chair Passage of Ballot Measure 101 will protect healthcare coverage for one in four Oregonians including 400,000 kids according to supporters of the measure. Measure 101 creates a fee on insurance companies, hospitals and managed care organizations to make basic healthcare affordable and accessible to every Oregonian. Close to 200 organizations support the measure including major healthcare systems such as Kaiser Permanente, Legacy Health, Providence Health Systems and CareOregon.   "Oregonians vote in January and we want to get the word out as soon as possible, If this measure fails, funding for Medicaid is predicted to be cut between $210 and $320 million dollars.

Vulnerable Oregonians including children, seniors and people with disabilities face losing healthcare benefits or coverage altogether."For more information on Measure 101, go to http://yesforhealthcare.org/supporters.

MESSAGE FROM MAYOR TED WHEELER “The end of the year is a time to reflect upon where we’ve been, the challenges we’ve faced, what we have accomplished, and where we resolve to go to in the year ahead.

“My administration did not plan to spend our first months governing from one crisis to the next, but we took on each crisis as it came.  Portlanders care about most:  housing, homelessness, safety, economic growth, environmental problems, equity, and government transparency and accountability. As we look forward to 2018 we must acknowledge that tremendous challenges lie ahead Solving them will not be easy.  But we are a can-do city and mine is a can-do administration.  Working together we can continue the progress we began this year.”

2017 blew in on freezing winds causing heavy snows to pile up on the streets of Portland and bringing death to the homeless who lived there.  Their bodies were found curled up in bus stops, doorways, parking garages, nestled by dumpsters, and lying on sidewalks.

As the year closed,   Multnomah County shelters were again  packed, leaving homeless families out in the cold with no place to sleep but the streets of Portland. When the City and County asked Portland Homeless Family Solutions for assistance, they reached out to their long-time partner, who is also  the newest member of the Interfaith Alliance, CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL in Northwest Portland for help.     They  didn’t hesitate, but immediately opened their doors to provide "an emergency winter family shelter" from December 11, 2017 through April 30, 2018 to accommodate 75 moms, dads, and kids.     

Alix Prior is the new Family Winter Shelter Volunteer Coordinator. She will be in the shelter a few evenings a week and will be available for questions, concerns, and support. Please contact Alix for anything volunteer related for this particular location. Alix will be hosting orientations, working with new volunteers, will be sending out on-call emails, and will be refining our systems and volunteer roles as we become more settled at the Family Winter Shelter. You can reach Alix at: alix@pdxhfs.org and 971-865-1351

One year ago in January, speaking at Mayor Wheeler’s swearing in,  Interfaith Alliance Co-Chair Carol Turner, said:  “We know there is nothing more complex than the poverty that is visible in our city and the poverty which is invisible, with too many people living in the shadows, always anxious about the next paycheck and always on the edge.”  She indicated that “the current focus of the Interfaith Alliance is to help vulnerable families gain stability through access to homes that are affordable over time.”

Looking back over  2017, the Interfaith Alliance  has worked in several areas to achieve its mission of alleviating poverty in Portland.  Striving to make ourselves better informed, we reached out to organizations serving on the front lines of poverty in Portland.  We also learned first-hand from those experiencing homelessness or the affects of poverty themselves.  Through our members, monthly meetings,  newsletter, and website, we have shared what we learned with our congregations and community. We are also becoming more involved.  When officials from various organizations speak at Interfaith Alliance meetings, that is often the first step into a long-time collaboration, which is built step-by-step  learning  together how  we can partner to find solutions and effect change.

The Interfaith Alliance has  been active  advocating for  legislative and community efforts to  support affordable housing and renters’ rights,  protect children,  support healthcare, encourage racial equality,  promote economic security,     and call for education. Learning what is going on both at the Capitol and City Hall, is important. Getting acquainted with our State Legislators  as well as our City Council Commissioners   can make a difference when we are trying to obtain  their   support.

The Interfaith Alliance is also working to assist families out of homelessness into stable, productive lives.

In January,  the Interfaith Alliance joined with the Multnomah County Library “Everybody Reads” program encouraging the reading of the book “Evicted” by Harvard Associate Professor of Social Justice, Matthew Desmond.  Desmond has stated that ”Losing your home,and possessions and often your job, being stamped with an eviction record, and denied government housing assistance, relocating to degrading housing in poor and dangerous neighborhoods, and suffering from increased material hardship, this is the fallout from homelessness.”

Rae Richen, Rose City Presbyterian, worked to obtain the $1,500  Katherine Bisbee  Mission Grant.  $500 was used to   supply Interfaith Alliance congregations with copies of the “Evicted” book so that they hold reading groups. $1,000,was reserved for bus rental to help our homeless and at risk of being homeless  neighbors and their supporters go to city hall, state capitol, county meetings, etc. enabling them to have a voice at the table when decisions are being made about access to housing.

Holly Schmidt, Westminster Presbyterian, and Claudia Roberts, Fremont United Methodist organized events to promote the “Everybody Reads Program.”

In February, the   Interfaith Alliance joined  the  PORTLAND TENANTS RALLY - supporting an amendment sponsored by Commissioner, Chloe Eudaly requiring landlords to issue a 90 day notice  for a “no cause” eviction and to pay for moving costs.       The City Council voted unanimously to support emergency ordinance.

Members of the Interfaith Alliance headed to Salem to participate in the INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY IN SALEM  to  advocate with legislators for legislation regarding housing, hunger, health care, safety and climate justice.

Rev. Connie Yost, First Unitarian  offered a four-week course,  “ESCALATING INEQUALITY AND POVERTY,”   exploring inequality and poverty in the United States and specifically In Portland.     The congregations of First Unitarian and Westminster Presbyterian took advantage of Rev. Connie’s classes during 2017.  LOVE, INC. provided a poverty curriculum program to members of Fremont United Methodist Church.

 In March, the Interfaith Alliance invited Rob Justus to attend their monthly meeting to explain his efforts to assist the homeless into stable housing.  The founder of JOIN, Justus has now turned his attention to construction of affordable housing.  He advised that his company, “Home First Development” is driven by the belief that decent affordable housing is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of a community, Justus’s goal is to provide quality units that rent for $600/month which are at the same time reasonable for owners to operate and maintain.  He has used no public money. Working with non-profit and private donors, he has built 257 units and has other projects underway.

Advocacy members attended “STABLE HOMES FOR OREGON FAMILIES DAY on March 2  Focus was on tenant protections and supporting HB 2004.  That was followed on March 22, with their participation in the HOUSING ALLIANCE’S ADVOCACY DAY.

Also in March 2017, the Interfaith Alliance took measures to improve its communications.

 The  Allianceonpoverty.org  website was  launched.. From the beginning ,  a website had been seen as necessary to the effective communication of the organization, but until May 2016, no one had come forward with the skills to perform the task.  When   professional web designer, Greg Maffei,  volunteered his services “free of charge”, it seemed a miracle. With the assistance from his wife, Donna Prosser,  and help from Rich Hammons, Madeleine Director of Communications, and Bonnie Gregg,  IAOP Poverty Awareness Communication Action Team , the work was completed in  March 2017..

At the same time, it was decided an Interfaith Alliance LOGOS was needed for newsletter, website, brochures, stationery, cards, etc..  Many ideas were considered, then Dave Albertine of the Madeleine Catholic Parish, decided it was time to call in “an expert.” Dave’s son, Alex, is now a member of the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya – on the other side of the planet but fortunately only a SKYPE visit away. Together Dave and Alex came up with what they thought might be just the right idea.  The Interfaith Alliance members liked it, too!

Now that we had a brand new LOGOS, an INTERFAITH ALLIANCE  BANNER seemed important for when members attend rallies, march in  parades, hold gatherings, etc.  Rich Hammons,  Madeleine Parish, did the graphics, while, Jeff Behnke, Central Lutheran Church performed the printing of the banner.

The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty gained a lot more visibility in March.

In April, the Interfaith Alliance asked  Marc Jolin, Head of the Multnomah County Joint Office of Homeless Services,  to tell them about the “Home for Everyone” Program.  Jolin revealed that it is a community-wide plan organized in response to Portland’s crisis in housing,  During 2015-2016 they served over 25,00 people with housing and support services.  Marc indicated everyone’s help is needed.  To find out more visit www.ahomeforeveryone.net or ahfe@multco.us, or call 503-988-2543.

May was a busy month.      On May 18,  the legislature  sponsored HOUSING OPPORTUNITY DAY.   Tom Hering, member of Rose City Park Presbyterian and Co-chair of the Advocacy Action Team, and John Elizalde, First Unitarian, along with others from the Advocacy Action Team attended. 

John Elizalde, First Unitarian, and Co-Chair of the Poverty Awareness Communication Action Team had primary responsibility for organizing the May IAOP Seminar.   -- Dr. Mandy Davis,  spoke on BREAKING THE CHAIN OF INTER-GENERATIONAL POVERTY, STARTING WITH THE CHILDREN”,  before a gathering of Interfaith Alliance members and friends, held on May 7^th at The Madeleine Catholic Parish.

Dr. Davis explained that if we hope to help the children caught in generational poverty we need to understand how trauma sets the stage for this generational inheritance.  Science teaches that trauma (toxic stress and adversity) impacts the way our brain develops and functions.  Adversity in childhood leads to challenges in emotional stability, educational achievement, good health, positive relationships, and job success.

Dr. Davis urged those seeking to help children living in poverty to look for ways to create safe, stable and nurturing relationships so that the children can learn skills to reach their full potential.  Physical and emotionally safe places are necessary for children suffering the trauma of generational poverty.

IAOP MEMBER, AUGUSTANA LUTHERAN CHURCH RESPONDED TO HATE CRIME IN PORTLAND

When two Muslims were attacked and killed at a MAX transit station, Mark Knutson, pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church, called the community together.  Guest speaker was nationally prominent civil rights activist, Jesse Jackson. “POVERTY IS AN ANNHILIATION” Jesse proclaimed.  He observed that “We must leave the racial battlefield to seek the 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.”          

On June 29,  members and friends of the Interfaith Alliance gathered to enjoy a potluck and review accomplishments of the 2016-2017.

Tom Hering, Rose City Presbyterian,  and Sally Fraser, Grace Memorial Episcopal, Co-Chairs of the Advocacy Action Team, described actions taken to support tenants’ rights, protest no-cause evictions, promote affordable housing and recommend legislation.

Working with groups within the community including Living Cully and St. Charles Catholic Church, the advocacy team has participated in efforts to produce positive change, joining rallies at the City Hall and State Capitol, as well as supporting renters throughout Portland.

Rae Richen Rose City Presbyterian and Dave Albertine, the Madeleine Catholic Parish, Co-Chairs of the Transition to Stability Action Team reported that working with the Village Support Network, a number of Alliance congregations were successful in assisting homeless families into stable housing.  Since the close of the Village Support Network on May 1, 2017,   other options  are now being explored to provide this service.

John Elizade, First Unitarian, and Bonnie Gregg, Madeleine Catholic Parish, Co-Chairs of the Poverty Awareness Communication Action Team, reported on activities held this year.

Poverty Curriculum seminars were conducted at Fremont Methodist, Westminster Presbyterian, and First Unitarian by Love, Inc. and the Reverend Connie Yost.

In cooperation with the Multnomah County Library, the Alliance promoted reading Matthew Desmond’s book “Evicted” through the “Everybody Reading Reads” program. Holly Schmidt, Westminster Presbyterian, and Claudia Roberts, Fremont Methodist were responsible for spearheading the program’s success.

A four-hour seminar conducted by Dr. Mandy Davis, was conducted at the Madeleine Catholic Parish explaining “Trauma Informed Care.”

The Interfaith Alliance continued publication of a monthly Newsletter, edited by Bonnie Gregg of the Madeleine Parish.

The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Website was launched in March 2017, through the efforts of Greg Maffei and his wife Donna Prosser with help from Rich Hammons, Director of Communication, and Bonnie Gregg, website assistant, all from Madeleine Catholic Parish.

 Speaking at the meeting was Jessica Rojas, NE Coalition of Neighbors Program Manager.  She shared personal story and perspectives on poverty.

Born into a poor family, Jessica advised that she learned that “real wealth” is found not in the accumulation of possessions, but in the relationships we forge within our families and communities.

Although we tend to think of poverty as lack of money, Jessica directed our attention to other resources of great value.  When the land, rivers, oceans and air become polluted, other kinds of poverty result.  No longer is there clean water to drink, fresh air to breathe, bees to pollinate our plants, soil to produce healthy crops, seas abundant with life, or forests to cleanse the atmosphere.  Jessica commented that “If we do not address threats to our environment, one day we may see the number of “climate refugees” rival those fleeing war zones”.  Other types of poverty include “poverty of homeland” suffered by immigrants, “poverty of discrimination” suffered by people of color, and “poverty of loneliness” suffered by the elderly, mentally ill addicted, and the homeless.

In July, the  “BETTER OREGON COALITION” gathered at Salem.   Members of the Interfaith Alliance representing Westminster Presbyterian, Augustana Lutheran, Madeleine Catholic, Fremont United Methodist ,First Unitarian and Central Lutheran together with the NE Coalition of Neighbors, parents, student workers, business owners, unions and social workers from all over Oregon as well as the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon  joined together at the State Capitol to inform  the legislature  that our “state is in crisis” and “to invest in people, not corporations!”

Rev. Mark Knutson of Augustana Lutheran Church gave a “barn burner” speech on the steps of the Capitol in which he quoted from Dr. Martin Luther King, saying ”I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.”  Despite the efforts of the Better Oregon Coalition, recommended measures were not taken.

In August, INTERFAITH ALLIANCE MEMBERS JOINED CULLY NEIGHBORS

Cameron Herrington, Coordinator of Living Cully, advised that Cully is “the most diverse community in the state”, with 50% people of color, immigrants, and refugees.  The Interfaith Alliance is working with Living Cully to prevent displacement and assist low income residents in their fight against rising rents.

When repairs were needed at Cedar Shade and Arbor Mobile Home Parks,  Interfaith Alliance members rolled up their sleeves to join residents and others volunteering to do the work.      David Groff, Westminster Presbyterian, helped build a stairway at Cedar Shade  while  Les Wardenaar, Fremont Methodist, helped with window caulking at Arbor Mobile.  Marilyn Mauch Fremont Methodist, and Sarah Carolus, Central Lutheran joined those preparing a meal for the workers.

As a member of the Advocacy Action Team, Marilyn Mauch has become actively involved in Cully   She attends their meetings, helps as she can, and joins residents on walks around the neighborhood. As founder of the Backpack Lunch Program, Marilyn  has experience solving problems.  She believes that  problems are not solved by outsiders looking in, but by joining those who face the problems every day from within.

CHANGE OF MEETING VENUE

With the support of Pastor Beth Neal, Westminster Presbyterian Church has sponsored the Interfaith Alliance from its beginning in October of 2015. They first put out the call to other congregations to join them in learning more about poverty as presented in a seminar by Donna Beegle. Thereafter, they promoted efforts to  join forces in helping improve the lives of the poor in our community.  Interfaith Alliance members met at Westminster every month after that until this fall, when Westminster’s parking needed repair.   It was decided to find another venue while repairs were made.

In September,  the IAOP monthly meeting was held at the Madeleine Parish.  Father Mike Biewend,  has  supported the Interfaith Alliance, since its inception.  Whenever the Interfaith Alliance has had a major event to host he has opened Madeleine’s doors and warmly welcomed IAOP members and guests.  He has also encouraged his congregation  to be generous with their time, talent, and financial support.

Guest speakers were  Street Roots  Executive Director, Israel Bayer,  and Newspaper Vendor, Lori Lematta.       Israel said that “investing in affordable housing and homeless services is not only the right thing to do – it is the smart thing to do.  When we support and invest in affordable housing, we are not only investing in Oregonians today, we are investing in the generations of tomorrow.  Affordable housing – like our roads and parks and schools play a vital role in maintaining a healthy society for generations to come.”

Lori shared her personal story, overcoming emotional trauma, problems of health and addiction and escaping homelessness.  She told about life on the streets, constantly having to wait in line, having to be out of shelters by 7:00 AM, having no place to rest in the daytime, how some shelters treat you like children, being bound to the streets, the smell of “death” in the air, never taking a vacation, getting a new outfit.  She also shared what Street Roots had meant to her, allowing her to recover independence, income, and respect

Interfaith Alliance members attended and supported the Street Roots Annual Fund Raising Breakfast. Many congregations invited Street Roots Newspaper Vendors to sell their papers after services.

Interfaith Alliance members participated in the MLK MARCH FOR JUSTICE, commemorating Dr. King’s march 54 years ago,   supporting voting rights, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and economic justice.”

Alliance leader, Tom Hering, Rose City Park Presbyterian, in above photo, observed that

“About 400 (my guesstimate) attended the March this a.m. in downtown Portland. It was powerful to be a part of the MLK march for justice with so many faith communities!  “People I recognized from IAOP were Pastor Lynne Smouse Lopez, Ainsworth United Church of Christ, (one of the organizers of the March), Erik and Diane Anderson, Ainsworth United Church of Christ; Marie Langenes, St.Andrews Catholic Church; Beth Neal, Pastor Westminster Presbyterian; Jim Moiso, Rose City Park Presbyterian, Katie Larsell, Executive Director Unitarian Voices for Justice; David Dornack, Pastor Rose City Presbyterian; and few of the young ministers from Portsmouth Union and Salt and Light Lutheran Church, with whom Marilyn Mauch and I have been working in regard to affordable housing advocacy housing.”

In October Augustana Lutheran Church hosted the   monthly meeting. of the Interfaith Alliance.  Rev. Mark Knutson reflected on “Poverty in Portland”, as he has experienced it through his 22 years of ministry at Augustana..     He stated that “the biggest challenge of our day is discerning what the cutting edge issues of justice, peace, diversity, equity, reconciliation and inclusion will be, and helping position the church to be ready, as a voice of conscience, to be  proactive with others,  in doing what is right.”

In November --  Les Wardenaar,  member  of Fremont United Methodist  and the Interfaith Alliance Advocacy  Action Team wrote an editorial in support of the PORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOND MEASURE. 

He stated, “Experts agree that EDUCATION is the most effective way to lift people up and out of generational poverty. This is why our Portland Community College system is such a critical resource in the fight against poverty in our Metropolitan area. It provides accessible, affordable and confidence-building education and training to a population that needs it most.  And this is why--even if you are suffering from "voter fatigue" or think that single issue election doesn't matter--you need to cast your ballot.

Pastor Donald Frazier hosted the November meeting of the Interfaith Alliance at Genesis Community Fellowship.  In addition to being ordained as a pastor, Pastor Frazier also worked as  manager at the State of Oregon Children Services Division for 12 years.  He said that his “twelve years with CSD deeply burdened his heart for ministry to young people, families, and racial reconciliation.  He has also been a leader with Promise Keepers while pastoring at Mt. Sinai and began the Bridge Ministries program, designed as an outreach program aimed at reaching gang affected you and their families.

Attending the meeting was Dr. T. Allen Bethel, Senior Pastor at Marantha Church and also President of the Albina Ministerial Alliance. He shared his perspectives as a pastor and civil rights activist over the past 60 years.  He indicated his goal has been to bring people together to promote education, health, housing community, and justice.

Featured speaker was Felicia Tripp, Deputy Director of the Portland Housing Center who stressed that “home ownership is the key out of generational poverty”.  She explained that once you own your own home, no longer are you at the mercy of landlords, who can raise your rents.  You are able to establish credit, build equity, stabilize your life and that of your children”.  The Portland Housing offers educational opportunities teaching how to negotiate the real estate market, geared to the cultural needs of the applicants.  PHS has assisted more than7,000 families in becoming successful home owners.  Jackie Butts, Home Ownership Program Manager explained that PHS assists home buyers with both down payments and financing.

Other speakers representing  the URBAN LEAGUE OF PORTLAND included Danetta Monk, Housing Program Manager,  Ruthie Carver, Community Health Worker and Cayalaya Sand, Housing Specialist.  They discussed how the Urban League provides a wide-range of home ownership services including counseling and financial education.

In December,  the Interfaith Alliance   stepped up to protect residents of  62 Portland mobile home parks, by  launching a postcard campaign to support a zoning initiative sponsored by Commissioner Chloe Eudaly to make  it more difficult for landlords to close down a park .  Members of nine Interfaith Alliance congregation signed several hundred cards which were hand delivered to Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office urging his support for the measure.

Mary Li , Director of the Multnomah County Idea Lab  was guest speaker at the December 7, 2017 Interfaith Alliance Meeting held at Westminster Presbyterian Church .  The Multnomah Idea Lab (MIL), housed within the Multnomah County Department of County Human Services (DCHS),   tests new policies and innovations that help people and communities thrive.  Partnering with the national Family Independence Initiative (FII) and the Department of Human Services (DHS), MIL works to establish peer groups for families who have recently left the Temporary Assistance to  Needy Families (TANF) program.  The FII model engages families to share resources, provide support to one another, act as role models, and set their own goals.

Mary indicated  that the MIL  designs practices to solve problems, using critical thinking, and applied research  to affect structural change in racial justice and generational poverty.  “Be the change you seek” is their motto.   Instead of relying on  organizations to provide resources, Mary  stated that families/individuals need to build their own wealth by setting goals and joining “circles of support” to achieve them.  

SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE IAOP?              Key strategies for  2018 include:

• Advocate with local governments and other entities to increase the amount and availability of safe, stable low income housing.
• Explore and practice ways to have more direct connection with families who are experiencing generational poverty and support their transition to stability
• Increase our involvement with neighborhood initiatives to reduce poverty and continue work with Living Cully/Cully neighborhood and look for other opportunities.
• Continue to become more poverty informed.

CHANGE OF WEBSITE MANAGEMENT

Effective, January 1, 2018, Tom Hering, Rose City Presbyterian Church, and Co-Chair of the Advocacy Action Team will assume responsibility for the development of a new IAOP website platform to replace current model.

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2018 IAOP BUDGET APPROVED

Interfaith Alliance Treasurer, Les Wardenaar presented Projected 2018 Interfaith Alliance Budget for membership review.  Budget was approved as recommended.

Anticipated expenses will include

Communication

Website:                         $2500  Website expenses covering initial start-up and annual hosting fees, maintenance costs,  and payment for prior development

Speakers:                       $500  ($50 Gift Cards for personal stories)

Curriculum:                   $850 – Purchase of program materials to support trainings at individual congregations or groups

Printing:                         $200 – Printing & Photocopying (sign-in sheets, handouts,)

Transition to

Stability:                        $500 (anticipated costs associated with guiding individual family units, including possible training fees for support teams, incidental/miscellaneous expenses, and small direct support items such as temporary help with family deposits or expenses.)

Advocacy Team:           $700 –including $400 for Scholarships for Conferences (average $50 per participant, 2 per quarter)  and  $300 for advocacy activities)

January 4, 2018 – IAOP Meeting

First  monthly meeting   of the Interfaith Alliance will be held at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 1535 NE 17^th,  from 12:00-2:00 PM.

Featured speaker will be Joy Alise Davis,  M.A., Executive Director | Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF)   

Joy agreed to speak in response to the following letter from   John Elizalde, First Unitarian and Co-Chair of Poverty Awareness Communication Action Team.  John’s letter also  describes the Interfaith Alliance and provides insight into  its goals.

John began his letter, “I am part of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty, a sort of new group of congregations working to address the systems in our society that perpetuate poverty in our community.  https://allianceonpoverty.org

“We’ve been around for a few years and have worked to involve our members in advocacy, education and helping people transition to stability.  Essentially this group of congregations realized that we were all deeply involved in direct service (and still are).  However, we wanted to make a difference, a longer lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.  We are on a quest to find ways to make that difference.  We don’t bring answers; rather we bring a desire to help, to support and to advocate for organizations on the front line of these changes. “In early October Felicia and Jackie, from the Portland Housing Center, told our monthly meeting about their organization, its work and (most importantly) the people they serve.  We also heard from the housing team at the Urban League and learned about their housing services.  Dr T Allen Bethel suggested that we reach out to groups working in the N/NE area, specifically groups focused on the African American community, if we wanted to explore ways to be of support for that community.  We have an ongoing and developing relationship with Living Cully and appreciate their willingness to have us follow their lead and support their work; we seek such a relationship in the N/NE area.

“It seems to us that we, the Interfaith Alliance, would be served well to learn about the Portland African American Leadership Forum.  Many of the congregations in our alliance are located in NE Portland.  All of us know the ’10,000 foot version’ of the Emanuel Hospital/North/NE episodes from the middle of the last century.  We know that PAALF is involved deeply in the efforts to address the consequences of that era.  We are quite sure there is work we’d like to help with”

PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR…..

“May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we will live deep in our hearts.

“May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people and earth, so that we will work for justice, equity, and peace.

“May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer, so we will reach out our hands to comfort them and change their pain to joy.

“And May God bless us with the foolishness to think that we can make a difference in the world, so we will do the things that others say cannot be done.“

 Franciscan Benediction

Beth Israel Opens Portland Homeless Family Solutions Emergency Winter Shelter

On December 4, 2017, Multnomah County shelters were packed to the brim, leaving  homeless families out in the cold with no place to sleep but the streets of Portland. When the City and County asked Portland Homeless Family Solutions for assistance, they reached out to their long-time partner Congregation Beth Israel in Northwest Portland for help.  Congregation Beth Israel did not hesitate.

  Congregation Beth Israel (Interfaith Alliance member) will be opening their doors to  provide "an emergency winter family shelter"  from December 11, 2017 through April 30, 2018 to accommodate 75 moms, dads, and kids

You can help us make this new shelter a success! 

• Volunteer to help set up the shelter: Join us between December 4-10 to set up the beds, organize shelter supplies, and get ready to welcome families. Email Bethany@pdxhfs.org  to sign up.

• Volunteer to help run the shelter: Bring food for dinner, come play with kids, or help keep the night running smoothly. Please attend a volunteer orientation on Thursday, December 7 or Sunday, December 10. RSVP required: email Bethany@pdxhfs.org to sign up for an orientation.

• Donate these supplies: Hygiene supplies like soap & shampoo, tooth paste & brushes, and deodorant, breakfast and snack foods, blankets and twin sheet sets, pillows and pillow cases, and warm winter coats. We are also collecting holidays toys for kids in shelter. Email Emma@pdxhfs.org  to coordinate donations.
• Give a financial contribution: The County & City are funding the operation of the shelter, but they aren't providing funding to help families from shelter move into housing. Help us end homelessness by donating money that we can use to help families in shelter get back into homes - and stay there. Donate here!

We always say it takes a village to raise a family, and we are going to need you - our village - to help make this shelter successful.

PCC November 7 Bond Measure - EDITORIAL COMMENTARY BY LES WARDENAAR, Interfaith Alliance Advocacy Action Team

Experts agree that EDUCATION is the most effective way to lift people up and out of generational poverty. This is why our Portland Community College system is such a critical resource in the fight against poverty in our Metropolitan area. It provides accessible, affordable and confidence-building education and training to a population that needs it most.  And this is why--even if you are suffering from "voter fatigue" or think that single issue election doesn't matter--you need to cast your ballot. If passed, the PCC Bond Measure would authorize $185 million in bonds over a 16-year period, money that would enable:

• (1)modernization of the college's workforce training center in Northeast Portland;
• (2) construction of a Child Development Center on the Rock Creek Campus;
• (3) renovation of the  Health Technology Center on the Sylvania campus;
• (4) modernization of technology and equipment;
• (5) creation of additional training spaces for health care professions programs.

These effects are in addition to basic maintenance, extended life, and the "greening" of PCC facilities and processes. Because this is a sustaining bond measure rather than an entirely new spending authorization, it is not expected to increase the tax burden on Portland homeowners.

In the current Portland economy, many high-paying, family-sustaining jobs remain unfilled for lack of qualified candidates. PCC is our most obvious resource to strike a blow against poverty by bridging this gap, but it needs more resources, more program capacity, and more efficiency in its training. Meanwhile, a wide variety of non-profits are working hard to provide poverty-entrapped youth and adults with the awareness, self-confidence, and sustaining support to go after these opportunities. But all of these programs depend on a vital and expanding community college system.

PCC tuition costs roughly half that of a state university (one-tenth that of a private college), not to mention convenience and lower cost living expenses. Offering degrees and certificates in more than 100 areas of study, PCC ranks #1 among all Oregon higher education institutions in terms of graduates' earnings compared to tuition costs (2017 Portland Business Journal).

According to PCC sources, every dollar invested in the PCC system returns $12.50 to Oregon's economy in added state revenue and social savings (e.g. medical, elfare, unemployment payments). Our community not only needs this resource, but it turns out to be a great investment of taxpayer dollars.

The simplest yet most important action that Interfaith Alliance members can take against Poverty is to VOTE for measures and candidates that are the most likely to yield positive results. Keep that in mind as November 7 approaches!!!

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 2017 INTERFAITH ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER

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, 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

SMALL STEPS, RESPECT & A $20 BILL -- Based on Presentation by Israel Bayer, Executive Director of Street Roots, and Lori Lematta, Street Roots Vendor , by B. Gregg

When Street Roots Executive Director, Israel Bayer, spoke to a meeting of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty, held at the Madeleine Church, on August 31^st, he was asked  how the Interfaith Alliance could help the homeless. Israel said, “Small steps, they make a difference.”  He also emphasized the importance of treating everyone with respect.

In the last month, we have witnessed how hurricanes, fire, earthquakes.  and flood can  render people homeless.   In the blink of an eye,  the accumulations of a lifetime are gone.  We all grieve and dig deep in our pockets to help as we can.

Those surviving on the street of Portland  may have survived circumstances every bit as harrowing as a hurricane or earthquake, but that is not how we perceive them.  We are more inclined to view them as victims of their own making  We look away, not wanting to touch or be touched,  afraid to admit our common humanity, to see ourselves in them and  realize that “there but for the grace of God go I.”

Israel explained that our current level of homelessness was caused by the confluence of many factors: the elimination of Federal low cost-housing, the rise in property values and rent, the decrease of affordable housing, the de-institutionalization  of the mentally ill, the rise of veterans produced by middle east wars, the increase in addiction, and the impact of the 2008 recession causing women and families to join the ranks of the homeless, etc.

In his September  1, 2017   Street Roots editorial, Israel wrote:

 “We're making a difference on homelessness, even if it's hard to see. For every person the system finds housing for, there are more people becoming homeless

“Thinking about solving the issue of homelessness can feel almost impossible. For the general public it’s hard to understand the relationship that nonprofits and government play in working to give people a safe place to call home. It’s understandable. Why, after spending all of this money, are people still sleeping on our streets? It’s a valid question.

“If you commute into downtown every day for any length of time, it may be hard to notice a difference in the numbers of people that are visibly homeless. It’s because you’re probably not.

“Let me explain.

“We do know how to give people a safe place to call home.

“Last year, both Portland and Multnomah County helped nearly 5,000 individuals and families find housing placements in the region. An additional 6,000 people received prevention services, such as rent assistance, to help them stay in housing.

“What the public doesn’t always see is that for every person the system finds housing for, there are more individuals and families becoming homeless on what feels like a daily basis. The struggle is real.

In short, the reason you’re not seeing a visible difference in the homeless population isn't because we don’t know how to house people; it’s because we can’t stop the flow of people hitting our streets.

“In short, the reason you’re not seeing a visible difference in the homeless population isn't because we don’t know how to house people; it’s because we can’t stop the flow of people hitting our streets. Of course, any logical human being understands that when you have the kinds of rent increases the region and state are experiencing -- without any regulations  --there are bound to be thousands of people left out in the cold. Not to mention funding for housing itself, which was once a federal priority, has been cut to the bone.

We all end up paying the price. Don’t let anyone fool you. The housing crisis that Portland is experiencing is also being experienced in communities all over Oregon.

“I believe the lack of investment in affordable housing statewide has many more residents from around the state coming to Portland to seek services.

“The rich may be coming here from California, Texas and points beyond, but poor folks are migrating to Portland from small communities and suburbs across the state. 

“It’s a perfect storm for Portland.

“If the federal government doesn’t prioritize housing, and the region and the state aren’t going to prioritize affordable housing, then it leaves Portland to its own devices.

“In many ways, it’s an example of what’s happening politically and socially in our country.

“People and communities begin to do more with less and develop a scarcity mentality that creates a dynamic that we should only take care of our own. Unfortunately for the poor, in some communities, the mentality is that poverty has become a burden. It’s a sad affair.

“These realities are playing out in local politics and on the national stage with devastating impacts to our country. Everyone begins to point their finger at someone else. It’s a never-ending cycle, unless we as a community choose to rise above the noise and rhetoric.

“The reality is, of course, that Portland and Multnomah County should continue investing in affordable housing and homeless services. It’s not only the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.

“When we support and invest in affordable housing, we are not only investing in Oregonians today, but we are investing in future generations. Affordable housing, like our roads and parks and schools, plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy society for generations to come.

“All of this is to say that it’s true: It is hard to see how we are collectively making a difference when we continue to see thousands of people sleeping on our streets. For the thousands of people we are supporting with a safe place to call home, it makes all the difference in the world.”

When asked  how the Interfaith Alliance could help, Israel said, “Small steps, they make a difference.”  How you interact with those you meet on the street is important   Israel   encouraged   congregations to consider giving a “Street Roots” vendor the opportunity to sell his/her newspapers after Sunday services.  Several Interfaith Alliance Churches are now considering this possibility

Street Roots Vendor, Lori Lamatta, shared her personal story, overcoming   emotional trauma, problems of health and addiction, and escaping homelessness.  She told about life on the streets, constantly having to wait in lines,  having to be out of the shelters by 7:00 AM,  having no place to rest in the daytime, how some shelters treat you like children,  being bound to the streets,  the smell of “death” in the air, never taking a vacation, buying a new outfit, etc.

She confided that one year at Christmas she was so depressed she had considered suicide.  She contemplated “writing the note”.  She said you may think about suicide, but it isn’t real until “you write the note.”  Then she said a woman stopped beside her and gave her a $20 bill, wishing her a “Merry Christmas”.  She said that turned everything around.  She bought a pizza and shared it with a friend on the street.

Lori sells her newspapers by a bakery, and on Sunday mornings at Westminster Presbyterian church.  That is where she and Carol Turner, Interfaith Alliance Co-Chair got acquainted.    Before selling her papers at the coffee hour following church services, Lori attends services herself.  She confided that sitting in the pews and listening to the music and pastor’s sermon is an uplifting experience.  The parishioners now know her as “Lori” and she knows them by name.

Selling “Street Roots” allows the homeless    to become independent entrepreneurs adding to their income.  It enables Portlanders   to purchase a “cutting edge” newspaper at a bargain price.  But it does much more.  It provides an opportunity for both buyer and seller to get to know each other.  Although vendors   understand   life on the streets, they also share the common concerns of those who buy their papers – the latest  weather forecast and whatever is happening in the nation, the world, and people’s lives.  Therefore, selling newspapers becomes a human exchange, not dependent upon economic or social status.

None of us is born a success or failure, although the circumstances may point us in one direction or the other.    None of us want to be seen as poor, homeless, addicted, or an object of pity.  We want respect!   After telling her courageous story, Lori emphasized the importance of treating others as you, yourself would want to be treated, as a  fellow human being, sharing life’s journey,  in need of love, respect, and occasionally a helping hand or a $20 bill.  B. Gregg

October 5 -   Street Roots Breakfast Fund Raiser  at Oregon Convention Center, Ballroom 254. Doors open at 7:30 and the program will be from 8:00-9:00 am. For more information  contact the Development Director, Sarah Cloud at scloud@streetroots.org

FAREWELL LETTER FROM ISRAEL BAYER

Dear Street Rooters,

I almost can’t believe I’m writing this, but I’m announcing today that I’ll be departing Street Roots at the end of this year. I’ve lived and breathed Street Roots and homeless advocacy for the past 15 years of my life. I’ll be taking six months off to write a book and to take a breather before deciding what’s next in my life. Concerning Street Roots, the organization has never been in a better place. Under the leadership of Executive Editor Joanne Zuhl, the newspaper is thriving and will continue to do so. The organization itself is in the best financial standing it’s ever been, and we have a great team of dedicated staff, a strong board of directors and an amazing readership that will lead Street Roots into the next era. Street Roots is currently working with our board of directors on a transition plan.

How to give context to the past 15 years at Street Roots? It’s hard to describe. I’m letting go of something I’ve loved with all of my heart for most of my adult life. My love for Street Roots, the neighborhood I’ve worked in for years, and the city I live in is bigger than anything I could describe. First and foremost, the hundreds upon hundreds of hours I’ve spent with people on the streets has been by far the most rewarding. It’s also been the most heartbreaking. Being able to take part in seeing so many people rise above the trauma of homelessness and go on to do great things is inspiring. Witnessing the power of the human spirit when faced with some of the harshest living conditions in the modern world is both daunting and hopeful. It’s the reason that regardless of any of the hardships we face at Street Roots, we always remain optimistic. I’ve also witnessed more people die on the streets that I can count. Their ghosts haunt me at times, and I will also have a place in my heart for those who didn’t make it out of the hell that is homelessness.

Things I’m the most proud of are that together, as a team, we have inserted ourselves into the local media landscape, while becoming a fixture of hope and dignity for both people on the streets and readers a like. Street Roots has become an award-winning weekly publication, helping change the face of homelessness in Portland.  

I’d argue pound for pound we are one of the best street newspapers in the world and one of the best newspapers in the Pacific Northwest. Street Roots has worked with Multnomah County and the medical examiner’s office to create an annual count of people who have died on the streets. We helped deliver Portland’s first affordable housing public ballot initiative. We continue to fight for the civil rights of people on the streets. We’ve helped maintain housing for hundreds of individuals and families. The list goes on. Street Roots isn’t afraid to think big, to plan thoughtfully and to execute. That couldn’t be done without the amazing team we have at Street Roots.

Personally, I’ve always tried to lead the organization in a way that wasn’t geared toward doing the popular thing, but the right thing — for both the organization and people on the streets. It has meant giving my blood, sweat and tears, while also experiencing some of the most traumatic and joyful times of my life. It has not always been easy to navigate the small world of Portland politics. It has meant speaking truth to power and trying – to the best of my ability – to always think about moving the issue homelessness forward, regardless of the consequences. I’ve always tried to do so with integrity, sometimes getting it right and sometimes not.

When I first started at Street Roots, there was a World War II vet named George who was sleeping on the streets near the office. I’d always go and talk with him about everything from life to Street Roots to times long gone. The most important advice he gave me when I was starting was that there are going to be times in this job when it feels like the whole world is bearing down on you — simply breath and think about who you’re here to serve. “It’s the people,” he would say. “If that’s the only thing you accomplish, than you’ve done your job.” George has long since passed on, but I still think of him and those words, especially today as I write this column and reflect. I hope it’s the people that I’ve ultimately served.

Honestly, there are so many mentors and friends I’d like to thank for helping me along my journey at Street Roots. When I took over Street Roots I had no nonprofit training or political lens in which to look at the world. It was with the help of many friends and Street Roots supporters that I owe my gratitude. I love and appreciate all of you dearly, wherever we might find ourselves on the long road.

Lastly, over the next six months I will be working with the organization to make sure that Street Roots remains strong and vibrant throughout the transition. Ultimately, from a reader perspective, you’re not going to see much of a change. The organization will march on through the good times and bad, just like it always has. The reality is Street Roots is so much bigger than any one person. I can’t say how thankful I am to have been able to take part of leading this organization and being a part of such a beautiful story. Let’s continue to make it so.  ………..Big love! Israel Bayer

Affordable Housing Bond – Update by John Elizalde

Last November Portlanders agreed to give the city of Portland the authority to sell general obligation bonds in order to build housing affordable to people earning up to 60% of the average median income for the Portland area. The bonds authorized were $258 millions dollars and included an amount for administration. That’s a ton of money to this writer. However, projections at the time were that only 1,300 homes could be build with this amount. Since then construction, labor and material costs have continued to rise as the housing boom lingers (and now the national housing industry will be responding to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and the related destruction).

The voter approved measure also called for a citizen oversight committee to assure that the bond funds are invested in housing that will meet the needs of struggling Portlanders. It is important that the bond can only be used for housing that will be owned by the city. Hence, public values will be made manifest by the use of the bonds. The city housing bureau created a ‘stakeholder group’ to create a policy framework for bureau and oversight committee to use when making investment decisions. (The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Advocacy work group will follow the oversight committee work.)

The draft framework hit the streets for public review on August 18 and the comment period closed on September 23. The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Advocacy work group had been attending stakeholder group meetings and following the development of the draft policy framework. We submitted comments.

The framework does a good job of describing the demographic groups that should receive priority housing; generally these will be folk who haven’t been targeted for such housing and have suffered the consequences of racism and exclusion. High priority locations are called out in the framework so housing will go near where people live now or at least so as to avoid displacement or in school areas where children move in and out too frequently for their educational needs. Not surprising there are tradeoffs in these objectives and the framework is designed to allow explicit decisions about location, demographics, displacement, etc rather than leave decisions to a random process.

The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty comments focused on costs that seemed to get short shrift in the draft. We thought there needed to be site specific criteria for cost based decisions; there is no mention of site specific cost analysis in the draft. We are concerned about the city’s ability to meet the goals for the bond funds: 1,300 total units, 650 units for family size units (2 or 3 bedroom), 600 units deeply affordable for incomes up to 30 AMI.

The policy calls for 300 units to receive significant services for residents but it was unclear whether bond funds could be used for construction of facilities for such administrative work. And, it was unclear as to the use of the rents collected for the units. Portland property owners will pay of the housing bonds but we don’t know where the rents do and what sort of oversight there will be of those funds.

Lastly our comments addressed the idea of the bond funds being used to buy land. We are concerned that construction costs may make new construction difficult given the cost constraints of the bond. So purchasing land and allowing other developers to build affordable housing on that land using other funding could stretch bond dollars. The draft policy didn’t address this.

In general, we found the process used to create the framework to be inclusive, open and thorough (and slow, very slow). Sometimes intensive public involvement is a time consuming task. Keep in mind the vote on the bonds was November 8, 2016 and the framework will go the city council for their consideration 368 days later. And, this is in the middle of a housing crisis.

Of course, realistically the bond fund housing will make but a small contribution to solving the housing crisis. The city needs some 20,000 affordable units for struggling families. The wheels of progress move slowly but at least for the housing bond they are moving.

Find the draft policy framework here: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/phb/article/656538.  For a copy of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty comments write to john_elizalde@hotmail.com

John Elizalde, Advocacy Workgroup

.

Comments of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty

Re: Affordable Housing Bond Draft Policy Framework

September 23, 2017

Thank you for the opportunity to observe the stakeholder process and comment on the draft policy framework. We will not comment on all that we agree with except to say that the values expressed in the populations to serve and the locations for affordable housing are appropriate. We look forward to the housing bureau achieving both the construction goals and the public policy objectives expressed in the draft framework.

We have four areas of concern, all focused on costs. Portlanders provided the city with a strong vote of confidence and a lot of money. The affordable housing constructed with the bond proceeds needs to repay Portlanders for their trust.

Site specific cost analysis and cost control:

The policy framework doesn’t address this issue. There is reference to the city performing a due diligence review that could be presumed to include a cost analysis. That’s it. We believe strongly that the construction goals need to be front and center in the analysis of each project as it is proposed. City staff has many projects ‘on the desk’ right now according to banter during the stakeholder meetings. This framework should include a description of how the costs of these projects will be compared just as it addresses location, development processes and target populations.

In short, bringing a good mix of residents in the right locations following an equitable development process but only constructing 1000 units will be seen as a failure in the eyes of a good many Portlanders.

The stakeholders haven’t spent time on this topic and need to before the final policy is completed. The policy needs to address site-specific costs.

Administrative space in full service buildings:

The policy doesn’t address whether the bond proceeds can be used to construct the administrative space needed for permanent supportive housing or resident services. Given the tight construction cost environment, the costs being spread over the affordable units could be important in deciding which projects to pursue.

Use of rents: Presumably the construction costs for the housing will be paid for with bond proceeds. Those costs will then be paid off by property taxes levied on Portland

property owners. Rents will not be used to pay for the construction costs and related bond financing and interest. Thus, rents will be set to cover other costs. However, the framework doesn’t address those costs nor does it provide information on how those costs will be controlled. In short, how will rents be set and what is there intended use? These costs should be included in the regular reporting from the housing bureau.

Land purchases: The policy framework does not address the topic of using the bond to purchase land. Other funds or funding strategies would be used to fund construction of affordable housing with the city maintaining ownership of the land and requiring affordable housing pricing for all units on that land. This suggestion came up at several stakeholder meetings but wasn’t addressed in discussion or in the policy framework draft. It should be assessed and explicitly dismissed if it is a flawed strategy for stretching bond proceeds.

Creating such a store of land would give the city a valuable resource. It would be important to specify that the land not be traded for another ‘project of value.’ It is intended for affordable housing. Any promise to build affordable housing in exchange for one of these land parcels should require that the affordable housing be occupied before any development on the land is occupied.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important policy framework.

John Elizalde, Interfaith Alliance on Poverty, Advocacy work group

Book Review:  HILLBILLY ELEGY by George Johnson, Rose City Presbyterian Church

HILL BILLY ELEGY is a book about an ignored component of American life – white, working poor. he author was reared in Middletown, OH after his family migrated from a “holler” in KY in search of a better life. Hillbilly culture was foreign to the family’s new environment causing difficulties in adjustment. His greater family, however, was largely successful in achieving financial gain until the “rust belt” phenomenon destroyed the economy of the city. Vance’s immediate family was dysfunctional. His mother was incapable of motherhood, and he was essentially reared by a “crotchety” grandmother who had the most influence is his life.

Vance has been successful in leaving his life of generational poverty and overcoming childhood “demons” that still haunt him. He now is a successful lawyer with a law degree from Yale. How did he succeed when many friends are dead or in Jail - questions he dwells on throughout the book as he describes the story of his life? While reading HILLBILLY ELEGY one feels how he escaped hopelessness and lack of direction through hard work and strength from his grandmother and sister. The reader understands how the social capital of his hillbilly and poverty culture was inadequate to aid his advancement, especially when he entered

CENTRAL CITY CONCERNS DIRECTOR, ED BLACKBURN RETIRES

Based on interview by  Molly Harbarger, the Oregonian/Oregon Live In 2008, after serving more than 10 years running Central City Concerns’ health and addiction services, Ed Blackburn became executive director of   homeless service organizations.

“In that time, he helped the organization grow from about 80 employees to 800. He has overseen $200 million in real estate development for housing and centers to provide a wide range of mental health, addiction recovery and other health services, as well as career training and employment programs. Blackburn switched from city planning to working with the city's homeless population as he was searching for spiritual clarity. In a few months, he found a place where the staff literally washed the feet of the poor and sick – in this case, because of bad cases of athlete's foot – and he found his calling.”

Although he is now stepping down, he remains involved   in the development of 380 housing units, built with $21.5 million donated from six Portland health systems. He'll move to emeritus status at the end of September.

In his interview with Molly Harbarger  Ed reflected on how the. homeless population has grown and changed, and how Central City Concern and the city have adapted to the fluctuations.

Is the current level of homelessness is a new phenomenon?   “When we thought of homelessness when I started in 1992, it was mostly what we refer to as "Skid Row," and Old Town and parts of downtown and parts of the Central Eastside. By early afternoon on most days, you'd have a hundred people just in this area of Old Town, passed out in doorways from drinking, mostly from alcohol use, some other drugs.

“Modern homelessness as we think about it today really started increasing in the 1980s when the federal government began de-investing in the building of low-income housing and switched mostly to a voucher system, tapping into the private landlord market, which had some efficacy and worked to some degree.  But now we find ourselves decades later with a huge shortage of housing for those who are 30 percent below the median income. And the marketplace doesn't build a lot of housing for those low-income levels.

Also during that time, in the wake of Vietnam, we saw a big upsurge in homeless veterans. We saw the de-institutionalization of large mental health hospitals, which was supposed to be followed by a lot of community investment in housing and community services, but that investment was never made proportionally to the de-investment in hospitals.

 The Great Recession was really a great depression for a lot of low-income people. I think we had a lot of young people here who didn't get attached to the mainstream economy and a lot of other people who lost their jobs and detached.

The opiate addiction has added a new twist, especially with the migratory population. The presence of heroin addiction is something I haven't seen before in the homeless population. So we have a swarm of things happening.

Was there ever a moment or a decision point that was a turning point?   A part of what's happening is a result of a good economy. You've got all these people moving here because it's a desirable place to live.  I think gentrification in Northeast Portland has resulted in homelessness as families have been broken up. Some of those were efforts to actually improve the neighborhoods, provide mass transportation, make the neighborhoods more desirable. But what happened is higher-income people moved in and bought the property. So a lot of lower-income people were gentrified out to East County and, for some people, they lost family connections, they lost a sense of community.

I don't think anyone anticipated the incredible rise in home prices and the housing market here 10 years ago. When we were building a new clinic in Old Town There were vacancies all over the place.  I think not investing in land banking for the future and the building of affordable housing at the lower income levels was a mistake.

We also lost a lot of single-room occupancy hotels.    Starting around 2003, the city focused on chronic homelessness. Central City Concern helped bring about $9 million in federal money and we did see that population go down. There were nights I'd go out with CHIERS, our outreach program that picks up inebriated people on the streets, and count people. Over time, there were nights when they weren't counting anybody sleeping on the streets  .We were able to get several hundred people off the streets in probably about a year. The idea was the cities were going to demonstrate success and then there'd be a big investment. The investment didn't follow the success.  It was right before the invasion of Iraq and so when those wars really got underway, all that funding stopped.

Did you see this influx of homelessness coming?

When I think of all the tens of thousands of people moving here, it seems unrealistic to expect you're not going to have homeless people among that migration

How has Central City Concern changed over the tie you've been here?  When I got here in 1992, it was like a $4 million organization with maybe 80 employees -- a lot of those were part time. Many of them making minimum wage, which was pretty minimum back then. We had a few buildings and outpatient drug treatment programs using acupuncture, which was very innovative at the time. But now we're multi-dimensional organization that does really robust health care services. We did addictions treatment back then, but now we also do really comprehensive health care services at our Old Town clinic. It's recognized as one of the best health care of the homeless clinics in the country.

We do specialty mental health services there as well. We have many more units of housing. We had no housing on the Eastside when I came here in 1992. Now, on any given night, we're housing about 2,700 people at our kids and family housing on the Eastside. And we have different types of housing -- for people in recovery, people with special needs, physical health care problems.

We added employment services and, in the last 12 months, we've placed well over 600 people in jobs, working with about 350 employers.   We're probably housing 2,000 more a year .Currently we have $87 million worth of real estate investments.

How did you shape your vision for the organization as the city changed?   When I came here, I didn't come with a vision of ending homelessness. It was more of a spiritual move. I was working on neighborhood crime issues at City Hall. So when I was hired here as the director of the Hooper Detoxification Center, I knew very little about it and I had a lot to learn

We got into health care services  Old Town Clinic, which was run by Ecumencial Ministries of Oregon – were losing so much money  they came to us and asked us to keep it open. Our board chair said we can't let it shut down so  we got into the health care business.

Are there any exciting ideas out there the city is working on now or you like as an effective way to deal with the city's level of homelessness?

Multnomah County and the city significantly upgraded their collaboration in addressing the problem with the creation of the Joint Office of Homeless Services. I think their collaboration on this issue has produced results in the short term. . Shelters ultimately don't help homelessness. It's housing that is going to solve the problem.

As you near the end of your tenure at Central City Concern, are there any people or moments you are reflecting on?  When I first came, I was asked by the executive director then how long I would be staying and I said 18 months. I was going to do a turnaround thing.

But a few incidents really got me. I think the final capping incident was a guy there who was a heroin addict and he had both of his legs amputated below his knees from abscesses that went out of control from shooting up in his lower legs. He was in there almost every day at the sobering station.

I came to work one day and the paramedics were there. He had hypothermia, and they were trying to get an IV needle into his jugular vein. But, the paramedic said these guys become so sensitive to pain and needles that their bodies can sense it.

I went over and, literally, I felt pulled to the ground and I just whispered in his ear and I said, "God loves you, but if we can't get you off the streets and we can't get you clean you're going to die in a few weeks."  He kind of looked at me and a tear rolled out of his eye. Then I left. But the staff got him into a hospital into the suburbs, because quite frankly, no one would take him here. I think they made up an identity for him. He then got out of the hospital and the staff got him into a Transition Projects homeless shelter.

A few weeks later, I get a call. It was probably about 11 o'clock at night. A staff member says, "Ed, you really need to come down." And I say, "Oh geez, what happened?"  So I walk in and I see this guy sitting in a wheelchair in the back. He looked like he was 15 years younger. He stayed sober and just wanted to thank me.

It was not just what happened with him, but the kind of angel trickery the staff were able to pull. I was very impressed. I can see them now excited to tell me they got him into the hospital.  Then I was locked in. It turned into 25

AUGUST 2017 INTERFAITH ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. Frederick Douglass  The Interfaith Alliance newsletter is produced by the Poverty Awareness & Communication Workgroup. Website:  :allianceonpoverty.org                                  Contact:   Bonniejgregg@msn.com 2017 HOMELESS REPORT FOR MULTNOMAH COUNTY Reported by David Groff and John Elizalde Every year Multnomah  County and the City of Portland  volunteers and outreach  workers combine efforts to do a comprehensive “point in time” count of children and adults experiencing homelessness. This year the count occurred on February 22, 2017, and revealed that “11.6% fewer people” were sleeping without shelter.  It is believed that this is the result of the community’s “investment in rent assistance, housing placements and more than 600 new shelter beds.” “In the Portland area, the average one-bedroom apartment now rents for more than $1,100 a month.“ Rents have grown 20 times faster than the median income since 2015, leaving minimum wage earners with little to cover other expenses. In addition, more than 18,000 people in Multnomah County rely on federal disability checks that top out at $735 a month. For more information, email ahomeforeveryone.net MARK YOUR CALENDAR –      AUGUST 31 YOU are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Interfaith Alliance which will be held at   the Madeleine Parish Fireside Room, 3123 NE 24,  from 12:00 - 2:00 PM,  Featured speakers will be: Israel Bayer, Street Roots Executive Director and Lori Lematta, Street Roots Vendor Street Roots provides income opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and poverty by producing a newspaper and other media that are catalysts for individual and social change. Israel Bayer has been working at Street Roots, founded in 1998, for the past 15 years.  In Jessica Pollard’s article in the Willamette Week, she says  he has “become one of Portland's leading moral authorities on homelessness." "Personally”  Israel says, “ I've always tried to lead the organization in a way that wasn't geared toward doing the popular thing, but the right thing — for both the organization and people on the streets,"   Lori Lematta has been selling Street Roots for three years. She will share her personal story.  "MAN WITH MANY HATS"- Excerpts from article written by Robin Schauffler ,   STREET ROOTS,  Sept 17, 2016 “Tom Lechner is an art teacher, IT expert, photographer, facilities manager and role model. He’s also the one who makes sure dozens of homeless children get to school each day. "Tom Lechner is also the transportation coordinator at Community Transition School in Portland.  The private, non-profit school for children experiencing homelessness serves about 80 students per day - this year 221 students total, from 121 families.  He sits at a schoolroom-style desk in one corner of a busy office, a computer screen in front of him, folders of paperwork on the desk, pen in hand, phone at the ready. He’s a tall, slim guy with tightly curling black hair showing wisps of gray, and frameless glasses perched on his nose. It’s his job to get 80 elementary school children to school every day, no matter where they may have spent the night. ”All of the CTS students are homeless. They live in cheap motels or doubled-up in the apartments of relatives or friends; they sleep in shelters or in family cars or outside on the street. Some students might be in the school for just a day; others have stayed for years. The average length of stay is 13 weeks. “CTS takes care of these complexities one family at a time, wherever they are. How do they do it? Size and intimacy explain a lot. It’s a small, close-knit school; everyone knows everyone. They don’t have to follow each federal guideline. They can be in touch with every family, answer every call. “ Once a week, Tom teaches a drawing class for a group of lucky students. There are other regular art classes, with all kinds of materials, but in Tom’s class, he said, “we usually just use paper and pencil.” Tom calls it observational drawing, but the kids simply call it Art with Tom. The application process is “astonishingly simple:   no birth certificate, no proof of immunization, no paperwork. And no tuition. Families learn of CTS through word of mouth, and the shelters and other support organizations post signs and help spread the word. CTS maintains a close relationship with those in social services; the school depends on these people to help homeless families learn about CTS. A parent calls,  gives the child’s name and birth date, and most recent grade level, and “in five minutes,”  they’re on Tom’s list for the next morning. “Tom may have to figure out where a family has moved. Once, when parents didn’t call in, Juli Osa told the child, “Find an envelope that has an address on it, and tell us what it says, and then we’ll figure out where to go.” Every day, that second grader read out a new address, and called in to say where she was. She moved 22 times that year. This past year, one student moved 13 times in 110 days, and missed only two days of school. “If a child doesn’t show up at the morning bus stop, Tom or someone in the office will call to find out what’s going on – but if they can’t get through and the child doesn’t show up for a couple of days, they stop sending the bus. It’s a painful part of the job: “You get to know the kids, and then they’re gone.” “A lot depends on the kids’ initiative,” he said. “They have to figure it out. Somehow, magically, they find a way to get here.” It’s a remarkable place, and magic doesn’t seem too strong a word. What would Tom most want others to know about the Community Transitional School? He answers slowly, pausing to think, and finally decides: “That it exists.” NOTES FROM THE CULLY MOBILE PARK WORK CREW “Several of us from the Interfaith Alliance on the Poverty Advocacy group were at the Arbor Mobile Home Park last Friday, July 28,  as part of a Living Cully project.  David Groff, Westminster Presbyterian Church, helped build  a stairway and Les Wardenaar, Fremont Methodist Church helped with window caulking. Marilyn Mauch, Fremont Methodist Church, myself, another Central Lutheran member and a friend of mine prepared a dinner meal for the group.” Sarah Carolus, Central Lutheran Church  “David Groff built the stairs at Cedar Shade Mobile Home Park.  The rest of us were at Arbor Mobile Home Park.”  Marilyn Mauch Fremont Methodist Church  “Thank you for bringing food to the Living Cully work project last night. You probably saw Les who was doing some caulking at the first of two mobile homes we worked on.  “ I worked with a group that built steps for a recently rebuilt porch on the other mobile home.  We managed to finish both sets of steps, which was much appreciated by the owners of the mobile home.  “I enjoyed working with the Living Cully folks.  Cameron is an impressive organizer with excellent Spanish language skills.” David Groff, Westminster Presbyterian Church INTERFAITH ALLIANCE  YEAR-END MEETING Alliance Co-Chair, Carol Turner, Tallies  2016-2017 Achievements On June 29, 2017 members and friends of the Interfaith Alliance gathered to enjoy a potluck and review accomplishments of the past year. Tom Hering, Co-Leader, with Sally Fraser, of the Advocacy Work Group described actions taken to support tenants’ rights,  protest no-cause evictions,   promote  affordable housing and recommend legislation. Working with groups within the community including Living Cully and St. Charles Church, the Advocacy group has been active participating in efforts to produce positive change,  joining a number of  rallies at both the City Hall and the  State Capitol as well as supporting renters  throughout Northeast Portland. Rae Richen, Co-Leader, with Dave Albertine, of the Transition to Stability Work Group, reported that working with the Village Support Network, a number of Alliance churches have been able to assist homeless families   in finding stable housing.  Since the Village Support Network was forced to close on May 1, 2017, the Transition to Stability work group is now exploring other options for helping families out of homelessness. John  Elizalde, Co-Leader, with Bonnie Gregg,  of the Becoming Poverty Aware & Communication Work Group,  reported on activities staged this year. Poverty Curriculum seminars were presented at  Fremont Methodist by Love, Inc.,  and  at Westminster Presbyterian and First Unitarian churches by Rev. Connie Yost. In cooperation with the 15th annual “Everybody Reads Program” sponsored by the Multnomah County Library, the Alliance promoted reading of   “Evicted” by Matthew Desmond. Rae Richen obtained a grant   to enable the Alliance to provide ten Evicted books to each of the Alliance congregations    to share with their members and the community, Holly Schmidt and Claudia Roberts organized a number of events to promote the Everybody Reads program. On May 10, 2017,  Dr. Mandy Davis, of  Trauma Informed Care, presented a 4-hour seminar at the Madeleine Parish which was attended by about 60 people. The Alliance newsletter is beginning its second year of monthly publication, the Alliance website allianceonpoverty.org was launched in March 2017, and the Alliance Facebook page will be available soon. Jessica Rojas,  NE Coalition of Neighbors Program Manager,  shared her personal story. Jessica’s family was poor.  They endured the challenges confronted by poor people everywhere, struggling to find work, food, and shelter.  She also learned that real wealth is found not in accumulation of possessions, but in the relationships we forge within our families and  communities. College educated, Jessica has become a leader among those advocating both for those in poverty and the health of our environment. She observed that we tend to think of poverty in relation to lack of money, but Jessica directed our attention to other factors. When the land, rivers, oceans and air become polluted, other kinds of poverty result.  No longer is there clean water to drink, fresh air to breathe, bees to pollinate our plants, soil to produce healthy crops, seas abundant with life, and forests to cleanse the atmosphere.        Jessica commented that if we do not address   threats to our environment, one day we may see the number of “climate refugees”   rival the number of  refugees now struggling to escape war zones.   When seas rise and crops fail, people will flee. Other types of human experiences reflect poverty as well.     Immigrants  and refugees experience “poverty of homeland” living in daily fear of deportation and broken families.    People of color and different religions  experience the “poverty of discrimination.”   The elderly, the mentally ill, the addicted, the homeless—those who find themselves no longer connected with family or friends who have become strangers in their own communities,  experience  the “poverty of loneliness.”  Mother Teresa has said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.” Jessica observed that faith communities have traditionally responded to those in need. Working together, she is hopeful we can address all issues of poverty and create a healthy, caring community in Portland. df To contact:  Email Bonniejgregg@msn.com The Interfaith Alliance newsletter is produced by the Poverty Awareness & Communication Workgroup. To contact:  Email Bonniejgregg@msn.com

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2017 HOMELESS REPORT FOR MULTNOMAH COUNTY

Reported by David Groff and John Elizalde

Every year Multnomah  County and the City of Portland  volunteers and outreach  workers combine efforts to do a comprehensive “point in time” count of children and adults experiencing homelessness.

This year the count occurred on February 22, 2017, and revealed that “11.6% fewer people” were sleeping without shelter.  It is believed that this is the result of the community’s “investment in rent assistance, housing placements and more than 600 new shelter beds.”

“In the Portland area, the average one-bedroom apartment now rents for more than $1,100 a month.“ Rents have grown 20 times faster than the median income since 2015, leaving minimum wage earners with little to cover other expenses.

In addition, more than 18,000 people in Multnomah County rely on federal disability checks that top out at $735 a month.

For more information, email ahomeforeveryone.net

MARK YOUR CALENDAR –      AUGUST 31

YOU are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Interfaith Alliance which will be held at   the Madeleine Parish Fireside Room, 3123 NE 24,  from 12:00 - 2:00 PM,

Featured Speakers will be:

Juli Osa, Developmental Director of the Community Transition School

Juli will share the mission and operation of the Community Transition School.  CTS was  founded in 1990 to provide a haven of learning for homeless children aged 4-14 in Multnomah, and sections of Clackamas and Washington counties. Key to the CTS Education is the CTS Bus. Once referred to the Community Transition School, a student can depend that a CTS Bus will show up promptly every school day morning to take him or her to school. It doesn’t matter whether his or her home is a shelter or the back of a car.

Lori Lematta, Street Roots Newspaper

Lori has been selling Street Roots for three years. She will share her personal story. We learn from the web that Street Roots “creates income opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and poverty by producing a newspaper and other media that are catalysts for individual and social change.

  “A MAN WITH MANY HATS”,  Excerpts from article written by Robin Schauffler ,   STREET ROOTS,  Sept 17, 2016

“Tom Lechner is an art teacher, IT expert, photographer, facilities manager and role model. He’s also the one who makes sure dozens of homeless children get to school each day. C

“Tom Lechner is also the transportation coordinator at Community Transitional School in Portland. The private, nonprofit school for children experiencing homelessness serves about 80 students per day – this year 221 students total from 121 families.

“Tom Lechner sits at a schoolroom-style desk in one corner of a busy office, a computer screen in front of him, folders of paperwork on the desk, pen in hand, phone at the ready. He’s a tall, slim guy with tightly curling black hair showing wisps of gray, and frameless glasses perched on his nose. It’s his job to get 80 elementary school children to school every day, no matter where they may have spent the night.

”All of the CTS students are homeless. They live in cheap motels or doubled-up in the apartments of relatives or friends; they sleep in shelters or in family cars or outside on the street. Some students might be in the school for just a day; others have stayed for years. The average length of stay is 13 weeks.

“CTS takes care of these complexities one family at a time, wherever they are. How do they do it? Size and intimacy explain a lot. It’s a small, close-knit school; everyone knows everyone. They don’t have to follow each federal guideline. They can be in touch with every family, answer every call.

“ Once a week, Tom teaches a drawing class for a group of lucky students. There are other regular art classes, with all kinds of materials, but in Tom’s class, he said, “we usually just use paper and pencil.” Tom calls it observational drawing, but the kids simply call it Art with Tom.

The application process is “astonishingly simple:   no birth certificate, no proof of immunization, no paperwork. And no tuition. Families learn of CTS through word of mouth, and the shelters and other support organizations post signs and help spread the word. CTS maintains a close relationship with those in social services; the school depends on these people to help homeless families learn about CTS.

A parent calls,  gives the child’s name and birth date, and most recent grade level, and “in five minutes,”  they’re on Tom’s list for the next morning.

“Tom may have to figure out where a family has moved. Once, when parents didn’t call in, Juli Osa told the child, “Find an envelope that has an address on it, and tell us what it says, and then we’ll figure out where to go.” Every day, that second grader read out a new address, and called in to say where she was. She moved 22 times that year. This past year, one student moved 13 times in 110 days, and missed only two days of school.

“If a child doesn’t show up at the morning bus stop, Tom or someone in the office will call to find out what’s going on – but if they can’t get through and the child doesn’t show up for a couple of days, they stop sending the bus. It’s a painful part of the job: “You get to know the kids, and then they’re gone.”

“A lot depends on the kids’ initiative,” he said. “They have to figure it out. Somehow, magically, they find a way to get here.” It’s a remarkable place, and magic doesn’t seem too strong a word.

What would Tom most want others to know about the Community Transitional School? He answers slowly, pausing to think, and finally decides: “That it exists.”

NOTES FROM THE CULLY MOBILE PARK WORK CREW

“Several of us from the Interfaith Alliance on the Poverty Advocacy group were at the Arbor Mobile Home Park last Friday, July 28,  as part of a Living Cully project.

David Groff, Westminster Presbyterian Church, helped build  a stairway and Les Wardenaar, Fremont Methodist Church helped with window caulking. Marilyn Mauch, Fremont Methodist Church, myself, another Central Lutheran member and a friend of mine prepared a dinner meal for the group.” Sarah Carolus, Central Lutheran Church

“David Groff built the stairs at Cedar Shade Mobile Home Park.  The rest of us were at Arbor Mobile Home Park.”  Marilyn Mauch Fremont Methodist Church

“Thank you for bringing food to the Living Cully work project last night. You probably saw Les who was doing some caulking at the first of two mobile homes we worked on.

“ I worked with a group that built steps for a recently rebuilt porch on the other mobile home.  We managed to finish both sets of steps, which was much appreciated by the owners of the mobile home.

“I enjoyed working with the Living Cully folks.  Cameron is an impressive organizer with excellent Spanish language skills.” David Groff, Westminster Presbyterian Church

INTERFAITH ALLIANCE  YEAR-END MEETING

Alliance Co-Chair, Carol Turner, Tallies  2016-2017 Achievements

On June 29, 2017 members and friends of the Interfaith Alliance gathered to enjoy a potluck and review accomplishments of the past year.

Tom Hering, Co-Leader, with Sally Fraser, of the Advocacy Work Group described actions taken to support tenants’ rights,  protest no-cause evictions,   promote  affordable housing and recommend legislation.

Working with groups within the community including Living Cully and St. Charles Church, the Advocacy group has been active participating in efforts to produce positive change,  joining a number of  rallies at both the City Hall and the  State Capitol as well as supporting renters  throughout Northeast Portland.

Rae Richen, Co-Leader, with Dave Albertine, of the Transition to Stability Work Group, reported that working with the Village Support Network, a number of Alliance churches have been able to assist homeless families   in finding stable housing. 

Since the Village Support Network was forced to close on May 1, 2017, the Transition to Stability work group is now exploring other options for helping families out of homelessness.

John  Elizalde, Co-Leader, with Bonnie Gregg,  of the Becoming Poverty Aware & Communication Work Group,  reported on activities staged this year.

Poverty Curriculum seminars were presented at  Fremont Methodist by Love, Inc.,  and  at Westminster Presbyterian and First Unitarian churches by Rev. Connie Yost.

In cooperation with the 15th annual “Everybody Reads Program” sponsored by the Multnomah County Library, the Alliance promoted reading of   “Evicted” by Matthew Desmond.

Rae Richen obtained a grant   to enable the Alliance to provide ten Evicted books to each of the Alliance congregations    to share with their members and the community,

Holly Schmidt and Claudia Roberts organized a number of events to promote the Everybody Reads program.

On May 10, 2017,  Dr. Mandy Davis, of  Trauma Informed Care, presented a 4-hour seminar at the Madeleine Parish which was attended by about 60 people.

The Alliance newsletter is beginning its second year of monthly publication, the Alliance website allianceonpoverty.org was launched in March 2017, and the Alliance Facebook page will be available soon.

Jessica Rojas,  NE Coalition of Neighbors Program Manager,  shared her personal story.

Jessica’s family was poor.  They endured the challenges confronted by poor people everywhere, struggling to find work, food, and shelter.  She also learned that real wealth is found not in accumulation of possessions, but in the relationships we forge within our families and  communities.

College educated, Jessica has become a leader among those advocating both for those in poverty and the health of our environment.

She observed that we tend to think of poverty in relation to lack of money, but Jessica directed our attention to other factors.

When the land, rivers, oceans and air become polluted, other kinds of poverty result.  No longer is there clean water to drink, fresh air to breathe, bees to pollinate our plants, soil to produce healthy crops, seas abundant with life, and forests to cleanse the atmosphere.        Jessica commented that if we do not address   threats to our environment, one day we may see the number of “climate refugees”   rival the number of  refugees now struggling to escape war zones.   When seas rise and crops fail, people will flee.

Other types of human experiences reflect poverty as well.     Immigrants  and refugees experience “poverty of homeland” living in daily fear of deportation and broken families.    People of color and different religions  experience the “poverty of discrimination.”   The elderly, the mentally ill, the addicted, the homeless—those who find themselves no longer connected with family or friends who have become strangers in their own communities,  experience  the “poverty of loneliness.”

 Mother Teresa has said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”

Jessica observed that faith communities have traditionally responded to those in need. Working together, she is hopeful we can address all issues of poverty and create a healthy, caring community in Portland.

PRAYER POWER WORKS

“Despite racist threats looming in the day leading up to the event, the 'Good in the Hood' parade went off without a hitch Saturday, June 24. “   (KGW News) When Good in the Hood organizers received threats of “a blood bath”, they did not cancel their festival.  They contacted the FBI, but did not hire armed guards.  Instead they asked for PRAYERS from the faith-based communities of Portland.   Interfaith Alliance members joined in this effort.  Our thanks to all who participated.

Good in the Hood Festival Organizers Request Prayers

On Saturday, June 24, 2017, the annual ‘GOOD IN THE HOOD FESTIVAL” is set to begin in Northeast Portland.   This threatening letter was sent to Good in the Hood festival organizers. which read as follows: "TO ALL####LOVERS AND ####

"OUR PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS ISSUED  AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO KILL ALL ####

"######WILL DIE AT THIS SO-CALLED GOOD IN THE HOOD!!!!

"THAT PRESIDENT SHAWN PENNIE NEEDS TO KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT BEFORE MY THIRTY OTT SIX DOES IT FOR HIM.  ONCE A SLAVE, ALWAYS A SLAVE.  WHITE POWER RULES!

"THIS IS MY FREEDOM OF SPEECH!  WE THE WHITE KKK NOW OWN THE NORTH AND NORTHEAST  PORTLAND.  SO LET THAT BLACK MONKEY PIECE OF #### KNOW WE ARE WATCHING HIM AND HIS FAMILY.

"THE GOOD IN THE HOOD WILL NOT HAPPEN UNLESS YOU WANT TO SEE A BLOOD BATH!

"WHITE POWER TRUMP SUPPORTER - FREDOM OF SPEECH"

Shawn Penney, president of the Good in the Hood organization, responded, saying “This is still our neighborhood, it’s still the people’s neighborhood.  We’re not going to cancel it, because if we cancel it, they win. This year is going to be a great event. That letter isn’t going to scare us. We aren’t going to run away from it.”

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has stated, “Our city, just two weeks removed from a national tragedy, has experienced a number of incidents this week clearly motivated by hate. Threats to the Good in the Hood festival in the heart of Albina, targeting communities of color, particularly black Portlanders. Reports today of racist language directed at a middle school child. This is unconscionable.

“We are in communication with local school districts, the Governor’s office, and are actively working with local, state, and federal law enforcement. We are doing all we can to investigate these recent incidents and protect our residents who are living under threat. If you have any information that could assist investigators, please contact the Portland Police Bureau.

“These times can be terrifying… I’ve spoken to many people who are scared. We have a tremendous opportunity to come together to ensure that everyone is welcome in our city, and we all live in safety and with dignity.

“Please, let’s continue to stand up for one another.”

 Jessica Rojas, of the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhood advises that the Good in the Hood are asking for prayers from clergy and their congregations.

The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty encourages all of our members to join in prayers for Peace, Love,  Justice, and Respect for all human beings as children of God.

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 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.

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

What is Poverty?

According to the Public Housing Bureau, “On any given night, about 4,000 people sleep on the streets or in shelters across Portland.”   Of that number, approximately 1,325 are children. 2016 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, informally referred to as the "federal poverty level."  determine the benefit levels of many low-income assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps, reduced/free school lunches, etc.)

Effective July 1, 2016, Oregon minimum wage is $9.75 per hour.    Cost of apartments continue to rise, from low-cost housing @ $450-$800 per month, to $800-$1,500 for 1-2 bedroom properties.   Poverty incomes are stretched thin to cover this cost, but most who have the means are willing to pay.