Next meeting of the Interfaith Alliance will be on Thursday, February 1, at 12:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock. Featured speaker will be Deborah Kafoury, chair of the Multnomah County Commission.
“THE ALTERNATIVE” by Mauricio Miller
Book Review by George Johnson, Rose City Presbyterian Church Do you ask why poverty is still prominent for the past several decades? Not enough money or is the plan seriously flawed? What can/should be done today? The book “The Alternative” as the title suggests, proposes a new approach to eliminating poverty. According to the author most of what we, the well-intended, know about poverty is wrong. Social programs should invest in the strengths of the poor and not be simply charities.
The author, Mauricio Miller, entered US as a young boy with his mother and sister as an emigrant from Mexico. His mother wanted an education and better life for her children. His life in poverty and the sacrifices his single mother made for her family make for thoughtful reading. His family, as with others in in poverty, lived in a social network of community interactions. Learning to be resourceful and working together they survived. He learned that it does not take talent to live with resources, but living in poverty --- every day presents a new learning experience in survival. The prevailing thought by many in social work is that people in poverty make poor decisions, thus, continuing poverty. Miller takes serious issue with that concept - they know what is best for them, but have insufficient resources or opportunities to live out their dreams. They feel obligated to follow the social workers instructions or suggestions rather than follow their own solutions.
He entered University of California, Berkeley, as an engineering student. Living and interacting with students from the elite, money class was an enlightening experience opening a new understanding of life that he never knew existed. He hoped to graduate and get a job. Affluent classmates considered those basic components of life expected entitlements, primarily through family connections. He did graduate, get a job, and was drafted to serve in Vietnam.
Mauricio Miller was not satisfied with life and distraught after the suicide of his mother. She was unable to maintain the stresses and abuses as a single mother and felt unsuccessful in giving her children what she wanted for them. (Reader can learn about his sister who did not follow his path.) He wanted to be more involved with people and helping the under privileged. After a few years he headed a social service NGO. It was “successful” with nationwide recognition. He was invited by President Clinton to the 1999 State of the Union address.
But he was not satisfied. He felt hypocritical and that advancements of his clients were minimal; thus the program was not justified. He calculated that clients would be better off if he gave them directly the money he received for the projects. What to do? At that time, by serendipity (or God’s providence), Governor Jerry Brown contacted him and asked what California could propose to a national poverty grant announcement. His thoughts went back to his mother. She was extremely resourceful and also talented as a seamstress. What could she have accomplished if she had access to even small financial resources? She and other immigrants were extremely resourceful, relied on each other, and shared what they had. Would not these basic concepts be the basis for a new approach? Would not learning what they need to survive be valuable - a bottom up rather than a top down approach - in social service? Would not those in poverty know better about living in poverty than those with post-graduate degrees from prestigious universities? Governor Brown was impressed, took his advice, and was awarded the grant.
The last portion of the book describes development and principles of his “alternative” approach. It grew into what is called today the “Family Independence Initiative” (FII). It began in Oakland, and has expanded into several cities (https://www.fii.org/ https://www.uptogether.org/) including Portland by partnering with the Multnomah Idea Lab (https://multco.us/dchs/mil). The basic principle is that clients are in charge. They are paid to work together and develop their own plans, and in doing so they “educate’ the social workers. Program resources go to clients with much less to social workers. The purpose of this review is not to explain in detail or defend the FII. Readers are encouraged to access the internet sites to learn and understand.
All who are troubled by poverty and want to alleviate this injustice in our society should read this book. Mauricio Miller describes the flaws in our social service network and how the strengths of the poor, not the weaknesses, should be emphasized. Importantly, the book provides the reader insight of how those around us in poverty view themselves. What is the future for social programs? What initiatives should we support, advocate and participate in? What can we learn from the past?
Putting SOUL Into Business by Thomas Hering (Interfaith Alliance Co-Chair on Advocacy) and Mary Anne Harmer
“We wrote “Putting Soul Into Business” for one reason: hope. “Because we believe the Benefit Corporation is going to be a strong catalyst for a better world and for a better business by adopting and practicing the 3 P’s of People, Planet and Profit. “It is our intent in this book to not only show why you should embrace this entity for your business, but how to do it. Along the way you’ll read about companies both larger and small learning about their decisions to become a Benefit Corporation. We believe you will find the transcripts for their interviews with us inspiring. It certainly was the case for us as we talked to these forward-thinking yet humble leaders. “…It is our hope (operative word, here) you jump in and become part of this fast-growing movement and embrace what a short while ago seemed almost impossible: putting soul into business.
“Hope. -- Hope for the environment. -- Hope for social justice. “Hope for business. -- And Hope for the world.
You see, we believe we are at that proverbial crossroad where there is no more time. Either we stay on the road we’ve been on or we choose to travel the path less followed. We’ve seen the writing on the wall. Global warming. Hate crimes accelerating. Corporate greed spiraling upward. “The good news is that a new generation of enlightened humans are saying 'enough is enough.' And they are making their beliefs and opinions about the environment and social justice known to businesses with the most potent tool of capitalism: their pocketbooks .Here's what we write in the introduction of Putting Soul Into Business: How the Benefit Corporation is Transforming American Business for Good...
“A 2015 research study by Nielsen reports nearly 66 percent of global online consumers across 60 countries said they are willing to pay more for products and services by companies that are committed to positive social and environmental impact. These are convincing numbers all by themselves. But when you consider that the report also stated that the willingness to pay more is consistent across all income brackets, you have data that simply can't be ignored.
“In another 2015 report, this one conducted by Cone Communications which focused on Millennials in the U.S., research found that 70% are willing to pay more for products and services of companies with corporate social responsibility programs (CSR). 70%! The study also suggests that female Millennials appear to be the most loyal supporters of those companies with a willingness to:
“Buy a product with a social and/or environmental benefit, given the opportunity (90% versus 83% adult average) -- “Tell their friends and family about a company's CSR efforts (86% versus the 72% adult average); and, -- “Be more loyal to a company that supports a social or environmental issue (91% versus 87% adult average)
“All of which brings us back to hope and why we believe there is plenty of room for it in today's world. Because we believe the Benefit Corporation is going to be a strong catalyst for growth by the companies who adopt and practice such contemporary thinking today and in the months and years ahead. “It's been said that "hope shines brightest in the darkest moments." Care to join us in leaving the darkness behind?“ If you'd like to see if your business is ready to become a benefit corporation, just take our free 12-question "sniff" test and find out right now.” ~benefitcorporationsforgood.com~
LIVING CULLY JANUARY MEETING REPORT BY Marilyn Mauch, Interfaith Alliance Advocacy Action Team.
Marilyn reports that Tom Armstrong and Leslie Lum, of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability discussed mobile home parks. Tom recalled the Cully residents’ campaign to prevent the closure of Oak Leaf and said that in the last couple of years 20 parks have shut down. He noted that some cities have created overlay zoning to protect mobile home parks. Cameron Hering, Executive Director of Living Cully, reported that over 2,000 post cards were received from congregations and organizations supporting the overlay zoning for delivery to the Mayor.
Tom said that the City has begun the work necessary for review of the overlay zoning affecting the 62 mobile home parks in Portland. Once the overlay zone change is ready for public announcement, Living Cully can get to work creating
additional momentum for the community to support its passage. Right now, staff are researching and writing the change; in March, the zoning change will be published; in June there will be public hearings to hear testimonies of support versus non support for the zoning change. In April, May and June, we need to drum up support in the community. He said that so far, we’ve done a great job in presenting the proposal, but we now need to let the City’s technical support work get done and then mobilize more aggressively in the April through June
NEXT VERDE CULLY WALKING GROUP will be Wednesday, January 24th, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm walk to Cully Park and Habitat’s Simpson Street property. Marilyn advises, “We’ll pick up trash, focus on crime prevention and safety and clean the neighborhood. Cully Park will have a celebratory opening this summer when all the park work is completed. Then Habitat’s building work on Simpson Street will begin. In the interim, we need to keep these areas free of trash so that passersby know that this property is "occupied" and being taken care of. Contact Marilyn (m_mauch@comcast.net) If you would like to join the walk.
WEATHERIZATION The City’s weatherization funds are making a huge difference in the lives of the occupants of mobile home parks. Linda, one of the residents, reports that because of the new windows and door she just received, she’s no longer cold all the time and the improvements have made a dramatic decrease in her electric bill – down from $240 a month to $101. Home maintenance funds are also being considered in the short session in Salem.
CULLY HOME REPAIR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Brenna Bailey, community organizer based at St. Charles, and her team are trying to find volunteers with the interest, skills and time necessary to facilitate work as needed. Anyone interested, please contact Marilyn at (m_mauch@comcast.net) or Brenna at brenna@latnet.org
THE CULLY NEIGHBORHOOD
Cully is a highly-diverse, majority low-income neighborhood in Northeast Portland; standing on the site of a long standing native (Chinook) village called Neerchokikoo, It is named after English stonemason Thomas Cully (1810–1891), an early settler. Cully borders Sunderland, Concordia, and Beaumont-Wilshire on the west, Portland International Airport on the north, Sumner on the east, and Rose City Park and Roseway on the south. It was an unincorporated area of Multnomah County from first European settlement until its annexation to the City of Portland in 1985. Most of Cully’s development occurred between 1910 and 1960. Its character from the outset has had strong rural elements: large lots, unpaved and meandering streets, and low density. Cully is Northeast Portland’s largest neighborhood by land area and population; it is over 3 square miles, and its population as of the 2010 US Census is 13,322.
Over the past 30 years working families from many different cultures have moved to Cully making it the most diverse census tract in Oregon. Only 34% of Cully streets have sidewalks, 24% of residents live within ¼ mile of a park (regional average is 49%) 85% of Cully students qualify for free or reduced lunch and the poverty rate is 17% higher than the citywide rate of 13% (US Census 2010
Hacienda CDC, Verde and Naya are strong Cully-based organizations with a rich history of working together and complementary strengths and activities. Living Cully formalized these strong partnerships into a collective impact model in 2010, adding an additional partner, Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East.
Together Living Cully partners create economic, ecological and social benefit for Cully residents, particularly low-income and people of color, by: increasing job opportunities and building earnings for residents and neighborhood small businesses, providing opportunities for engagement, collective action and cultural expression, expanding safe, high-quality affordable housing in the neighborhood, increasing natural and built investment including parks, trails and healthy housing, and to working to ensure low levels of involuntary displacement from the neighborhood.
BLACK HISTORY IN PORTLAND
Although Oregon law prohibited slavery from the earliest days of its provisional government in 1843, it wasn’t enforced, and a number of early settlers from Missouri came with one or more slaves to help work their new Willamette Valley farms. In 1844, the Peter Burnett-led legislative council amended the law to allow slaveholders two years to free male slaves and three years to free female slaves. In 1857 an all-white male Oregon constitutional convention was held. A clause was approved in the state constitution which read:
“No free negro or mulatto not residing in this state at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall come, reside or be within this state or hold any real estate, or make any contracts.” under penalty of law. At the same time Oregon voters cast ballots decisively voting down slavery. In 1860, Oregon’s black population was just 128 in a total population of 52,465.
World War II produced change in established norms. In 1941 following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States needed ships to fill its navy. Portland-Vancouver shipyards operated 24 hours per day, producing one Liberty ship each per week. African Americans joined the thousands coming from cities and towns back east and the south to work in Swan Island and the Oregon Shipyards in Portland, and Kaiser Shipyard in Vancouver
The need for housing was great. Vanport, an immense prefab housing complex was constructed on the site currently occupied by Delta Park and the Portland International Raceway. Construction began in August 1942 and Vanport became home to 40,000 people, about 40 percent of whom were African-American, making it Oregon's second-largest city at the time, and the largest public housing project in the nation. Vanport was destroyed at 4:05 p.m. on May 30, 1948, Memorial; Day weekend, when a 200-foot (61 m) section of the dike holding back the Columbia River collapsed during a flood. Miraculously only 15 lives were lost.
When the war ended, many of the “newcomers” returned back east or to the south. However, many African Americans decided to stay here. Realtors observed a red-line practice whereby African Americans were not allowed to buy property outside certain boundaries, basically Union Avenue to the west, Lombard to the north, NE 33rd to the east, and E Burnside to the south. By 1950 this area had become a vibrant part of the city with thriving neighborhoods, churches, and stores.
Don Frazier, Pastor of Genesis Community Fellowship, remembers growing up there, how everybody knew everybody, people sat out their porches of a summer evening, kids played on the street and families dressed up of a Sunday morning to go to church. It was a neighborhood that felt like home.
The Albina district also housed a vibrant night life with clubs, restaurants, and music, which Jim Thompson has described in his book “Jumptown”, as “the Golden Years of Jazz”. .
While there had been just a few hundred African Americans in Portland before the war, that number swelled to more than 20,000 during the war. With that many people making good money, the clubs began to flourish and, in turn, began to attract big- name acts such as Thelonious Monk, Charlie Barnet and Nat King Cole. The scene also began to cultivate local talent.
Paul Knauls told of his experience coming to Portland in the early 1960s and opening the Cotton Club. He said that Portland had become a mecca of jazz and blues at that point and the clubs had begun to draw many white fans as well as black devotees. He listed acts such as Etta James, Diana Ross, Martha and the Vandellas and the Four Tops as among those who came through Portland at the time.
In 1958, an Urban Renewal program was launched by the City of Portland to make possible the construction of the Memorial Coliseum, (now Moda Center), the Portland School District Administrative offices, etc.. Most of the black jazz and blues clubs in Albina were wiped out by urban renewal. Eleven hundred homes and businesses owned by African Americans were claimed under “eminent domain” and demolished to make way for the new construction.
Residents forced out of their homes and businesses were left to find accommodations elsewhere. Many ended up in northeast and southeast Portland, separated from their community. Gang members moved from Los Angeles to Portland bringing problems with them.
On August 28, 1963, more than 200,000 people, black and white, congregated in Washington, D. C. for a peaceful march with the main purpose of forcing civil rights legislation and establishing job equality for everyone.
Addressing the crowds, in his “I have a dream” speech Dr. Martin Luther King said “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. “ But let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. “I have a dream that one day- every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together." With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. “And when this happens, and when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Dr. King witnessed the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson, legislation that had been authorized by President John F. Kennedy before his assassination. The law guaranteed equal employment for all, limited the use of voter literacy tests and allowed federal authorities to ensure public facilities were integrated.
On February 21, 1965, former Nation of Islam leader and Organization of Afro-American Unity, founder Malcolm X was assassinated at a rally. Three years later, on April 4, 1968, civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated on his hotel balcony.
Calling themselves the “Black Panthers” young blacks across the nation took to the streets in grief and anger to protest social injustice and police violence. .
The Black Panthers’ ten-point platform included “equality in the realms of employment, housing, and education, along with freedom for political prisoners and an end to police brutality.
In Portland, about 20 young blacks organized as the Portland Panthers . In June 1969, their chapter opened an office on the southeast corner of Northeast Cook Street and Union Avenue (present-day Martin Luther King Boulevard), the first of four locations.
By the end of that year, the Portland Panthers had started a Children´s Breakfast Program at Highland United Church of Christ—where they fed up to 125 children each morning before school. They also established the Fred Hampton Memorial People´s Health Clinic, extending free medical care five evenings a week at 109 North Russell to anyone of any race. In February 1970, they opened a dental clinic at 2341 North Williams.
When their medical clinic was condemned and razed to accommodate a planned expansion of Emanuel Hospital, the chapter moved their Monday and Tuesday night dental practice to the Kaiser dental clinic at 214 N Russell and their medical clinic to the former dental clinic space on North Williams.
“It felt good,” Oscar Johnson recalls. “We were doing something. We had the respect of the community.” New members were attracted to the social programs, and the Portland chapter grew, though it never exceeded fifty members, about a third of whom were women. George Barton, a neurosurgeon, was their first volunteer physician, and Gerald Morrell was their first volunteer dentist. As head of Community Outreach for the Multnomah Dental Society, Morrell persuaded many others to join him.
The Portland Panther chapter lasted a decade, finally closing the medical clinic in 1979. “We decided we just couldn´t keep going,” says Sandra Ford, a founding member who worked in the health clinic as a medical assistant.
In 1960 the Portland School District implemented a busing program to desegregate schools. The goal was to improve racial harmony; but the burden was placed on the black community. While white children remained in their schools, black children were bused out of their communities to attend white schools. Often children were assigned to different schools each year, making it difficult for black children to become familiar with their new classrooms and hard for their parents to attend meetings, etc. to provide support
Since busing increased the enrollment in white schools while decreasing the enrollment in black community schools, it was decided that more black community schools should be closed. By 1980, it was clear the busing program was not working and it was hoped desegregated middle schools might help..
Melanie Sevcenko reported in the The Skanner News that “through tenacious protest from groups like the Black United Front, Portland Public Schools eventually agreed to open Tubman at the Eliot Childhood Education Center. For more than 20 years, the middle school stood as a precedent for community pushback against institutional racism within the school district. “In 2007, it was converted into the Harriet Tubman Young Women's Leadership Academy, as part of restructuring Jefferson High School. Five years later, the academy dissolved too. “
Christine Pitawanich, KGW, reported on November 16, 2017 that, “Without a school at the heart of the historically African American neighborhood, community members say it’s been difficult to form a strong community or promote parental involvement. “
At a community meeting in North Portland’s Center for Self Enhancement , Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero assured neighbors, “The Portland Public Schools Board of Education, and the district are committed to opening Harriet Tubman as a comprehensive middle school, grades 6-8 for the fall of 2018.”
“THE WARMTH OF OTHER SUNS” provides an excellent commentary on the epic story of “America’s Great Migration” from the South to the North and West between 1915 - 1975. It is told through the true stories of four individuals who made the journey. Herself a child of the migration, Isabel Wilkerson, tells how individuals responded to the Jim Crow south, where despite their emancipation following the Civil War, black people were valued primarily for their labor and compensated as the white land owners saw fit. Their children were allowed to attend schools only when they were not needed for field work and every aspect of their lives was segregated. If they expressed any resentment, they could be beaten, or lynched. Isabel Wilkerson tells their their story with graceful imagery and humanity.
“It was during World War I that a silent pilgrimage took its first steps within the borders of this country. The fever rose without warning or notice or much in the way of understanding by those outside its reach. It would not end until the 1970’s and would set into motion changes in the North and South that no one, not even the people doing the leaving, could have imagined at the start of it or dreamed could take a lifetime to play out.
“ Their decisions were separate joining a road already plied decades before by people as discontented as themselves. A thousand hurts and killed wishes led to a final determination by each fed-up individual on the verge of departure, which, added to millions of others, made what could be called migration. It would become perhaps the biggest underreported story of the twentieth century. It was vast. It was leaderless. It crept along so many thousands of currents over so long a stretch of time as to make it difficult for the press truly to capture while it was happening.”
On April 28, 1917, an editorial in the Cleveland Advocate wrote “There is no mistaking what is going on; it is a regular exodus. It is without head, tail, or leadership. Its greatest factor is momentum. People are leaving their homes and everything about them, under cover of night as though they were going on a day’s journey – leaving forever.
Breaking Away
“I was leaving without a question, without a single backward glance. The face of the South that I had known was hostile and forbidding and yet out of all the conflicts and the curses, the tension and the terror, I had somehow gotten the idea that life could be different. I was now running more away from something than toward something. My mood was I’ve got to get away; I can’t stay here. “ Richard Wright, “Black Boy”
THE ALBINA VISION
The “Albina Vision” would develop the 30-acre Rose Quarter with housing and businesses that respects history and embraces the future. Rukaiyah Adams explained “What we envision is … putting bikes and walkers first and not just having them be unsafe crossing giant highways and streets.” She shared that her great-grandmother moved to the Rose Quarter after fleeing the violence of the Jim Crow south. “It was a lot like Ladds’ neighborhood today,” she said. “Imagine bulldozing Ladds’ Addition to build a soccer stadium.” She wants to, “rebuild a community, not just the physical spaces” of a neighborhood that she refers to as “ground zero for the discussion about equity and history in Portland.”
The “Albina Vision wouldn’t seek to demolish the Coliseum. Rather,” Adams says, “Portland must be honest about the destruction of this neighborhood, not back away from that history.
The way we see it,” she continued, “the homes of black veterans were bulldozed to build a monument mostly to white veterans — so this is our Robert E. Lee monument. We look at it and can appreciate the beauty and wanting to protect the architecture; but also feel like there’s a story about what we’re monumenting here-- that has to be told if it will be preserved.”
RIGHTING THE WRONGS OF BLACK HISTORY
Carol Turner and David Groff, Westminster Presbyterian, Co-Chairs of the Interfaith Alliance welcomed a crowded room of those attending the Interfaith Alliance’s first meeting of the year. John Elizalde, First Unitarian, and Co-Chair of the Becoming Poverty Aware & Communication Action Team, introduced featured speaker, Joy Alise Davis, Executive Director of the Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF).
Originally from Jamaica, Joy Alise grew up in Ohio, and received her Masters of Urban Design at Miami University. She has expertise working on social sustainability projects, including racial equity strategies, collaborative design strategies, project development, civic engagement and community data analysis.
As Executive Director of PAALT, she has devoted herself to social justice issues involving the African American community in Portland. Joy Alise explained that efforts are now under way “to right these wrongs.” The PAALF People’s Plan serves as a powerful tool for research, organizing, and implementation. By viewing the community as the drivers of change, this project engaged over 400 African Americans on their experience living in Portland. Empowering the Black community to assert their right to actively shape the city we live in, the PAALF People’s Plan hopes to ensure that solutions are informed by the people affected.
Although African Americans continue to “yearn” for their community, lack of affordable housing has become another barrier to their return. Nevertheless, efforts are being made to support their “Right to Return”. Joy encouraged Interfaith Alliance members to support organizations working to make this happen.
MAYOR WHEELER SUPPORTS OVERLAY ZONING!!!
On January 19, 2018 Mayor Tom Wheeler advised “Manufactured Home parks are a critical part of the affordable housing that we need in Portland. We join Verde and Living Cully in wanting zoning and other tools to protect this housing from unnecessary change. I look forward to getting these code amendments to City Council for action. Additionally, I hope you will join Nathan Howard, one of my Senior Policy Advisors, on January 24th at 10:00 AM in City Hall to discuss this further and work together on protecting residents living in Manufactured Housing Parks.” Representatives from three parks are scheduled to attend meeting.
"Righting the Wrongs of Black History"
Carol Turner and David Groff, West Minster Presbyterian, Co-Chairs of the Interfaith Alliance welcomed a crowded room of those attending the Interfaith Alliance’s first meeting of the year. John Elizalde, First Unitarian, and Co-Chair of the Becoming Poverty Aware & Communication Action Team, introduced featured speaker, Joy Alise Davis, Executive Director of the Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF). Originally from Jamaica, Joy Alise grew up in Ohio, and received her Masters of Urban Design at Miami University. She has expertise working on social sustainability projects, including racial equity strategies, collaborative design strategies, project development, civic engagement and community data analysis.
As Executive Director of PAALT, she has devoted herself to social justice issues involving the African American community in Portland. Originally neither the City of Portland or the State of Oregon welcomed African Americans.
Oregon had a law prohibiting slavery from the earliest days of its provisional government in 1843. However, it wasn’t enforced, and a number of early settlers from Missouri came with one or more slaves to help work their new Willamette Valley farms. In 1844, the Peter Burnett-led legislative council amended the law to allow slaveholders two years to free male slaves and three years to free female slaves.
In 1857 an all-white male Oregon constitutional convention was held. A clause was approved in the state constitution which read:
“No free negro or mulatto not residing in this state at the time of the adoption of this constitution, shall come, reside or be within this state or hold any real estate, or make any contracts.” under penalty of law. At the same time Oregon voters cast ballots decisively voting down slavery. In 1860, Oregon’s black population was just 128 in a total population of 52,465.
World War II produced a change in established norms. The U.S. had just had its fleet sunk and there was an urgent need for ships to fill its navy. African Americans joined the thousands coming from cities and towns back east and the south to work in Northwest shipyards. Swan Island and the Oregon Shipyards drew workers in Portland, as did Kaiser Shipyard in Vancouver. Shipyards operated 24 hours per day, producing one Liberty ship each per week.
The need for housing was great. Vanport, an immense prefab housing complex was constructed on the site currently occupied by Delta Park and the Portland International Raceway. Construction began in August 1942 and Vanport became home to 40,000 people, about 40 percent of whom were African-American, making it Oregon's second-largest city at the time, and the largest public housing project in the nation. Vanport was destroyed at 4:05 p.m. on May 30, 1948, when a 200-foot (61 m) section of the dike holding back the Columbia River collapsed during a flood. Miraculously only 15 lives were lost.
When the war ended, many of the “newcomers” returned back east or to the south. However, many African Americans decided to stay here. Realtors observed a red-line practice whereby African Americans were not allowed to buy property outside certain boundaries, basically Union Avenue to the west, Lombard to the north, NE 33rd to the east, and E Burnside to the south. By 1950 this area had become a vibrant part of the city with thriving neighborhoods, churches, and stores.
Don Frazier, Pastor of Genesis Community Fellowship, remembers growing up there, how everybody knew everybody, people sat out their porches of a summer night, kids played on the street and families dressed up of a Sunday morning to go to church. It was a neighborhood that felt like home.
The Albina district also housed a vibrant night life with clubs, restaurants, and music, which Jim Thompson has described in his book “Jumptown”, as “the Golden Years of Jazz”. Oregonian reporter, John Kellin reported in March 2015 about a History Hub discussion held at Kennedy School. "For the first time in our lives, we had money," said Ben Johnson, who came to Portland in 1943 when he was 13 with his parents so his father could help build ships. He said that his mother, a schoolteacher, had never made more than $16 a month. But his father was suddenly making $18 a week (or about $250 a week today) in the shipyards.
"We had discretionary income to spend and we wanted to spend it," said Johnson. "Problem was, where could you spend it? In part, he said, the answer was the night clubs such as the Dude Ranch. And his parents were far from alone. While there had been just a few hundred African Americans in Portland before the war, that number swelled to more than 20,000 during the war. With that many people making good money and looking for places to spend some of it, the clubs began to flourish and, in turn, began to attract name acts such as Thelonious Monk, Charlie Barnet and Nat King Cole. The scene also began to cultivate local talent.
Paul Knauls told of his experience coming to Portland in the early 1960s and opening the Cotton Club. He said that Portland had become a mecca of jazz and blues at that point and the clubs had begun to draw many white fans as well as black devotees. He listed acts such as Etta James, Diana Ross, Martha and the Vandellas and the Four Tops as among those who came through Portland at the time.
Bill Rutherford talked about how influential the music scene was on Portland youths and said that dances for young people often drew overflow crowds to venues such as the old Knott Street Community Center. Eventually, most of the black jazz and blues clubs in Albina were wiped out by urban renewal. Places like the Dude Ranch, the Savoy and the Acme became memories.
In 1958, an Urban Renewal program was launched by the City of Portland to make possible the construction of the Memorial Coliseum, (now Moda Center), the Portland School District Administration building, and Legacy Emmanuel Hospital expansion. Hundreds of homes and businesses owned by African Americans were claimed under “eminent domain” and demolished to make way for the new construction. Residents forced out of their homes and businesses were left to find accommodations elsewhere. Many ended up in northeast and southeast Portland, separated from their community. Gang members moved from Los Angeles to Portland bringing problems with them
Joy Alise explained that efforts are now under way “to right these wrongs.” The PAALF People’s Plan serves as a powerful tool for research, organizing, and implementation. By viewing the community as the drivers of change, this project engaged over 400 African Americans on their experience living in Portland. Empowering the Black community to assert their right to actively shape the city we live in, the PAALF People’s Plan hopes to ensure that solutions are informed by the people affected.
Although African Americans continue to “yearn” for their community, lack of affordable housing has become another barrier to their return. Nevertheless, efforts are being made to support their “Right to Return”. Joy encouraged Interfaith Alliance members to support organizations working to make this happen. B. Gregg
THE ALBINA VISION
Rukaiyah Adams Source: J. Maus/BikePortland – September 2017)
The “Albina Vision” would develop the 30-acre Rose Quarter with housing and businesses that respects history and embraces the future.
Rukaiyah Adams explained “What we envision is … putting bikes and walkers first and not just having them be unsafe crossing giant highways and streets.” She shared that her great-grandmother moved to the Rose Quarter after fleeing the violence of the Jim Crow south. “It was a lot like Ladds [neighborhood] today,” she said. “Imagine bulldozing Ladds Addition to build a soccer stadium.” She wants to, “rebuild a community, not just the physical spaces” of a neighborhood that she refers to as “ground zero for the discussion about equity and history in Portland.”
The “Albina Vision wouldn’t seek to demolish the Coliseum. Rather,” Adams says, “Portland must be honest about the destruction of this neighborhood, not back away from that history.
The way we see it,” she continued, “the homes of black veterans were bulldozed to build a monument mostly to white veterans — so this is our Robert E. Lee monument. We look at it and can appreciate the beauty and wanting to protect the architecture; but also feel like there’s a story about what we’re monumenting here-- that has to be told if it will be preserved.”
Celebrating -- DR MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
On August 28, 1963 in Washington, D.C. Dr. Martin Luther King addressed more than 200,000 people, black and white, congregated for a peaceful march with the main purpose of forcing civil rights legislation and establishing job equality for everyone. Addressing the crowds, saying in his “I have a dream” speech “Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity.
“ But let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
“I have a dream that one day- every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together." With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
“And when this happens, and when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Dr. King witnessed the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson, legislation that had been authorized by President John F. Kennedy before his assassination. The law guaranteed equal employment for all, limited the use of voter literacy tests and allowed federal authorities to ensure public facilities were integrated. On February 21, 1965, former Nation of Islam leader and Organization of Afro-American Unity, founder Malcolm X was assassinated at a rally. On April 4, 1968, civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated on his hotel balcony.
The Fair Housing Act became law on April 11, 1968, just days after King’s assassination. It prevented housing discrimination based on race, sex, national origin and religion. It was also the last legislation enacted during the civil rights era. B. Gregg
NEW BOOK "PUTTING SOUL INTO BUSINESS" by Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Advocacy Co-Chair, Tom Hering and Mary Anne Harmer Hering and
Putting Soul Into Business: The essential book for aspiring benefit corporations
We wrote “Putting Soul Into Business” for one reason: hope.
Because we believe the Benefit Corporation is going to be a strong catalyst for a better world and for a better business by adopting and practicing the 3 P’s of People, Planet and Profit.
It is our intent in this book to not only show why you should embrace this entity for your business, but how to do it. Along the way you’ll read about companies both larger and small learning about their decisions to become a Benefit Corporation. We believe you will find the transcripts for their interviews with us inspiring. It certainly was the case for us as we talked to these forward-thinking yet humble leaders.
After finishing the book, it is our hope (operative word, here) you jump in and become part of this fast-growing movement and embrace what a short while ago seemed almost impossible: putting soul into business.
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 7th 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 17th, 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
Alliance Endorses Oregon Ballot Measure 101
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," said Tom Hering, the Alliance's co-chair for Advocacy. "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.
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.
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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.
DECEMBER HOLY DAYS
During the month of December, sacred celebrations are being held among many Interfaith Alliance on Poverty congregations who are members of the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist faiths. .
JEWISH
Photo credits: Flash90
In 2017, Hannukkah begins at sunset on Tuesday DECEMBER 12 and ends at sundown on Wednesday, DECEMBER 20. It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army, and the subsequent miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and restoring its menorah, or lamp. The miracle of Hanukah is that after the battle, only one vial of oil was found with just enough oil to last one day = yet it had lasted through 8 days of battle.
Hanukkah is celebrated in Jewish homes with lighting of candles, reciting prayers, and eating special foods. Some people also sing Hanukkah songs or exchange gifts after lighting the menorah, which is also called a hanukkiah.
CHRISTIAN
“Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior; which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11-12
On Friday, DECEMBER 25, 2017, the world’s 2 billion Christians will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe was sent by God to bring salvation to mankind. Many Orthodox Christians in the U.S. refer to the holiday as the Nativity. Manger scenes are set up in churches and private homes, candles are lit and the story of the “Baby Jesus” is told, the babe born in a stable, beneath a bright star, to Mary and Joseph, surrounded by angels, shepherds, and sheep, to the accompaniment of heavenly choirs. – Christians celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day by attending worship services. Bells ring, choirs sing, families gather around Christmas tree and dinner tables, baskets are given to the poor, and gifts are exchanged
MUSLIM
Eid Milad ul-Nabi celebrations commemorate the birth of the prophet, Mohammed, in 570 AD. This year the prophet’s birthday will be celebrated on DECEMBER lst. It is observed on the 12th or 17th day of Rabi' al-awwal Islamic month.
Having lost his parents at a young age, Muhammed was raised by his uncle, who trained him to become a successful merchant. At the age of 40, after an encounter with an angel, Muhammad began hearing messages he understood to be from God. He began preaching these words, which are recorded in the Quran. Eventually, he and his followers numbering around ten thousand. took control of Mecca. When Muhammad died in 632, he had united Arabia into a single Muslim political/religious body, but they soon divided into two religious camps. The Sunni Muslims (about 80% of Islam) understood Muhammed had wished his friend and father-in law to be the first caliph and chose him to replace The Prophet. Since Muhammad’s own sons had pre-deceased him, the Shia Muslims (about 10% of Islam) believed that Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, Ali, should have been selected. Thus, the rivalry began. Although all Muslims agree on the importance of teaching the Quran, the Sunni are typically seen as putting more emphasis on the power of God and his determination of human fate. They are understood to be more inclusive in their definition of what it means to be a Muslim.
To celebrate The Prophet’s birth, Muslims hold open-air celebrations or parades, carrying green banners. Men and boys wear green, while girls wear pink and white. A communal meal is held or birthday cake distributed at the end of the celebrations. Food is often shared with non-Muslims.
BUDDHIST
On DECEMBER 8th, Buddhists celebrate BODHI DAY, commemorating the day on which Siddhartha Gautama experienced enlightenment. Born in Northern India, Siddhartha left a life of ease within a wealthy family to devote years exploring extreme ascetic practices to better understand suffering. Finally he resolved to sit beneath the Bodhi tree, until truth came to him. The next day, as the morning star rose, Siddhartha experienced the enlightenment he had sought, thereafter becoming known as Buddha, the “Awakened One.” This one defining moment became the central foundation upon which Buddhism has been built for the last 2,500 years.
It is a day on which followers renew their dedication to Buddhism; reaffirm themselves to enlightenment, compassion, and kindness to other living creatures; and understand the relevance of their religion as it applies to the modern world.
“THE HAPPIEST SEASON OF ALL”…
During the month of December, we often awaken to frost on our windows and icicles dripping from the eaves. We bundle up against the cold. Darkness shortens our days. Rich and poor alike enjoy a warm fire and a hot cup of cider. We draw together, taking comfort from each other, which is probably the reason winter holidays came about in the first place. Our pagan ancestors worshipped the sun, and in mid-winter on December 25 celebrated Deus Sol Invictus. In 350 AD, Pope Julius I, usurped this date, proclaiming December 25, the official celebration day for the birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas). Although Christmas is sacred to Christians, it has become a secular holiday both at home and to many around the world.
In Argentina, they decorate the boots of Father Christmas with red and white flowers, hold huge feasts, exchange gifts at midnight, and set off fireworks. In the Marshall Islands they hold song and dance competitions, enjoy feasts and have piñatas containing little presents for the children. In Iceland, they celebrate the Christmas Book Flood. On Christmas Eve they exchange books and spend the rest of the night reading them and eating chocolate.
In the USA, we are consumed with holiday bazaars, tree lighting, TV specials, Santa Claus photos, decorating the house, baking cookies, preparing for the feast, and, shopping for toys and holiday duds for the “kiddies” and ourselves. The gods of the marketplace set our Christmas priorities. So what if we go into debt, and the toy breaks two days after Christmas. As the song says, “Christmas is the happiest season of all!” If going broke is the price we must pay, so be it.
Unfortunately, there are some of us already so broke we can’t pay.…. One year about a week before Christmas I was working in the Northeast Emergency Food Bank & Clothing Center. After picking up his groceries, a man came into the Clothing Center where I sat behind a desk He asked if we had any clothes for boys aged 7 and 9. I showed him where they were located. He spotted two jackets and then selected some jeans, shirts, and sweaters. Eyeing a pile of socks, he looked at me questioningly. “Help yourself”, I said.
“I don’t suppose you have any toys?” he asked. When people making donations to the Clothing Center cleared out their closets and cupboards, they occasionally threw in a few toys. I pointed him to a large box. He found a soccer ball, a Monopoly game that still had most its parts and a couple of books. As he gave me his items to be counted and bagged, he said “Lady, you have made my kids’ Christmas! In the food pantry, I got a chicken and everything for our dinner and now there will be presents, too. “ He paused. “They gave me one of the left-over trees. I don’t suppose you’ve got ornaments?” he laughed. As a matter of fact we did. I pulled out a box of shiny balls from under a table. He took my hand, and said, “Thank you!” a tear welling in his eye. I found tears in my eyes too. In that moment, on a cold, rainy day, in the basement of a church, among people too poor for the marketplace, a spirit of joy claimed our hearts. Because of the generosity of others, who were in fact strangers to the man and his two sons, Christmas did become “the happiest season of all.” B. Gregg.
GOOD BOOK READ: "NICKEL & DIMED" by Barbara Ehrenreich
New York Times writer, Barbara Ehrenreich, traveled across the country working at minimum wage jobs to learn first hand what it takes to survive with limited resources, now revealed in her book, “Nickel and Dimed.”
''There are no secret economies that nourish the poor,'' Ehrenreich writes. ''On the contrary there are a host of special costs. If you can't put up the two months' rent you need to secure an apartment, you end up paying through the nose for a room by the week. If you have only a room, with a hot plate at best, you can't save by cooking up huge lentil stews that can be frozen for the week ahead. You eat fast food or the hot dogs and Styrofoam cups of soup that can be microwaved at a convenience store.' Without health insurance you risk a small cut becoming infected because you can afford neither a visit to the doctor nor antibiotics.
''Most civilized nations,'' Ehrenreich writes, ''compensate for the inadequacy of wages by providing relatively generous public services such as health insurance, free or subsidized child care, subsidized housing and effective public transportation. So what should we think about the fact that in America we are sending the poor out to make it on their own on little more than a quarter of a living wage? Shame,” Ehrenreich suggests, “might be an appropriate response.”