January 2019 Newsletter

We have a calling to empower every brother and sister in our community facing hardship and hopelessness. We walk together as an alliance of interfaith communities because we believe doing things together is better than doing them alone. We lead with our hearts and open our minds to understand the causes of poverty and the challenges of escaping it. We work hand-in-hand with families living in poverty by encouraging and supporting them as they move to stability. We boldly advocate for systemic change to help eliminate the root causes of poverty. We know the road is long but we believe as Martin Luther King, Jr. did when he said, “faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase."

- Tom Hering

Best Wishes from the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty for a “Happy New Year”!  It is our hope that, working together, we will  find more ways to break the chains of poverty and create a community where all dreams of prosperity are possible.  1st Thursday Meeting of the Interfaith Alliance, will be January 3,  at Madeleine Catholic Church, starting at 12:00 noon in the Fireside Room.   Focus will be on personal reflections on connecting with poverty; update from Agape Village; information on the National Urban Housing and Economic CDC.  Note:  Entrance to Fireside Room is along the path to the left of the Parish Hall.

SHARING OUR DREAMS

by Bonnie Gregg

 The dream of a “safe home” is common to all humanity from the streets of Portland to the war zones of the world.  It is as basic as our need for water to drink or air to breathe.  Our families must be safe and have opportunity to thrive.  Nevertheless, around the world thousands of families are leaving their homes fleeing violence and bloodshed.  

For most of us, it is hard to imagine what it would be like to be so desperate we are willing to leave all that we have, taking only what we can carry, holding our children‘s hands,  on foot - walking with our families,   friends and strangers, hundreds of miles to find a safe home.   Refugees from   Central America, Syria, Yemen and Northern Africa are on such journeys, reminding us of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Families bedding down  in cars, camps, and on the streets of Portland are also on a journey, carrying only what they have on their backs, hoping for a safe home.

 We are a nation of “dreamers”, immigrants from every part of the globe, of every race and nationality who left their homelands chasing a dream on the North American continent, trying something new, a government for and by the people, established according to a Constitution that promised freedom and equal opportunity  to all.  It didn’t matter what your religion, your wealth or position, if you could read or write, or what language you spoke.  If you could find a way to get to America, you would be given a chance to make your mark.  You would be bound by neither king or tyrant, able to shape your own destiny.   When our nation was founded, Democracy was a crazy idea, the idea of a government for and by the people.  Nobody knew if it would work, but it turns out it did.  America became a “powerhouse” proving that diverse people, guided by faith, working together, combining their talents, ideas, and resources could accomplish wonders.   

Imagine what might happen if we followed this idea to solve problems of poverty in Portland. Dr. Erin Martin, Columbia District Superintendent of the Oregon/Idaho United Methodist Conference has declared that, “We can end the housing crisis in Portland!”, asserting that we have the resources; the only thing holding us back is “lack of imagination.”  

 In other words, we need to free our imaginations to dream “big”, and then match our actions to make our dreams come true, so that a safe home, good education, decent health care, fair pay, racial justice, freedom from violence, and equal opportunity not only become a reality in Portland, but across our nation, and as long as we’re dreaming big “around the world.”.  

While we’re at it, we may also want to consider the planet on which we live and the threats to our environment and fellow creatures.  No poverty could be greater than not having clean air to breathe and water to drink. We are appalled when we see islands of plastic float upon our seas killing birds and marine life, red tides pollute our coastlines, oil creep into our ground water, fires burn our towns and forests, hurricanes destroy our shores, as waters rise and polar ice caps melt.  Greedy millionaires may rejoice in the “bottom lines” created by eviscerating environmental regulations but I suspect Mother /Father Nature have no interest in profit margins.  Their “eye is on the sparrow” and, right now, the sparrow is in trouble.  So, here, too, we need to join hands and dream big, holding fast to our faith that “with God, all things are possible.”

DREAMING BIG IN THE “BIG APPLE”

The New York Times reports that “For decades, the Rev. A. R. Bernard, the pastor of the Christian Cultural Center had a vision for his under-utilized parcel of land near Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn. adjacent to his church,  to construct an urban village, as he calls it, of affordable housing, local shops and a new performing arts center.” The village was intended “to act as a bulwark against gentrification.”  Construction workers would be hired locally, much of the retail space would be reserved for local entrepreneurs and no tenants would be replaced.

The plans in East New York were to include “a church, a school, a 299-seat theater and a community center surrounded by a green quad similar to those on college campuses.  The shops, on the ground-floor of the residential buildings, would mostly face public avenues around the development’s perimeter.”  Vishaan Chakrabarti, founder of PAU, the company overseeing the design, stated that “All of the things that create social mobility, whether it’s affordable housing, cultural institutions, health care, education – this project is about all of that.”  Construction is not set to begin before 2020; however, the area has been re-zoned under Mayor Bill de Blazio’s strategy to promote affordable housing and spark economic develop in blighted neighborhoods and the number of permits to build new “affordable” housing apartments are already rising.

DREAMING “BIG” IN PDX

The City of Portland is now requesting proposals from faith communities to explore development opportunities for affordable housing constructed on their properties. Up to five proposals will be selected for a pilot program under this program. Organizations from the selected proposals will receive one-on-one assistance from architects and development consultants to determine: 

  • The types of housing development that can fit on the site.

  • What might be financially feasible.

  • City policies or regulations that would need to be addressed.

  • A roadmap for the faith organization to develop the housing.

Pilot program services could include: Concept development; Conceptual building designs; Conceptual site plan; Financial analysis (development pro forma); Financing options; Conceptual project timeline and steps in development process.

The pilot program services will be provided free of charge through a grant from Metro regional government and managed by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Selected faith organizations will be required to devote time to work with the design and development teams but do not have to fund the pre-development services.Please note this program is currently only considering proposals for permanent and long-term affordable housing. Proposals for pods and temporary shelters will not be considered.

Applications Due Jan. 18 - 

The City is seeking a variety of projects, so they encourage all faith communities that are taking steps toward development of an affordable housing project — whether in the very beginning stages or further along — to apply.

Applications are due by Friday, January 18, 2019.  To be considered for the design and development services, please fill out the online application form. All applications will be evaluated against several criteria, including location, land availability, project size, development type, land use zoning, diversity of faith communities, organizational capacity and readiness.  Pilot study selection will be made by mid-February. The pre-development studies must be undertaken in Spring 2019. Pilot study selection will be made by mid-February. The pre-development studies must be undertaken in Spring 2019.

Questions / More Information:

To learn more about your property, including zoning, permits, and assessments, go to portlandmaps.com. Have questions, need help or a hard copy of the application? Contact Project Manager Nan Stark at 503-823-3986 or nan.stark@portlandoregon.gov

PORTLAND MAYOR”S “Dream” TO MAKE PORTLAND  “THE CLEANEST MOST LIVABLE CITY IN THE COUNTRY” 

Although homelessness is a not a crime, the conditions in which the homeless are forced to live provide a haven for criminals to prey and an environment in which the addicted and mentally ill frequently exhibit their worst behaviors.  Portlanders seeing camps rise up in their neighborhoods, fear for their personal safety.    They don’t like finding drug paraphernalia in their yards   Their encounters with the homeless are not always positive. Although most of the homeless try to remain invisible or be good neighbors, some are belligerent, even threatening. As a result, although Portlanders may be willing to help the poor, they do not want to become their victims and they are demanding that the City do something about it.

In 2017,  arrests of homeless accounted for 52% of police arrests.  In 2018, the number of arrests increased.  Calls involving the homeless accounted for 8% of the 351,220 calls to which police were dispatched. Most of the crimes involved homeless people on property and drug or low-level crimes.  86% were for non-violent crimes.  More than 1,200 arrests were solely for missing court or violating probation or parole.

 Portland Tribune Reporter, Jim Redden, wrote on  September 6, 2018, that Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has stated that just because  the   recent federal court ruling says the homeless cannot be prosecuted for camping if there is no available shelter, Portland will not be changing how it enforces its anti-camping policies.

The City Code broadly prohibits camping on city property and Wheeler says he has directed the police to act in limited circumstances — when a person is blocking a sidewalk, when a rigid structure has been erected on city property, and when a camp is creating health and safety issues.  He announced that he intends to take measures to correct these problems and make Portland “the cleanest and most livable city in the country!”   

Wheeler said his administration has spent tens of millions of dollars on homeless services with Multnomah County through the Joint Office on Homeless Services (JOHS).  Much of the funding has gone to nonprofit agencies that operate more than a dozen emergency shelters in the city and county. They include Transition Projects, Human Solutions, Portland Homeless Family Solutions, Do Good Multnomah, Community of Hope and Janus. All are at capacity and some have waiting lists.  This fall, Portland voters  also voted to support $653 million in bonds to provide affordable housing, which hopefully will help reduce rising costs of rent and increase availability of housing. https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/405553-303514-wheeler-court-ruling-wont-affect-homeless-camping-enforcement https://www.opb.org/news/article/oregon-election-affordable-housing-metro/

REPORT

by David Groff

 1st Thursday December 6 Meeting of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty  

1st Thursday meeting of the Interfaith Alliance was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on December 6, 2019 from 12:00 until 3:00 PM. Following opening prayer offered by  Pastor Beth Neal, Carol Turner, introduced the day’s speaker, Carol Chan, Coordinator for Living Cully.  Born in Hong Kong, Carol moved to Southern Oregon as a child.  Since age 15, Carol worked on trail crews with the US Forest Service and as a guide with the National Park Service.  The juxtaposition of urban and natural environments gave Carol an appreciation for the importance of sustainability.  She brings this passion for integrating natural elements into built environments to her new position as Living Cully Coordinator, where she is leading efforts to preserve land for affordable housing in the Cully Neighborhood.

  Carol gave an overview of the Cully Neighborhood and Living Cully.  Located in N.E. Portland, Cully is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Portland. Annexed to the city in the eighties its infrastructure lags that of other Portland neighborhoods. Poverty is 17% higher than in the city as a whole and 85% of the children qualify for free or reduced cost meals. It has attracted many immigrants.  But housing prices and rents have increased dramatically and caused some displacement and threatened much more.  Living Cully, a coalition of Habitat for Humanity, NAYA, Hacienda, and Verde was created in 2010.  It has developed programs to combat displacement.  

Carol introduced Carlina Arango, Mateo Fietes, and Antonio Rojas from Verde, a non-profit environmental social enterprise.  Carlina Arango, Landscape Program Manager for Verde, said that it promotes construction firms run by women and people of color.  It hires people from the neighborhood for its projects.  It offers urban restoration, bio-swell construction and other environmental services.  It helped create Cully Park.  It recruits its workers locally and provides training, a living wage and benefits.  Crew-members gain training and experience to move on to other jobs or create their own landscaping businesses.  The training program lasts about two years but is tailored to the needs of the individual participants.  The curriculum includes both technical and life skills.  Basic computer skills such as file management are also offered.  Landscape services, an energy program, environmental education, and advocacy are all part of Verde.  Carol emphasized that Verde seeks to be innovative in all that it does. 

A Landscaping Supervisor, Mateo Fietes,   explained how he became involved with Verde.  He had been in construction but moved to Verde in the wake of the Great Recession.  He has learned about the importance of using native plants in landscaping and habitat restoration.  He has remained at Verde because he has become passionate about the environment. Wages are decent, benefits are good, training is good, and scheduling is family friendly.  Mateo has worked for Verde for ten years and feels part of the community. Verde has provided him with opportunity.  

Antonio Rojas started with Verde as a volunteer and then worked into a paying job.  He spoke of working with Mateo on wetland restoration projects.  Prior to working for Verde, he had lived in Kansas.  When he came to Portland he worked for Taco Bell among other places.  He is happy to be working for Verde.

In answer to a question about urban renewal, Carol said that Verde works with Prosper Portland but seeks to develop financing tools that actually serve the community.  She said that local controlled advocacy is critical in making urban renewal a positive force.  Grassroots development and local decision-making are critical.  Local people need to be empowered to access resources needed to prevent displacement and enhance their communities.  

Carol emphasized that Living Cully is dedicated to working collaboratively to increase opportunities in the community.  She said that the community has a special feel to it.  She reported that Trimet has recently built a garage in Cully.  Community groups worked with Trimet to explore ways the new installation can maximize benefit to the Cully Neighborhood.  A community benefits agreement has been established through the leadership of Living Cully. A formal response from Trimet will be forthcoming.  There is also a post office being created in the neighborhood, but Living Cully has had less success establishing a working relationship with the Federal Government.  Living Cully is working to help undocumented workers to obtain tax payer identification numbers so that they can open bank accounts.  Claudia Roberts said that there is a bill in the legislature to permit such workers to obtain drivers licenses.   Pastor Beth Neel advised that 10% of Westminster fund raising efforts, in the amount of $14,000,  have been devoted to support for Living Cully’s land bank project.   

SUGAR SHACK “TRANSFORMED -- Three years ago, when the owner of the Sugar Shack was faced with federal prostitution and tax fraud charges.  a coalition of northeast neighbors banded together to buy the “strip club.”   The property, which is located in the heart of the Cully neighborhood, went on the market in 2014. Neighborhood groups including Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro Northwest and Verde, under the umbrella of the anti-displacement organization Living Cully, scraped together $2.3 million to buy the 2-acres site in 2015. The group explored using the existing building as a warehouse or as a kitchen for food production, but the costs proved too high. An appraisal commissioned by the city's urban renewal agency, Prosper Portland, found it to be in "fair to poor condition" with little practical use. The agency provided a $250,000 loan to the groups toward the purchase. Hacienda bought out its partners late last year and started planning for the site's redevelopment as "Las Adelitas," named for women who fought in the Mexican Revolution. The new development will include an indoor community space and a large outdoor plaza. 

UPCOMING JANUARY 2019  EVENTS 

Thursday, Jan. 10, 1:30- 3:00 pm, Training by Transitions Projects for Volunteering at Walnut Park Shelter at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 1907 NE 45th; This training is required by a leader of any meal provider group.  While the Alliance is not sponsoring this activity, we are encouraging congregations and other groups to consider such participation- especially linking with other congregations as teams to deliver evening meals during the winter months.  Leslye Johnson, a RCPP member, has volunteered to be the point person for this. Please RSVP to her: Leslye Johnson lesgeoj@comcast.net  or call her: 971- 271-1970. Several of the Alliance congregations have offered their kitchens for meal preparation.

Saturday, Jan. 19, Legislative Forum, 10:00 AM- 12:00 noon,  Westminster Presbyterian Churc, 1624 NE Halsey. Forum will focus  some of the major poverty-related issues confronting Oregon Legislature in its upcoming session.  The Alliance is co-sponsoring with Oregon Coalition for Christian Voices and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. 

December 2018 Newsletter

“We have a calling to empower every brother and sister in our community facing hardship and hopelessness. We walk together as an alliance of interfaith communities because we believe doing things together is better than doing them alone. We lead with our hearts and open our minds to understand the causes of poverty and the challenges of escaping it. We work hand-in-hand with families living in poverty by encouraging and supporting them as they move to stability. We boldly advocate for systemic change to help eliminate the root causes of poverty. We know the road is long but we believe as Martin Luther King, Jr. did when he said, “faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase."

- Tom Hering

THE “TIME TO GIVE”

by Bonnie Gregg

Once again above the clamor of the holidays, we occasionally hear the cries of the poor, though most of us not personally, but at a safe distance, usually heard on television, from the comfort of our living room, where a log burns in the fireplace, our children play in the other room, cookies bake in the kitchen, a warm cup of tea in hand.   We don’t like to think of families sleeping on the sidewalk, in tents or in their cars, on cold winter nights, particularly during the holidays. 

It doesn’t mix well with our dreams of a “Happy Hanukah” or “Merry Christmas.”  Nevertheless, this is the reality for many without a house in Portland.    When ice makes sidewalks slippery and freezing winds blow, shelters fill up fast.

HOW CAN WE HELP?    

Winter weather will soon be upon us…..SO THE TIME TO GIVE IS NOW!    

Agencies, Shelters, Clothing Centers, and groups such as “Maddie’s Cart”  need    blankets, sleeping bags/pads,  warm  clothes -- particularly coats, sweaters, gloves and scarves, underwear, and socks – “always socks”-- as well as personal hygiene items. 

Food banks and organizations feeding the hungry need canned goods, packaged pasta, cooking oil, peanut butter, beans and rice, etc.

Toy drives need gifts to delight and excite children’s imagination.  Angel trees need gifts to make their wishes come true.

And, we all need “love!”   As we close 2018, let us rejoice in all that binds us as one human family. Let’s hug  each other and help each other. Let us be “joyful” in our giving and “grateful” in our sharing, understanding Earth’s abundance is meant for all.   

Below are two of the many agencies, supported by the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty, now asking for our help.  Call first and then take donations to:

JOIN, 1435 NE 81st Avenue, Suite 100 Portland, OR 97213 Phone: 503-232-2031

Transition Projects Inc., 665 NW Hoyt Street, Portland, OR 97209 Phone: 503-280-4741

December 21 - 5:00-7:00 PM

A Vigil of Remembrance and Solidarity On the Longest Night of the Year and the National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day

Gathering at St Marks Lutheran Church, 5415 SE Powell Blvd.

VIGIL OF REMEMBRANCE

by Sarah Carolus

PLEASE COME TO A VIGIL OF REMEMBRANCE AND SOLIDARITY ON DECEMBER 21st FROM 5 TO 7 PM AT ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH TO:

  • Remember those who died outside on Portland streets in the past year.

  • Support the Foster Street Homeless Shelter opening in 2019.

  • Call on Portland leaders to end punitive sweeps and over-policing of the homeless.

  • Commit as a community to equitable access for the homeless of bathrooms, garbage services and safe overnight camping areas.

December 21st is the longest night of the year and also National Homeless Person's Memorial Day.  On this day, we will gather at St. Mark's Lutheran Church at 5415 SE Powell in Portland to walk in a silent vigil to the Foster Street Shelter where the vigil will begin.  Members of four Lutheran churches - Bethlehem, Central, St. Marks and Pilgrim have organized this vigil.

DECEMBER 6th - “1ST THURSDAY INTERFAITH ALLIANCE MEETING  

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock, 12:00-2:00 PM

Featured speakers will be:

Carol Chan, Living Cully Coordinator,  will discuss anti-poverty strategies being developed with partners: Humanity, Hacienda Community Development Corporation (CDC), the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), and Verde together with issues of gentrification.   www.livingcully.org

Carlina Arango,  Verde Landscape Program Manager,  will discuss  the landscaping program and how it benefits members of the community. Individuals who have participated in the Verde Landscape Training Program, will share their experiences.

AGAPE VILLAGE REPORT

By Sarah Carolus

On November 17th, Cascadia Clusters who is a primary builder of Agape Village tiny houses, had a fundraiser and these photos are taken from that event. Since the October Alliance newsletter came out, much work has been done at the Village. Several tiny houses have doors on, roofs completed and sliding done. There are two views from the inside of one of the homes. Also two new structures are currently being built and the walls are up and one roof was partially built when the photos were taken. There is a picture of the Juice Box, a solar power cell which provides light and electricity. This build has involved several congregations in the Interfaith Alliance and is a product of multiple faith groups volunteering. It is located on land of Portland Central Nazarene Church. 

PILOT PROJECT INVITES FAITH ORGANIZATIONS TO HOST VEHICLES WHILE PARTNERING WITH NONPROFIT KNOWN FOR WORK AT KENTON WOMEN’S  VILLAGE

by David Groff

 Sleeping in a vehicle is a growing trend in Multnomah County — a result of the region’s increasingly expensive housing market compared to wages.  Though the 2017 Point in Time Count showed more people sleeping with shelter than without for the first time, some 1,668 people were still counted entirely unsheltered on the night of the count.    Of those sleeping without shelter, 257 people (15.4%) reported sleeping in vehicles. That number increased faster than any other sleeping option for unsheltered neighbors since 2015 – and it comes at the same time as a smaller share of people were counted sleeping on sidewalks.   In response to this situation and in the hope of working more personally with the region’s faith communities on solutions for homelessness, the Joint Office of Homeless Services has launched a 12-month pilot project that invites faith organizations to open their lots to neighbors sleeping in vehicles while working with a proven nonprofit, Catholic Charities, to offer vital service connections. To participate, faith organizations must have approval and participation from their members, appoint a liaison to work with Catholic Charities, and provide space for at least one vehicle and agree to take responsibility for providing trash service and bathroom facilities (portable, if needed).  Catholic Charities will coordinate the effort for faith organizations, helping with logistics such as insurance, community outreach and guest screening. Catholic Charities also will provide referral services as needed — drawing from its experience helping hundreds of people through its housing and street outreach programs, and through the successfully managed Kenton Women’s Village program.

DR. MARTIN TELLS HOW  “WE CAN END THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS IN PORTLAND!”

 by Bonnie Gregg

 The November 1St Thursday Interfaith Alliance Meeting was held at Fremont United Methodist Church.   Pastor Linda Quanstrom welcomed the gathering with a prayer for guidance “in troubled times”, after which Les Wardenaar, introduced guest speaker, Dr. Erin Martin, Columbia District Superintendent of the Oregon/Idaho United Methodist Conference.               Dr. Martin opened her remarks by declaring that, “We can end the housing crisis in Portland!”, asserting that the primary roadblock is “lack of imagination.”   She recommended that churches consider their abundance of resources as well as “gifts of the Holy Spirit” and realize that through their collective efforts, affordable housing can be accomplished.  She reminded them of the early Christian communities, who combined their resources.   She encouraged everyone to “Dream Big”, and consider  “What If… We shared resources?   Sold land?  Re-designed usage? (providing sanctuary plus affordable housing)? Closed declining churches serving less than 30 people?

We need to “show up, educate, speak out,” and raise up leaders, perhaps using MACG as a training model.  

She reviewed the Portsmouth Project, initiated by the United Methodist Church which has made possible the construction of 20 affordable housing units.  It took 3 years from “concept to breaking ground”.  Zoning changes were required.  Attending city hall meetings and getting acquainted with City Commissioners proved helpful. Getting “the right builder” was essential.  They used Rob Justus, of Home Forward, not only because of his skill as a builder but because he limits construction costs.  Financing was critical.  They obtained a $1.9 million loan, using  Portsmouth Union as guarantor, and Beneficial Bank as lender.  As an alternative, she suggested, “investment pools” might be used.  Legal representation was obtained.   

Representatives from the City of Portland revealed that there are ongoing efforts to assist congregations in moving forward with affordable housing initiatives.  A “guide” is now being developed to assist developers.  Re-zoning is under consideration, but at this time, there is no plan to waive fees.  Following Dr. Martin’s presentation, Interfaith Action Teams reported on key strategies for 2018-2019.

  • Sarah Carolus, speaking for Advocacy, indicated they would continue to be engaged in City, State, and neighborhood efforts to work on issues involving zoning, waiver of fees,  legislative initiatives,  affordable housing, gentrification, and  the Hill Block Project.

  • Dave Albertine, speaking for Transition to Stability reported that they are continuing their efforts to support Oak Leaf residents as they return to their renovated mobile park homes.  They also intend to become involved as a support group with the residents of Agape Village, and other tiny home communities.  

  • Holly Schmidt, speaking for the Poverty Awareness & Communication Action Team, indicated  they will be continuing their work  to  increase poverty awareness among congregations and develop programs/events to educate/inform community regarding issues of poverty during the coming year.

  • Rae Richen, explained how the Involvement of Neighborhood Initiatives plans  to expand horizons particularly as they relate to the intersection of  racial and economic issues.  People need to become engaged,  talk about the impact of gentrification, involve African American and Latino  congregations,  focus on social justice, etc. in order to effect systemic changes.

WALNUT PARK -   NEW NORTH PORTLAND HOMELESS SHELTER

 Walnut Park Shelter, Portland's newest homeless shelter , will offer overnight sleeping accommodations on a reservation and referral basis to men, women and couples over the age of 18 — with a special focus on veterans, people with disabilities and those age 55 or older.  It   is located at 5329 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at the corner of Killingsworth Street in the King neighborhood. 

Walnut Park will not regularly serve meals or offer many services onsite besides bunk beds. Residents will have access to coffee, tea, books and boards games and will have space to store their belongings during the day. Bathrooms and basic hygiene supplies will also be provided. Pets are allowed.  The building is owned by Multnomah County and also contains the Northeast Health Center and dental clinic. Multnomah County and the City of Portland are funding the shelter via the Joint Office of Homeless Serviceshttps://pamplinmedia.com/pt/9-news/411166-311314-new-homeless-shelter-to-open-on-mlk-by-.

TRANSITION PROJECTS “MEAL PROVIDER PROGRAM FOR SHELTERS”

Transition Projects has established a program whereby Volunteer Groups provide dinner 365 days of the year to their Short-Term Residential and Shelter Programs.  

WHAT MEALS GROUPS DO:

Meal Provider Groups typically consist of 4-10 people who have joined together as friends, neighbors, co-workers, fellow parishioners, or other types of service groups. Each group purchases, prepares, and serves dinner for 60 - 125 residents at one of Transition Projects’ seven shelters. 

WHO MEAL GROUPS SERVE:

Clark Center: 1431 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 90-bed short-term residential program for men.  Has a small commercial kitchen available for preparing a meal, including a grill top, large gas stove and oven, and a convection oven. Kitchen is stocked with all the pots and pans you should need to cook, and with trays, bowls, utensils etc. for all the residents. Has a steam table and service window.  Welcomes minors ages 8+ with advance notice. 

Jean’s Place: 18 NE 11th Avenue.  60-bed short-term residential program for women.  Has a home-style kitchen available for preparing the meal, including two standard stoves/ovens.  Kitchen is stocked with all the pots and pans you should need to cook, and with plates, bowls, utensils etc. for all the residents.  There is no formal service area, but there is an island for service.  Welcomes minors ages 8+ with advance notice.

 Doreen’s Place: 665 NW Hoyt St.  90-bed short-term residential program for men.  Has a large commercial kitchen available for preparing the meal.

Willamette Center: 5120 SE Milwaukie Ave.  120-bed emergency shelter for women and couples.  Has a large home-style kitchen available for preparing the meal, including two countertop stovetops, and two ovens.  Kitchen is stocked with all the pots and pans you should need to cook, and with plates, bowls, utensils, etc. for the residents.  There is a long counter that doubles as service area.  Welcomes minors ages 12 and up with advance notice. 

SOS Shelter: 435 NW Glisan St.  70-bed emergency shelter for women.  No kitchen facilities – meals must be prepared off-site.  No dishes – groups must bring disposable service items.  No minors allowed at this site. 

Columbia Shelter: 421 SW 5th Ave. in the Mead bldg.  75-bed emergency shelter for women.  No kitchen facilities – meals must be prepared off-site.  No dishes – groups must bring disposable service items.  Opens at 7pm; hot meals can be dropped off then.  No minors allowed at this site 

Wy’East Shelter: 1415 SE 122nd Ave.  125-bed emergency shelter for men.  Has no kitchen facilities – meals must be prepared off-site.  No dishes – groups must bring disposable service items.  No minors allowed at this site. 

Walnut Park Shelter  80-bed emergency shelter for men, women and couples  No kitchen facilities or dishes – groups should prepare off-site and bring disposable service items


ANSWERS TO MEAL GROUP VOLUNTEER QUESTIONS:

Does my group need a Food Handler card? No, Meal Providers are not required to have Food Handler certifications. Each group is required to purchase and use sanitary hand gloves for preparing, cooking, and serving the meals. Hair should be pulled back and surfaces should be kept clean. Ask staff if the kitchen is out of required supplies. 

How does a Meal Provider group reserve a date? Contact the Volunteer Coordinator in Transition Projects’ Development Department to ask about date availability. We ask that you plan 1 month ahead to ensure your group gets the date(s) you want and to ensure we have plenty of time to confirm details with you.  For November and December meals, especially around and on the holidays, it is best to check 6-8 weeks in advance. 

How often do Meal Providers serve?  Many groups serve regularly, such as the 3rd Tuesday of every month, while others serve quarterly or every six months.  We suggest you/your group try one or two dates before committing to regular monthly service. How much does providing a meal cost?  Depending on the type of meal you are preparing and the number of people at the shelter, purchased items can cost $150 - $300.  Ways to bring food costs down: o Buying items in bulk at stores such as Costco and Cash-n-Carry. Cash-n-Carry has sales every 3 weeks and posts their upcoming deals online. Reach out to local stores for in-kind donations and special deals. Some Meal Provider groups work with store managers to buy items while they are on sale (for example, chicken at $0.49/lb.) and then store them until the group is going to prepare their meal. o Fundraising in your community to offset some or all expenses. The Volunteer Coordinator can provide tips on fundraising and also provide request and acknowledgment letters for donations. Please ask the Volunteer Coordinator for assistance

What meal should my group make?  As this may be the only wholesome meal our participants receive that day, Meal Providers are asked to provide a “complete” meal, with protein, starch, and vegetables. Check our website for recipes.  Groups are to provide a vegetarian option (a few plates set aside is great) for those who choose not to each meat. You are welcome to provide drinks (milk, 100% juice, etc.) or dessert if they choose. Please note that we have water, coffee, tea, and cocoa available for residents.  Many of the residents are recovering from substance addiction, so it is very important that the meals do not contain any kind of alcohol. Even just a little bit of cooking wine can be detrimental to a resident’s sobriety. Can Meal Providers make dinner at the facility?

  Meal Providers may prepare the meal off-site or in the facility's kitchen – Clark Center and Doreen’s Place have industrial kitchens, while Jean’s Place and Willamette Center have home-style kitchens.  The kitchens are available for your use from 2 - 7pm.  If you make dinner off site, please clear this with the Volunteer Coordinator first. Kitchens must be clean and food must be kept properly refrigerated before the meal (you cannot bring leftovers from an event or catered meal). 

Are there ingredients at the facility we can use? Meal Providers are welcome to use basic condiments available in the kitchens, such as spices and oils, though we do not always have an abundant supply. Please plan accordingly.  Meal Providers are not allowed to use pantry items, such as canned goods, or items in the refrigerator unless the manager and staff explicitly tell you it is . This is Food Bank food that is saved for days we do not have volunteer meal providers. 

Do we need to bring our own cooking tools?  The kitchens are equipped with most basic items, such as pots, pans, and cooking utensils; however, they are not always in the best condition. Knives are dulled for safety purposes.  If your meal requires the use of specialized utensils, sharp knives, or specialty equipment, we recommend that you bring your own. 

May I tour the kitchen prior to my group’s first meal preparation?  Of course! Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to arrange a tour of the facility kitchen for you and anyone in your group who wishes to join you. 

When should my group arrive?  Dinner is served between 6:30pm and 7:00pm depending on the facility (check last page for details)  Most providers arrive by 5:00pm to begin prepping if they are cooking on-site.  Groups may arrive as early as needed to cook the meal or to setup to serve. The kitchen is available 2-7pm, but please let the Volunteer Coordinator know if you will be arriving before 5pm. The program residents will clean up the kitchen after you prep and serve, but any wiping down of counters and rinsing of dishes you can do while cooking is always helpful. 

What is the serving protocol? Food is served by your group cafeteria-style. The residents will line up and your group’s servers will ask each resident what they want. A tray is passed down the line of volunteer Meal Providers serving to fill with the meal items. Residents are not allowed to serve themselves, to ensure everyone gets equal food access.  Residents are welcome to have leftovers if you have enough food.  

During our group’s meal, who do I go to if I have questions about the kitchen?  The staff, our Residential Advocates (RA’s), on duty will be happy to assist you with questions. Given dinner is the busiest time for them, they are not available to help you prepare or serve meals. 

Can we spend time with the residents? Absolutely! Your group is welcome to sit and eat with the residents during the dinner hour. Please remember that residents will notice if you show favoritism toward one or two residents each time you visit; remember to treat everyone with equal kindness and respect. ï Groups are asked to leave prior to the residents’ chore time (usually 8pm).   For more information about boundaries with program participants, please see the following section, Boundaries & Ethics. 

Are we responsible for cleaning up?  No, groups providing meals do not have to clean up the kitchen. As part of their chores, the facility’s residents are responsible for cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. 

If I lose a valuable item at the facility, can you reimburse me for it? Volunteers are responsible for their property while at Transition Projects’ facilities.  Unfortunately, we cannot replace or reimburse you for any lost items. We advise leaving valuables and other belongings at home or locked in your vehicle

What if my group needs to cancel? Things come up and sometimes groups are unable to fulfill their commitment. If you know at least one business day in advance that your group needs to cancel, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator in Transition Projects’ Development Department by phone and email.  IMPORTANT: If you need to cancel with less than one business days’ notice, please contact the facility you are scheduled at and speak with the Manager, or the Residential Advocate on duty if the Manager is not available. Be sure to send the Volunteer Coordinator an email so they are also in the loop. 

What happens with leftovers? Leftovers are wonderful, and never go to waste! If there are leftovers, they will be pulled out for breakfast or lunch the following day. Why was the number of residents who came to dinner lower than expected?  We ask you to please bring, at minimum, enough food for each person in the shelter (60-90 people, depending on the shelter). This does not mean every resident will be present when you are serving. Since some folks are on different sleep or work schedules, the amount of people you see when you serve dinner can fluctuate. Please know those residents you don’t see do eat after you leave, and will pull their late plates or other leftovers out of the fridge. 

My group has noticed that the facility is always low on or out of certain items. Can we bring some for our meal and leave them in the kitchen for other groups to use?  Yes! We greatly appreciate in-kind donations of cooking ingredients and tools. Items most needed are salt, spices, oils, saran wrap, aluminum foil, knives, and large pots and pans. If you let the facility’s RA’s know you have donated these items, they will gladly provide you with a donation receipt. 

WHO TO CONTACT:   To reserve a meal date, receive more details, or cancel at least one (1) business day in advance, please contact: Emily Coleman | Volunteer Coordinator emily.coleman@tprojects.org | 503.488.7745 | www.tprojects.org Available Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm

JEFF BEZO  (Amazon Founder)  DONATES  “$5 MILLION” TO JOIN TO HELP HOMELESS FAMILIES

 Excerpts from Amy Templeton, OPB article, submitted by Fraser Rasmussen

 JOIN advises that the Bezo donation of $5 Million Dollars is the largest gift they have received from an individual donor.  Shanon Singleton, JOIN’s executive director says  “The timing was perfect, because we just added outreach workers specifically to serve families and find folks who are in cars or in tents on the street.” She added “the grant will help families with rent and other urgent expenses like moving costs and child care”.  Join also intends to use some of the funding to help homeless parents find better job opportunities, by paying for training, internships, or apprenticeships and partnering with local jobs with wages that will cover rent.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CASH OREGON

FREE, IRS-CERTIFIED TAX PREPARATION SERVICE  

If you want to fight poverty in Oregon and become part of the nation’s largest anti-poverty program, join the Cash Oregon  Tax Preparation Team. You will be given ”free training” 

Why is Free Tax Preparation so Important?    

Last year, in the Tri-County (Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington) area alone, 656 IRS certified volunteers helped 19,535 Oregon families file taxes to build stronger, resilient, communities. This translates to money back into the pockets of hard-working individuals, struggling families and cash registers of local businesses. The average Earned Income Tax Credit was $1,768. These efforts stimulate the Oregon economy and uplift the underserved communities to reach their financial goals.  It provides an opportunity to assist those who are most likely to overlook their eligibility including the elderly, workers with disabilities, grandparents raising children, English language learners, and more.

Within taxes exists the largest anti-poverty program in the nation. Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit lifted an estimated 10.1 million people out of poverty, including 5.3 million children.  Unfortunately, only three out of four eligible Oregonians claim these credits.  It is a reliable resource that can steer the most vulnerable away from predatory lenders selling high-cost loans advertised as “fast refunds” resulting in even less money in their pockets. Accurate returns are critical to life’s major milestones including mortgages, loans, college financial aid, and even citizenship. These efforts help the community have access to the financial mainstream and asset building. Unfortunately, community members were turned away as there were not enough volunteers to keep up with the demand. Help is needed!

CASH Volunteer Positions 

Tax Return Preparers -- Client Facilitators – Interpreters -- Administrative Help

CASH Oregon is seeking volunteers who wish to make a difference in their community. You can choose from different roles, such as: Tax Return Preparers, Client Facilitators, Interpreters (Arabic, Cantonese, Korean, Farsi, French, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, among others) and Administrative helpers, for the AARP Foundation Tax Aide Program.  No experience is necessary.  Free training provided!  https://cashoregon.org/volunteer  

November 2018 Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2018 NEWSLETTER 


"As we express our gratitude to our veterans we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy


SO REMEMBER TO VOTE NOVEMBER 6TH, YES ON 26-199 & 102 FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING!

INTERFAITH ALLIANCE ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE AND STRATEGIC GOALS FOR 2018-2019

At the “First Thursday  October 4th Meeting held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, members reviewed the current structure of the organization and discussed key strategies to:

  • Advocate for changes to  governmental policies which impact the lives of those bound by poverty including laws to achieve affordable housing and to establish social justice

  • Help men, women, and families transition from homelessness to find shelter and establish stable, productive lives with particular emphasis on helping children break the bonds of generational poverty through education and healthy lives.

  • Grow in our understanding of the root causes of poverty, racial intolerance; economic disparities, gentrification, etc.; explore ways to achieve positive change; and share our knowledge within our congregations and community.

A discussion of ways to move forward in 2018-2019 followed.  Members were encouraged to email their suggestions to   Chairs Carol Turner ( carol@carolfturner.com) and David Groth,(dgroff45@yahoo.com)

The second half of the meeting was devoted to a poverty exercise entitled “Sacred Cows”, led by Poverty Trainers, Karen Moran and Jessica Rojas.  

Participants were asked to consider both the positive and negative outcomes of various policies.  For example, a policy to assure “Safe Neighborhoods” may have different meanings to the people affected.  When property owners complain that homeless squatters are violating their space, urinating in their yards and leaving garbage and drug paraphernalia lying about, the City responds with a “sweep” of the homeless camps.  Property owners may then  be satisfied that their ”safe neighborhood” has been restored,  but the homeless see that the neighborhood they thought was “safe” has been taken away.   Their lives are totally disrupted.  Forced to move, they leave possessions behind, and once again struggle to find a safe place to sleep at  night.  In other words, a safe neighborhood may something entirely different to you than it does to me.

The Interfaith Alliance Needs “YOU”

The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty would like to have people from every faith-based congregation and community partner join us in working to alleviate poverty in Portland.  In addition to attending the “First Thursday” meeting of the Interfaith Alliance,  consider if you could spare a few hours each month to work with action teams.   See if any of the activities listed below interests you below and contact us.

Advocacy – Contact Tom Hering, Rose City Presbyterian, (tehering@gmail.com) or Sarah Carolus, Central Lutheran, (scarolus3@gmail.com)  

Help investigate issues affecting those living in poverty. Advocate for change at City Hall and the Salem Capitol.  Support affordable housing and social justice issues.  “Walk the Walk” becoming involved with communities experiencing gentrification This is your chance to make a difference! Meetings: 3rd Friday at Central Lutheran Church, 1820 NE 21st, Portland, 97212, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.

Transition to Stability – Contact Dave Albertine, Madeleine Catholic, (davea51@gmail.com) or Rae Richen Rose City Presbyterian, (rrichen@hevanet.com). 

Help individuals and families find their way out of homelessness into stable productive lives Learn about resources available to assist them.  Help them move and get settled.  Become a vessel of compassionate change.   Help build “tiny houses” or repair mobile homes  .Next meeting: November 20,  Rose City Park Presbyterian, 12:00-2:00

Poverty Awareness and Communication – Contact Heidi Schmidt, Westminster Presbyterian, (Schmidt.holly@gmail.com) or Claudia Roberts, Fremont United Methodist  (clarobb@juno.com)

Learn about the root causes of poverty and programs to revitalize lives and communities.   Plan programs for monthly meetings and special events.  Bring the “voice of the poor” to your congregation.  Next Meeting November 29, 10:00-12:00, Fremont United Methodist.

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Monthly Newsletter – Contact Bonnie Gregg, Madeleine Catholic, (Bonniejgregg@msn.com) Research and report on issues affecting poverty in Portland.  Bring your camera, too!

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Website (allianceonpoverty.org) – Contact Tom Hering Rose City Presbyterian (tehering@gmail.com)

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AGAPE VILLAGE UPDATE

 by Sarah Carolus

Work has been steady on the tiny houses of Agape Village, which is located on the property of Portland Central Nazarene Church. There is one completed house and six others are being worked on. The target date for a move-in is around November 16th to Thanksgiving on November 22nd. All the structures currently are covered with roofs. Windows are being installed, beds and shelves are being built, insulation is being added to the walls and the floors are already insulated. To help with the build, become more involved or for more information about Agape Village, please check this link ww.portlandcentralnaz.org/agapevillage.html. 

CASCADIA CLUSTERS is the lead developer for the tiny homes now under construction at Portland Central Nazarene Agape Village.   They build   green homes to house individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. The tiny homes are cost-effective, lockable, insulated, solar powered transitional housing. Groupings of these homes become villages complete with showers and social services where residents can feel a sense of belonging while supporting and learning from each other.  Having a dependable place of their own to come home to enables people to seek services, training and employment.  Reclaimed windows, plywood, framing materials, flooring, and sheeting are paired with a solar powered electrical system to create a green living environment. https://www.cascadiaclusters.org.   

Please join us on November 17 at Portland Central Church of the Nazarene, 9715 SE Powell Blvd, 4:00-6:30 PM, to see our Mobile Maker Village, built by and for our houseless construction trainees. Then, tour Agape Village: our first transitional housing community of tiny homes. Meet some of our houseless construction trainees to see how they have worked to help themselves and less fortunate members of our community. Stay for our reception and learn more about us and how we plan to help construct the transition out of homelessness.  

HOW “YES” VOTE ON MEASURES 26-199  & 102 HELPS NOT ONLY THE HOMELESS

 On  September 19 thru 21, 2018, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, hosted the 70th National Session of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design. Below are excerpts from his remarks.

 “Our region provides an amazing quality of life for so many who live here. But the growing pains in our communities are very real. People are struggling with housing costs.   When you look at the facts, it's not surprising. The average fair-market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the metro area today is $1,330. A working family of four would need to earn more than $53,000 — or $25.48 an hour — to afford that apartment, and have enough left over for basics like food, utilities and medicine. That's more than twice the minimum wage.  “With housing prices continuing to rise, we are at risk of losing what makes our cities strong. Nurses, first responders, teachers, office workers, trades people and others are pushed to the margins, no longer able to afford to live in their neighborhood.    That's why we're united in support of Measure 26-199, the regional affordable housing bond.  “This regional bond can provide affordable housing for about 12,000 people by creating 3,900 affordable homes if Measure 102 — a statewide measure that has no formal opposition — also is approved.  “The affordable housing crisis is one of the biggest problems in our communities. It's not often that we have the opportunity to help solve one of our biggest problems for just $5 a month, the bond's cost to the average homeowner. Voters have the power to give local governments a powerful tool to help address our housing crisis, and get more of our community members into a stable, affordable home. Please vote yes on Measure 26-199.” 

HOMELESS SCHOOL CHILDREN CRISIS IN U.S.A. AND PORTLAND, OR

 by Bonnie Gregg

RISING TIDE  DOES NOT LIFT ALL BOATS….

In 2018, when the stock market is skyrocketing and the rich are getting richer, the Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness tells us there are  more than 1.3 million homeless students attending America’s public schools who have families living in their cars, on the street, or in tent cities, and that it is happening all across the land, both in rural communities and big cities, in numbers approaching those of the great depression. http://www.nccp.org/media/releases/release_200.html

The National Center for Children in Poverty advise in their 2018 edition of Basic Facts about Low-Income Children that  in the U.S., the younger a child is, the more likely he or she is to experience poverty. The report showed that percentages of low-income and poor children under 18 hovered around 41 percent and 19 percent, respectively. 

 America’s youngest children stand the greatest chance of living below the poverty line: 44 percent (5 million) of children under age 3 are considered low income and 21 percent (2.4 million) live in poor households. 

  Children of color are nearly three times as likely to live in a poor family compared to white children. Around one in three black, Hispanic, and Native-American children lives below the poverty line, compared to just over one in ten white children.   

More than half (53.5 percent) of low-income children and 32 percent of poor children live with at least one parent employed full time, throughout the year. Among children with at least one parent with some college or additional education, 28 percent live in low-income households and 11 percent were considered poor. 

They concluded, “If anything is clear from these statistics, it’s that a rising tide does not lift all boats when it comes to our young people. That’s why we simply cannot afford to be anything less than intentional with the policies that shape the resources available to these families and, by extension, their chances for success in the long run.” 

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PORTLAND STRUGGLES TO FIND “A BED FOR EVERY CHILD” 

In 2016, the City Council and Multnomah County sought to put an end to families sleeping on the streets of Portland. Working through the Joint Office of Homeless Services, they developed a policy to provide a bed for every child that needed one, with “no wait list”, and no one turned away. Families were not screened for issues like drug addiction or criminal history and they were permitted to “stay together” – children, parents, and grandparents.   

When the Human Solutions Family Center first opened in February 2016, it served about 150 people a night using the shelter and overflow space in a  church  across the street.  By the fall of that year the number of homeless families increased to around 200 a night.  The Joint Office of Homeless Services became concerned that the “shelter was dangerously overcrowded”, and authorized motel vouchers to homeless families who could not be accommodated by the shelter.   The “no turn away” policy finally proved fiscally unmanageable, and the Joint Offices of Homeless Services are now placing homeless families on a “wait list”.  In 2017, the Multnomah County “Point in Time Count” showed 1,668 people were sleeping entirely unsheltered and of those, 257 were living in their vehicles.  

YOUR “CAR” BECOMES “YOUR HOME”

 For children growing up in families without houses, their car becomes a desirable alternative to bedding down on the sidewalks or tent communities.  The car provides shelter from the wind and cold; because the doors can be locked, it is safer, protecting both families and their possessions;   and it enables mobility.  

Precious Lott, currently JOIN Retention Case Manager reports in the “Hey Neighbor Newsletter” that “Me and my daughter slept in our car from when she was two months until she was almost five, jumping from place to place. But I had a daily routine: I would see my daughter off and then make sure I was on the grind looking for work or permanent housing. I have families now that do the exact same thing. They’re really trying. No one wants to lose their housing, no one wants to be on the street, especially if they’ve been there before.    www.joinpdx.org

“A PLACE TO REST”

Of course, you can’t park just anywhere.  Neighbors seeing a family parked in front of their house night after night complain.  Therefore, a city code was revised to allow faith-based organizations  to host up to three vehicles and/or six transitional housing units at a time on their property.  

In the summer of 2018, The Joint Office of Homeless Services launched the “SAFE PLACE TO REST” program, 12-month pilot project to help faith-based organizations assist in providing space to accommodate the houseless. 

The goal is to “provide shelter that keeps people safe and connects them to the services they need to be able to move  into permanent housing.”  It also allows them to keep their most valuable asset – “their car”.  At night they have a safe place to come.  Neighbors and congregants see “the day-to-day reality of life for people experiencing homelessness – beyond   the myths -through engagement and relationships”.

The Joint Office contracted with Catholic Charities, to assist faith-based organizations providing space for the houseless.  Catholic Charities have a proven track record providing similar services to the “Kenton Women’s Village Program”.  They assist congregations with logistics, helping them extend insurance protection, prepare the site, manage guest outreach, do screening, facilitate trash pick-up and portable toilets (if needed),   and provide general oversight.  For more information contact  ahomeforeveryone.net or Caitlin Burke, Catholic Charities,  at Caitlin.burke@multco.us or 503-823-8782.

COMMUNITY TRANSITION SCHOOL PROVIDES HAVEN OF LEARNING –

Oregon’s Community Transitional School (CTS) founded by Cheryl Bickle in 1990  offers a solution to school children living in “houseless” situations in Portland.  Wherever they live, --homeless shelter, back seat of a car, tent village) - every child enrolled in CTS can count on the CTS bus coming to pick them up in the morning and bring them back at night.   They do not have to face changing schools, teachers, classmates, etc.  with every move their parents make, or being out of school between moves.  

 They may not know where they’re sleeping from night to night, but they know where they are going to school and they are going to school with children who share their circumstances, so “they fit in”. In an otherwise chaotic world, CTS provides a haven of learning and stability.  

More than that perhaps, it gives them hope that if they can make it at CTS, they may be able to do well elsewhere – like high school, even college.  Success becomes a possibility.  The chains of poverty loosen.  The future becomes brighter.    

https://www.transitionalschool.org/

NORTHEAST COALITION OF NEIGHBORS

By Bonnie Gregg

 BECOMING AN INTERFAITH ALLIANCE COMMUNITY PARTNER.  In 2016,  Deacon Mike O’Mahoney, connected me with a young woman he had met from the Northeast Coalition of Neighbors, who had expressed interest in knowing more about the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty.  We met for coffee at Peets before attending an Interfaith Alliance meeting.  Her name was Jessica Rojas.   

I saw at once she was “super smart” and informed about what was going in Portland related to poverty, the environment, and our neighborhoods.  I also saw a beautiful soul. There is no pretense about Jessica.  She cares to the core.  People and the planet matter to her and she has made it her business to look after them.

After coffee, we attended the Interfaith Alliance meeting.  Jessica has attended almost every Interfaith Alliance meeting thereafter. The Northeast Coalition of Neighbors has become an important “community partner” supporting many Interfaith Alliance advocacy efforts, including petitioning  legislators on the steps of the Capitol  in Salem. Together with Karen Moran, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Jessica participated in a Donna Beegle Poverty Training Program to enable her to conduct poverty workshops within the Alliance. Jessica speaks with a voice for the poor, and for those dedicated to improving both our neighborhoods and the environment. As Community & Environmental Engagement Manager, she provides technical assistance, advocacy support, and training for community and environmental groups and neighborhood associations.

At Jessica’s invitation, I attended an NECN meeting at the King Neighborhood Facility where their offices are located.  We sat at a long table -- about 20 of us --community activists, environmental advocates, business and labor representatives, church leaders, and members of the neighborhood coalition.  Special guest was City Commissioner, Chloe Eudaly. I was impressed by the enthusiasm each one expressed for their causes. At a time when the issues before us are so formidable, their strong voices gave me hope. Change can happen. It’s just a matter of linking our hearts & minds, and standing together for what we know to be right.

NECN MISSION & HISTORY

The Mission of the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) is  “to foster healthy communities by engaging citizens to become directly involved in determining how their neighborhood evolves, and giving them the tools to have their voices heard by policy makers and the public at large. We believe in the power of every citizen, in every community, to create the world they want to live in, one neighborhood at a time.”  Founded in 1974 by Edna Robertson and Sharon McCormack as part of the Model Cities Program, NECN has earned a reputation as a pillar of the Northeast Portland community and operates as an independent nonprofit organization. Comprised of 12 neighborhoods in the inner North and Northeast sectors of Portland, it was the first of seven neighborhood coalitions, all of which are affiliated with Portland's Office of Community and Civic Life.   Over the years  they have evolved “into being an incubator of civic action by connecting residents with grassroots organizations, like-minded individuals and local policy makers to effect change in their communities. “

“HEY, NEIGHBOR , NECN NEWSPAPER

“HEY, NEIGHBOR!” is NECN's quarterly newspaper which is distributed to over 22,000 households, businesses, and libraries around North and Northeast Portland. Here are a few articles   which are printed below with their permission:

“Portland Unhoused, People on the Front Lines, Mischa S. Webley NECN Staff Writer 

“Ask any Portlander about their top concerns for the city, and you’re likely to find homelessness high on that list. The explosion of people living outside is a frequent flash point in local politics and a regular feature of life in the Rose City. And while it’s one of those issues that everybody seems to have a strong opinion about, few are willing to grapple with its complexity. The reality is that homelessness, or houselessness, is a catch-all phrase for a phenomenon that is only the most visible aspect of a host of other complex social issues. That tent on your street corner, then, is only the tip of a much larger societal iceberg. Beneath it lies countless unseen personal stories and struggles, to say nothing of the decades of policy decisions that have led to this being the status quo. 

Matt Olguin, Director of Shelter Services Transition Projects Inc. 

“You have this perception that all homeless people are drug addicts or criminals. The difference is that the people we see who are experiencing homelessness that are bad actors and using drugs or committing various crimes - we see that specifically because they are homeless and don’t have another place to do those things. But criminals walk all facets of life whether they’re experiencing homelessness or they’re in housing. So it’s trying to separate out those two things where it’s bad actors and criminality, versus people who are experiencing homelessness and more often than not are the victims. 

“We who are housed come from a level of privilege and we have to acknowledge that sometimes and show a little more empathy. You see someone experiencing homelessness and you think they had the same experience you had growing up, and therefore this is their choice that led them to where they’re at but it’s not taking into account whatever their experiences were. People are homeless because they have no other options. Some people have no options to begin with, some have burned those bridges and they have to try to repair them later in life. But every experience of homelessness is different and the drivers that led them to be homeless are different. The vast majority of people became homeless here in Portland. It’s a Portland problem. That myth that the homeless are moving to Portland because of good services isn’t true.”  www.tprojects.org

Leo Rhodes ,Homeless Advocate 

“One of the biggest misconceptions of homelessness is that everyone’s on drugs, alcohol, mentally ill, because the decision makers are catering to that. They’re saying we need to [treat] the most vulnerable, people that have problems, so people like me who are clean and sober are stuck, put way back on the back burner. It’s hard for us to see other people that have vices go and get rewarded with housing, when we’re trying to really be outstanding citizens. But it only takes one homeless person to screw up and all of a sudden we all  get labelled as that. 

Denis Theriault, Communications Coordinator, Joint Office of Homeless Services, www.multco.us/joint-officehomeless-services 

“The floor is falling out. People don’t have a place to land anymore when they used to have a place to land. The rent is going up faster than your wages are, and your wages aren’t starting from very much in some cases. And when you’re in that situation, if your car breaks down, your kid breaks his leg, you gotta miss work, maybe you go through sick time, start losing money, the car, hospital bill...all that stuff adds up. “You could end up in a shelter, you could end up in a tent, you could have a partner who spends the money they’re not supposed to spend and then you’re a mom with her kids and you’re outside. We’re all a tragedy, a paycheck away from not having somewhere to go or a support network. It’s easier to think less of those that are in that situation as a way to protect ourselves from the reality that it could be us. 

“We see about 6,000 people a year who come in for first time rent assistance or eviction prevention. The number of people continuing to use that service after they first receive it - that number is going up. It tells you something about the housing market. And once we place people into housing, we know how many people we’re still giving retention services. And that number is going up also. “People think there isn’t work happening, that the money we’re spending isn’t doing anything. The reality is that the money is helping more people than ever; the things we’re doing are making a difference. There’s just so many people that still need help, it doesn’t feel like it. The reality is we know what works, and we need more money to fund what works.”

$100,000 IN GRANTS are now available to give out in grants to neighborhood and community organizations for community engagement projects in 2019. The City of Portland Office of Community & Civic Life is partnering with Portland’s seven neighborhood district coalitions to give out the funds. They are Central Northeast Neighbors (CNN) -- $10,000; East Portland Community Office (EPCO) -- (EPCO is not participating in the grant program this year.);  Neighbors West-Northwest (NWNW) -- $13,423; North Portland Neighborhood Services (NPNS) -- (NPNS is not participating in this grant program this year); Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) -- $14,000. 

Grants are given in amounts $2,000 per applicant. Funding rounds take place annually, and are awarded based on a project's potential to: Involve and benefit a diverse group of people; Build leadership skills, relationships and partnerships, especially with and among underrepresented groups; Increase community capacity to influence public decisions and shape the future of Inner North/Northeast Portland; Create unique projects with the potential to make an impact in communities large and small.

Central Northeast Neighbors (CNN) – Grant application due Tuesday, November 13, 2018, 4:00 PM; Website CNN Small Grants/ Contact:  Sandra Lefrancois (sandral@cnncoalition.org; 503-823-2780.  

Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) – Grant application available: Thursday, October 11, 2018; Grant application due: Tuesday, January 15, 2019;  Website NECN Small Grants; Contact:  Mischa Webley (mischa@necoalition.org; 503-388-9030)

October 2018 Newsletter

OCTOBER 2018 NEWSLETTER

The Interfaith Alliance newsletter is produced by Poverty Awareness Communication Team

To contact: Email Bonniejgregg@msn.com;

Alliance members include: Westminster Presbyterian, Fremont United Methodist, Congregation Beth Israel, Madeleine Catholic Parish, First Unitarian, St. Andrews Catholic Parish, Rose City Park Presbyterian, Augustana Lutheran, Genesis Community Fellowship, Ainsworth United Church of Christ, Grace Memorial Episcopal, and Central Lutheran working with St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish and Community Partners

“We have a calling to empower every brother and sister in our community facing hardship and hopelessness. We walk together as an alliance of interfaith communities because we believe doing things together is better than doing them alone. We lead with our hearts and open our minds to understand the causes of poverty and the challenges of escaping it. We work hand-in-hand with families living in poverty by encouraging and supporting them as they move to stability. We boldly advocate for systemic change to help eliminate the root causes of poverty. We know the road is long but we believe as Martin Luther King, Jr. did when he said, “faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase."
Tom Hering Website: allianceonpoverty.org


FIRST THURSDAY OCTOBER 4 MEETING

Meeting will be held from 12:00-2:00, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock. The program will include an exercise “Sacred Cows” from Donna Beegle’s Communication Across Barriers curriculum. Jessica Rojas and Kathryn Moran will lead the group in exploring how public policy impacts those in poverty. In the second half of the meeting, we will focus on some organizational issues and review strategies for each of the three areas, advocacy, transition to stability and becoming poverty informed, and for the organization as a whole.

NOTE: LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTER GUIDES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THIS MEETING.

THE 1887 MORRISON BRIDGE – “LONGEST BRIDGE WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER”

The Morrison Bridge, the first bridge to span the Willamette River, was completed in April 1887. It was a wooden truss swing-span bridge, connecting the east and west banks of the Willamette River. At that time it was the longest bridge west of the Mississippi River. The new connection spurred explosive growth in East Portland, where a railroad already linked that city to Salem. Streetcars traveled between the two towns and more bridges followed. Heavy use and new demands required that the original Morrison Street Bridge be replaced in 1905, and again in 1958.

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 1894 TO PRESENT

Seeing the new bridge and all the growth happening on the east side of the river, members of the First Presbyterian Church located in downtown Portland decided they needed to have a church there. The first Westminster “eastside” congregation met in a restaurant and firehouse until a wood and stone building was built in 1894 at NE 10th & Weidler. By 1910 the congregation had outgrown this building and construction began on a new sanctuary in 1912. The church was dedicated on Easter Sunday, May 1914. In 1929 a two-story office was completed on NE Schuyler. In 1953 a two-story brick and stone education wing was added along NE 16th Street. The three buildings form a semi-enclosed “cloister” surrounded by a courtyard and playground for children.

Westminster declared their mission: “to proclaim and share the good news of Jesus Christ; to be a welcoming and nurturing Christian community; to gather to worship God with reverence, joy and beauty; to seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer, study and fellowship; to respond to human needs, witnessing to God’s love and compassion day by day; and to foster justice, promote human rights, and advance peace in our neighborhood, our city, and our world.”

In the fall of 2015, Westminster called upon their neighbor congregations to join them in an Interfaith Alliance on Poverty in Portland. Westminster sponsored the organization which has now grown to 13 faith-based congregations and a number of community partners.

They also support a number of ministries including the Northeast Emergency Food Network, Grace Memorial Evening Meals, Habitat for Humanity, Mainspring Portland, Operation Nightwatch, together with seasonal projects such as Soup, Socks & Sweatshirts (winter); bread for the world (spring); Crop Hunger Walks (spring); Christmas in July (summer); Thanksgiving Good Drive (November; Angel Tree (December).

In addition every third Saturday of the month at 5:30 PM, members of the prayer team lead a Taize service in the sanctuary. Participants are offered the opportunity to receive the laying on of hands and prayer, to pray silently in the pews, or to light a candle.

The “Cloisters Art Gallery” is located within the Westminster complex, displaying the work of creative artists. Current show is “VISIONS OF GUATEMALA, WORKS By BENEDICTO LXTAMER, September 16 through October 28, 2018.

FORUM REPORT - “FAITH & WHY UNIONS MATTER“

by David Groth

On Sunday, September 23rd, Westminster Presbyterian Church hosted a forum sponsored by the Oregon Coalition of Christian Voices, Jobs With Justice, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, and the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty on “Faith and Why Unions Matter.”

The forum focused on the relationship between declining labor unions and increasing income inequality. The keynote speaker, Dr. Martin Hart-Landsberg, professor emeritus of economics at Lewis and Clark College, described how the rise of inequality in the U.S. over the past forty years has coincided with a concerted effort on the part of business, and conservative advocacy groups, sometimes with government support, to reduce the ability of unions to provide effective representation for workers. As a result, the percentage of unionized workers in the private sector fell from about 30% in the 1970s to around 6% today. This steep decline in union power is one of the main factors accounting for the stagnation of wages and benefits experienced by most workers and the deterioration of working conditions over that period. Dr. Hart-Landsberg emphasized that unions can be a corrective force assuring the God-given dignity of workers by providing them with a stronger voice in the work place.

Responses to Dr. Hart-Landsberg’s presentation were given by Father Jack Mosbrucker, a retired Catholic priest and long-time labor activist, and Sunita Patel, a Legacy Health System employee who recently helped organize support workers at Emanuel Hospital. Both told very moving, personal stories about how the union movement had helped lift their families out of poverty and provide them with a dignified life. Their presentations were followed by a lively discussion moderated by Will Laying from Jobs With Justice.



NOVEMBER ELECTIONS

League of Women Voters of Portland “Making Democracy Work!”

Never has your vote been more important! The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty has co-sponsored with the League of Women Voters the following forums to enable you to learn about candidates and issues.

Watch these debates including both candidates for each office and pro & con speakers for each measure.


OCTOBER 2, 7 – 9 PM

Portland Commissioner Position3, JoAnn A Hardesty vs. Loretta Smith

ALSO OCTOBER 2:

Ballot Measure 103, prohibiting taxes/fees for “groceries”

Ballot Measure 26-201, Portland’s retailer surcharge for clean energy projects.


OCTOBER 9, 7 – 9 PM

Multnomah County Auditor, Scott Learn vs. Jennifer McGuirk – in partnership with the City Club of Portland

ALSO OCTOBER 9:

Measure 105, repealing the law limiting state and local enforcement of federal immigration laws

Measure 26-199, Metro affordable housing bonds

Measure 102, allowing local bonds for financing affordable housing with nongovernmental entities

Both evenings will start at 7 pm in the Multnomah County Boardroom, to the right off the lobby of 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

VOTE: TO SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING!

By Sarah Carolus and Bonnie Gregg

Allison McIntosh and Lynn Peterson

There is a state-wide “housing crisis” in Oregon. At the September 6 First Thursday meeting of the Interfaith Alliance, held at the Madeleine Parish, we learned that affordable housing is not only a problem for Portlanders, but for those in rural areas, both east of the mountains and along the coast. The coastal rental market has outpriced its’ service industry work force. This is true everywhere. Low-income workers, confronted with rising rents, are struggling. With most of the money going to rent, there is little left to cover other expenses. For some two-income households, the loss of one job - means loss of shelter, too. Fortunately, Oregon voters have an opportunity to improve this situation. Join us in voting to pass both Ballot Measure 102 and Metro Bond Measure 26-199 on the November 6, 2018 Ballot.

Alison McIntosh, Deputy Director of Policy and Communications at Neighborhood Partnerships, where she convenes the Oregon Housing Alliance, explained how passing Measure 102 will fix an outdated provision of the Constitution which now prevents local governments from financing affordable housing with non-profit/non-governmental partners and/or using federal/private funds together with bond money. Ballot Measure 102 will enable local governments to finance affordable housing with non-profit and non-governmental partners. They will also be able to combine federal funds and private capitol along with the bond money.

Lynn Peterson, newly elected President of the Metro Council, advised that Metro Bond Measure 26-199 will authorize $652.8 million in bonds to fund affordable housing in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties. Bonds will be used to build affordable housing to purchase, rehabilitate and preserve existing housing, buy land for affordable housing, and prevent displacement. Priority for housing will be for low-income families, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. Units will be required to remain affordable. Each County will get a share of the money – 21% to Clackamas, 43% to Multnomah, 31% to Washington. Money goes to the housing authority in each country.

IF BOTH BALLOT MEASURES PASS: Over the next 5 years, 3,900 units will be created and 12,000 people will be served!

LET’S DO THIS!

BENEATH THE CATALPA TREE

by Marilyn Robb, Madeleine Parish

I have discovered the Kingdom of God. It is not inside the walls of an opulent manmade building, but beneath the massive branches of the Catalpa Tree.

It is where the pigeons gather and eat the crumbs dropped by the hungry and homeless workers.

I have discovered the Kingdom of God. It is not inside the walls of an opulent manmade building, but beneath the massive branches of the Catalpa Tree.

It is where the “porta potties” hug the fence. It is where the tables are loaded with food, and “ritualistic” handwashing is done with “Wet Ones” from a plastic jar.

I have discovered the Kingdom of God. It is not inside the walls of an opulent manmade building, but beneath the massive branches of the Catalpa Tree. It is within the hearts of those who bring the food, and share their love and recognize the faces of Christ, beneath the massive branches of the Catalpa Tree.

NOTE FROM “MADDIE’S CART

Marilyn Robb noticed the Kingdom of God as she was sharing coffee and conversation last week, and wrote the above poem. Who would have thought it was right there, at MLK and Everett, right before our eyes?

Thank you so much for your wonderful support of Maddie's Cart and the men and women (and children) living outside in our community. It is so good to have your support and love. I'm not sure if I'm just seeing it because I want it to be true, but I am noticing that the folks we see every week are looking better. They seem more upbeat, they look better physically, and they spend more time with us just hanging-out and talking. I know they are looking for us to arrive each week. I also know this is only happening because of your generous heart and hands. I hope you can join us this Monday in every way you can. We need your prayers; we need your sandwiches, cookies, hard boiled eggs, and chips; we need your presence; we need your heart and soul to share and embrace the Kingdom of God. .… In love, Dn. Mike


NEW MOBILE HOME ZONING LAWS”PASSED BY CITY HALL

by Bonnie Gregg

After hearing testimony from park residents, low income advocates - including many Interfaith Alliance members - together with park owners, Mayor Ted Wheeler said, "The City wants to support the long-term stability of these parks." Commissioner Amanda Fritz said, "These are wonderful communities, wonderful places to live, with a real sense of belonging.”

The City Council enthusiastically passed new zoning laws. According to the City of Portland Planning Commission, “today, roughly 3,000 households live in manufactured dwelling parks (MDP), mostly in East Portland. The zone changes will support the continued operation of these mobile home parks. They will: Resolve nonconforming uses, ensuring the parks will not be converted to other uses such as single or multi-family housing; create an affordable housing bonus to incentivize the creation of affordable units; Increase density at 52 MDPs, providing financial incentives for park owners and allowing more housing units to be created on these sites; expand density transfers to any other sites outside the Central City, thus monetizing the property even if additional units cannot be supported. Together, these changes should help protect the residents of these communities from displacement.

OPB Report, by Amelia Templeton, 8/23/2018, tells why residents worked so hard to achieve mobile home zoning change.

“On a recent weekend, community organizer, Myra Torres knocked on doors at the Arbor Mobile Home Park in northeast Portland. Her kids, 5-year-old Adriel and 3-year-old Sammy, tagged along. The Arbor, where Torres lives, has narrow streets lined with about 130 manufactured homes. Next to the homes sit tomato plants, rose bushes and neat stacks of firewood. Torres was giving her neighbors fliers explaining a proposal to change Portland’s land use regulations and give manufactured home parks their own special zone.

“I care because this is my stability for my children,” Torres said. “We’ve been in this Cully neighborhood for about 13 years, so this is community. This is home.” Torres, 25, works at a nearby church and owns her trailer. She spends about $500 a month renting the lot beneath the trailer, which has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. That’s about half what nearby apartments cost monthly. When Torres first moved to the Arbor, she thought she and her husband would live in the park until they saved enough for a down payment and buy a conventional home. “But the way the prices of the homes have been going crazy up, and all the apartments as well, it becomes more of a permanent thing to do, rather than for just a couple of years,” she said. Living in a manufactured home park comes with unique opportunities — and costs. Residents often own their trailers or homes and rent the land the units sit on.

Like other homeowners, they can invest in their properties, repaint and keep pets. At the Arbor, residents have built garages, trellises and sheds. In one backyard, a duck and a small dog keep each other company. But manufactured homes, particularly the older models, tend to depreciate. And many of the homes in Portland’s parks are too fragile to move, making the residents’ investments risky. Laura Perasa, one of Torres’s neighbors, estimates she’s spent $5,000 fixing up her trailer. “If this place was closed down, there’s no way we could move this house. It’s old, we’ve added on an addition,” she said. “We would lose that investment.” The managers of the Arbor say its owners have no plans to close the park, in fact, they’re urging residents to sign longer leases. But with new apartments going up all over Cully, the park’s residents worry their home could be the next attractive target for developers. The city’s manufactured home parks comprise about 3,000 households. That’s a relatively small number, but it includes many low-income Latino families, such as the Torreses, and seniors and people with disabilities and on fixed incomes. https://www.opb.org/news/article/portland-mobile-home-park-zoning-rule-change-city-council/

THE ARBOR PARK MOBILE HOMES RAFFLE NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Please donate your gently-used & new electronics

Residents of Cully neighborhood’s Arbor Manufactured Home Park have begun turning their park into a resident-owned cooperative. They are working with St. Vincent de Paul who is in the process of purchasing the Arbor which was put up for sale in July. The goal of all is to preserve the park as affordable housing.

Arbor folks need your help with covering the cost of their many organizational meetings to become a cooperative: printing flyers, Spanish/English interpretation services, child-care and dinner costs for families who meet directly after work.

Your raffle donations of gently used and new electronics (including iPads, televisions, video game sets, cameras, music players, Bluetooth sets) will help make this good work possible. Contact Marilyn Mauch for questions and donation pick-ups at m_mauch@comcast.net.

PHFS staff and board celebrating in front of new Lents shelter

“Our entire village came together and generated $3.3million in just five months to purchase this campus that will shelter 26 families at a time in private rooms, expand our homeless prevention and life skills program. It has room to develop more affordable housing units in the future.

In May 2016, the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty hosted a seminar conducted by Dr. Mandy Davis, Director of the Trauma Informed program at Portland State University. Dr. Davis stressed the importance of providing welcoming space for those surviving the trauma of poverty. Portland Home First Solutions has incorporated that concept into their new facility in the Lents neighborhood. “We are focusing on trauma informed space design and color palette. Our driving principles are to build dignity, restore power, and promote autonomy. Our aim is to value every individual in our space.” They are working with a professional design and architecture team from Jessica Helgerson Interior Design and Carleton Hart Architecture, “accomplished professionals”, who are both of are donating their time pro bono.

UPCOMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND JOIN US

October 20

On Saturday, October 20, from 6-10 PM, Ainsworth United Church of Christ, a founding member of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty, will be holding their annual celebration:

“AINSWORTH IN THE CITY” at Colwood Golf Center,

7313 NE Columbia Blvd. Portland, Oregon.

Dinner Tickets: $50 per person

Everyone is invited to join them for their silent and oral auction, entertainment, raffle, fellowship, and delicious buffet dinner prepared and served by Dennis and Angie Harris, master barbeque specialists!

October 28

Income Inequality: How Did This Happen?

Come join us on Sunday, October 28th,  to see a video presentation by Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor, discuss income inequality from 2:00-4:00 PM  at Augustana Lutheran Church, 2710 NE 14th Avenue, Portland.  A faith discussion will follow.  This event is sponsored by the Oregon Coalition of Christian Voices, the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty, EMO, and Jobs with Justice.

November 1

First Thursday meeting of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty will be held at Fremont United Methodist Church, 2620 NE Fremont, from 12:00-2:00 PM. Rev. Erin Martin will be speaking about affordable housing on church property.

September 2018 Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2018 NEWSLETTER

The Interfaith Alliance newsletter is produced by Poverty Awareness Communication Team

To contact: Email Bonniejgregg@msn.com

VOTING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The “long hot summer” is behind us, and just as students return to school, the Interfaith Alliance resumes its efforts to resolve issues of poverty in Portland. As rent and housing costs continue to rise, lack of affordable housing impacts everyone, but especially those with low incomes. In November, voters in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties will have the opportunity to pass Measure 26-199, a regional affordable housing bond that will help thousands of people access affordable housing. Oregon voters will have a chance to vote YES for Measure 102 that will lift the current ban on the ability of local governments to work with non-profits and local businesses to build affordable housing with bonds.

Sponsored by the Oregon Housing Alliance, these measures will be discussed at the September 6th meeting of the Interfaith Alliance. Featured speaker will be Allison McIntosh, deputy director of policy and communications at Neighborhood Partnerships, where she convenes the Oregon Housing Alliance, a coalition of more than 80 organizations with a vision that every Oregonian have a safe, stable and affordable place to call home. Lynn Peterson, newly elected President of the Metro Council, will be discussing the Metro Area Bond Measure to Fund Affordable Housing.

The September 6th meeting of the Interfaith Alliance will be held at Madeleine Catholic Parish, 3123 NE 24th, in the Fireside Room, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. Due to the start of school, enter Fireside room by side entrance path shown above.



MADELEINE’S STORY

by Bonnie Gregg

The Mary Magdalene “Madeleine” Catholic Church is one of the founding members of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty. The church and school opened their doors in 1911. The current church was built in 1954, and expanded in 1967. The Parish Hall and Fireside room were added in 1984. Now Madeleine has embarked on a $4.6 million campaign to restore the Old Church and upgrade the school by installing an elevator, upgrading restrooms, improving fire and security, and creating spaces for a wide variety of uses, including the increasing number of service ministries, growing parish music program, smaller weddings, contemplative prayer, and daily Mass.

In addition to the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty, Madeleine supports over 50 service ministries Including: Peace & Justice, Care for Creation, Maybelle Center, Janus Greenhouse, Blanchet House, Refugee Resettlement, Habitat for Humanity, Water 1s International, St. Vincent de Paul, Haitian School Project, Prison Ministry, Community of Hope, among others. Dr. Maria Mazzo directs the musicians and several choirs which make up Madeleine’s Music Ministry.

Madeleine has established itself as a vital part of the Northeast Portland community. They have prayed for the safe return of soldiers from the wars of World War 1 through the Afghanistan. Many of those soldiers were baptized as babes and grew up as boys within the parish, attending the Madeleine School, serving as altar boys, etc. When they came back from the wars, many found brides, and established families of their own within the parish. Madeleine’s roots run several generations deep.

However, when Fr. Mike speaks to the congregation at Saturday and Sunday Masses, his message is not just for the Madeleine family. He always offers welcome to the strangers among us of whom there are always many. He says it doesn’t matter if you’re Catholic or Non-Catholic, a member of another Faith, or have no faith at all; single/married/divorced; LGBT; the color of your skin, etc. -- none of it matters. Here in this sacred space, all are welcome. Fr. Mike’s humor frequently arouses the congregation to laughter, as he reminds them of our common human frailty. He then speaks of God’s healing love and our call to serve in the “furtherance of His reign.” http://www.themadeleine.edu/

“Without the Lord, nothing is possible; with Him, everything becomes so! May our prayer — each one according to his or her own tradition — adhere fully to the will of God, who wants all men and women to recognize they are brothers and sisters and live as such, forming the great human family in the harmony of diversity.” - Pope Francis


MAKING A DIFFERENCE, WITH MADDIE’S CART

by Bonnie Gregg

On a Monday morning, just as the sun’s first rays light Mt. Hood, Juan G.., a 24 immigrant from Honduras, kisses his wife Maria goodbye and heads out the door to the Gresham Transit Station. He is on his way to MLK Boulevard where he will join the line of day workers, hoping this day to be hired. He may earn $10 an hour, or if he is lucky $15. In a good month he may earn $1,400; in bad one, maybe $500. Maria works at Taco Bell where she earns $8.93 an hour. They share a 1-bedroom apartment with his cousin, Jose and his wife, sleeping on a couch that makes into a double bed. The apartment rents for $925 per month. By splitting the rent cost with their cousins, Juan and Maria are managing, but Juan doesn’t know what they will do when the baby comes in November. Still he is young and strong, having suffered none of the injuries common to many day laborers. His English is not as good as Maria’s, but it’s better than many. So, as he hoists his pack of tools onto his back, he thinks his chances today may be good. Mondays are the best day of the week because on Monday mornings, Juan knows that Maddie’s Cart will be delivering breakfast burritos, hot coffee, sandwiches to pocket for lunch, and other treats, accompanied by warm smiles.

Juan is part of a predominantly immigrant and Latino work force, most of whom, according to the National Day Laborer 2017 Survey, were born in Mexico (59%) Central America (28%), and about (7%) in the United States. Standing on street corners hoping to be hired, is not the “American dream” that draws people to travel thousands of miles, pay thousands of dollars and risk their lives crossing desserts, but they are willing to take work wherever they can find it. They don’t expect a hand-out, but hope for a chance.

Portland’s increasing need for temporary and unskilled workers is chiefly met by our growing immigrant community. Multnomah County’s Latino population has grown by 170% in the past ten years. Although immigrant workers are a crucial part of Portland’s urban and rural economies, most have little or no stability in their jobs.

They are also victims of the lack of affordable housing. Their plight may be less visible, because they tend to congregate together, sharing households, seeking to live outside the radar of public awareness. However, they are vulnerable to rising rents and unscrupulous landlords.

Just as Juan is boarding Max, across town, the 5:00 AM crew has assembled in the kitchen of the Mary Magdalene “Madeleine” parish in NE Portland, to begin making breakfast burritos, sandwiches, etc.

“Get moving,” Deacon Mike urges. “We’ve got people to feed!” By 7 AM the Maddie Cart is packed and on its way to MLK where Juan and his fellow day workers are waiting.

Several Madeleine students volunteer with Maddie’s Cart at 5:00 AM, including Luke and his older sister, Celine. Marilyn Robb describes Luke in her poem:

“People of Maddie’s Cart”

“He was the youngest one there today…
a child giving up a Monday of his summer vacation –

“Not sleeping in, but rising with the with the sun
to be one of us in the kitchen preparing food for the hungry,

“His youth and fair complexion was
a contrast to those who graciously accepted his bag for their lunch.

“His innocense brought “smiles” and “thank yous”; and
…perhaps stirred memories of better times…and new hope.”

Deacon Mike says “It’s miraculous that a young guy can change everything just by his presence. God shining through him and touching all our hearts. He’s not the only one - other students are joining us and we really notice their abounding love.”

Toward evening, another Maddie Cart crew assembles in the Madeleine kitchen. Jon DeBellis writes in the July 20, 2018 issue of the Catholic Sentinel that on Monday afternoon “The kitchen at The Madeleine becomes a whirlwind of chili-stirrin’, cornbread batter-pourin’, tortilia-fryin’, burrito foldin’, sandwich-making’, snack packin’, coffee brewin’, dish washin’ mayhem.”

They are preparing an evening meal for folks camped under the bridge on the east side of the Willamette, an older, more weathered crowd. Those bedding down near the river are survivors of all kinds of catastrophes, some of their own making, others victims of horrendous events. Many are mentally ill; others have physical impairments. Some rely on alcohol or drugs to get through the day. They are as diverse as the men and women who walk the sidewalks of Portland, but they have an identity all their own.

They are the “homeless”, a people not only without a place to lay their heads, but a people who disturb us by their very being - camping in our midst, offending us by their behaviors, the mess they leave, etc., making us face realities we do not want to see. We just want them to go away, and yet their numbers keep growing. Those who have gathered under the bridge know this, which means they are wary of strangers. When Maddie’s Cart first pulled up, they viewed it with suspicion. Who were these people? What did they want of them?

Maddies’ Cart was the vision of Deacon Mike O’Mahoney. He didn’t ponder about the magnitude of the problems of poverty. Instead, he asked himself what he could do to make a difference. A hot meal or a sandwich seemed like a good idea. Everybody feels better with a full stomach. The first Monday he delivered his meals, he found out he was right. He enlisted the help of Dave Albertine to help him prepare the meals, snacks, etc. Soon they had a bustling operation going. When word got out, more volunteers joined in. Mike discovered that in addition to food, there was a need for clean underwear, diapers, fresh socks, hygiene products, Depends, etc. He saw that these products were loaded on Maddie’s Cart as well.

Now when those gathered beneath the bridge by the Willamette River see Maddie’s Cart drive up, they understand they are not going to receive a sales pitch for their soul’s salvation, but simply a meal, maybe some needed socks, and perhaps a few moments conversation, sharing opinions, exchanging stories, laughing at a YouTube on somebody’s cell, or otherwise engaging as human beings do when they come together out of love. Maddie’s Cart provides gifts of the spirit to both those who give and receive. Mike hopes that other congregations may consider setting up their own Cart. After all, Tuesday thru Sunday are available, and there are people in need: www.themadeleine.edu/maddiescart

STREET ROOTS SOULS “BURNING BRIGHT”

In the August 10, 2018 issue of “Street Roots”, Street Roots Executive Director, Kaia Sands reports that this summer, there have been a large number of deaths in downtown Portland, which has caused the community to come together to create memorials and even produce a “parade by bike”. Kaia advises that former Street Roots vendors who have died include Andy Howard, Dallas Boyd, Dani Wyatt, and David Testawich. She says, “The causes of death are various – heart failure, stroke, drug overdose and murder. On average, they died decades before the general population would. Life is so hard for people suffering homelessness and deep poverty — more violent, more taxing on health. This is why in 2011 former Street Roots executive director Israel Bayer urged Multnomah County to begin reporting the deaths of people on the streets, a joint effort that we’ve continued every year. In 2016, the most recent year we have data, 80 people died on the streets. The average age was 49.”

Kaia said that, “On Aug. 8, we held an office memorial for Dani, guided by some of her family and friends who are current Street Roots vendors. In particular, they wanted “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks piped through the office. She loved that song, they said. People shared donuts and traded stories of her antics, her laugh, her blue wig.”

They also held an office memorial on July 31 for Andy Howard. “Swells of vendors and Andy’s family gathered, listening to “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, which Andy used to play on the guitar. Andy’s sister, Bev, delighted Andy’s Street Roots friends by describing how Andy once fixed a man’s hearing aid on the streets using a bike spoke he sterilized with a lighter. Andy’s 23-year-old daughter, Katie, said that her very favorite days were those she spent visiting her father on the streets. She loved seeing how much other people trusted her father’s kindness. “When you are on the streets like that, all you have is the sense of community of the people you’re with,” Katie said to me. “You are genuinely connecting to people.”

Kaia commented that, “When so many people on the streets are reeling from loss, we must acknowledge this: This city is literally not livable for the our deeply poor neighbors. The term “livability” is a cruel word choice when it is focused on campsite removals. Instead, what makes this city “livable” should be public health, housing and compassion. Some Street Roots vendors have wept and wept about these recent deaths, but also, countless other losses. I am grateful for all the ways they can come together to grieve, laugh, remember and hold space for each other.” She urged, “Please continue to cherish your Street Roots vendor. Cherish the people in campsites with walkers leaning against tents. Cherish the woman who wanders barefoot and hollering her deep suffering. We are together in this city, gloriously human, responsible for each other. “

Kaia observed, “As I biked to Street Roots this morning, I was dazzled by the sun, almost pink in its strange light. I love the early morning hours of Portland, the birdsong and morning routines of people trying to hold their lives together in the glare of the public eye. The sun is the lamplight for people sleeping on the streets, many of whom try to pack up before passersby and commuters are plentiful. “Let a candle be added to the sun” wrote my favorite poet, Cesar Vallejo. I thought of all the candles we lit in our office this last month, and all the candles lit these last 20 years Street Roots has insisted that lives of deeply poor residents of Portland are essential to the civic fabric of our city. “

”Many of these lives burn early and bright. See that bright sun? It might be hard to notice, but I do believe our beautiful vendors are lighting it up.”

Kaia Sand is the executive director of Street Roots. You can reach her at kaia@streetroots.org. Follow her on Twitter @mkaiasand.


WHY UNIONS MATTER – AND WHAT FAITH HAS TO DO WITH IT

“As people of faith, we recognize the dignity of all people and all workers. Our religious traditions affirm the right of workers to freely organize themselves to improve their wages, benefits, and working conditions and assert the right to a voice on the job. " Interfaith Worker Justice.

http://www.iwj.org/resources/why-unions-matter-and-what-faith-has-to-do-with-it

On Sunday, September 23rd from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Oregon Coalition of Christian Voices, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, and the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty will sponsor a forum on "Faith and Why Unions Matter,” at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock.

There will be presentations by Dr. Marty Hart-Landsberg, professor emeritus of economics from Lewis and Clark, Father Jack Mossbrucker, retired Catholic priest and long-time labor activist, Jobs for Justice, and Sunita Patel, a Legacy Employee and union activist. A Q&A session will follow.

IF I HAD A HAMMER?!

by John Elizalde

In fact, the team from First Unitarian Portland with support from Central Lutheran as well as a sample of people who live in PDX Common, senior co-housing, hammered on 3 mornings in August. Sarabelle Hitchner, organizer extraordinaire, had folk working up on the hill above the Portland Central Nazarene Church as part of the volunteer effort to build tiny homes for homeless men and women.

During the last few months, the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Newsletter has told the story of the efforts to help homeless people living in the church’s neighborhood. Pastor Matt Huff has a good relationship with many of these folk and over the years has come to understand the very basic needs the homeless deal day-to-day. The congregation at Portland Central Nazarene agreed to devote a portion of their land to a homeless camp as a means to fulfill their spiritual calling.

The non-profit Agape Village (portlandcentralnaz.org/agapevillage) has taken on the organizing of the camp and Cascade Clusters arranged the construction of the tiny houses thru a giant volunteer effort this summer. Faith groups from around the country came to Portland to work for a week doing the site preparation, logistical organizing, materials prep and construction. The PSU School of Architecture took on the job of designing and building two units. Benson High School will use its fall term to build a home. Technical wizards from Catlin Gable and Grant High Schools (shinewithus.org) combined to design and build solar lighting and electronic charging stations for each unit as well as solar electric water heating for the shower. And, the good people from First Unitarian Portland et al were part of the mix. Hot weather and dirty air might have limited the hours we worked but there was full enthusiasm while on site.

Materials were provided by the Rebuilding Center which is a good news/not so good news story. The good news is the price is right and the reuse of so much material is just good! The other side of the coin is that this lumber comes right from the deconstruction zone: with nails and staples and other ‘unconformities’ included. Thus, the first chore for volunteers is to pull nails and staples, sort lumber by size and quality, carry lumber up to the construction site – for hours and hours. This was just the right type of work to assign given the talent and skill level of many of our team \.

The photos show the site, the work and the accomplishments, but truth be told the photos don’t express the value of the relationships constructed along with the tiny homes. Bob and Jesse, residents of Hazelnut Grove, were our construction bosses as well as our teachers about life in tents vs. life in tiny homes. We heard about struggles with city bureaucracy, transportation struggles, the camaraderie of the house-less communities and close personal relationships that develop in these intentional communities. Homelessness is complex. People not quite so much: we all want acceptance, a chance, love and respect along with a warm, dry place to lay our heads at night. portlandcentralnaz.org/agapevillage

AGAPE VILLAGE

Ron Clark, Agape Church of Christ states, “I have been impressed with the vision of Matt Huff, minister at Portland Central Nazarene. In 18 months, since we met for coffee in the snowy January days of 2017, he has moved his congregation to embrace this vision. I am also impressed with the leadership of Cascadia Clusters and the many other coalitions, PSU students, houseless skilled laborers, and organizations that have worked side by side to help this vision become a reality.

Many of the houseless initiatives are still in the “talking about it stages…” but Agape Village continues to grow because of the many people who lend a hand, a dollar, or supplies to create a new place for those in our city who are most vulnerable. “….Construction continues on Agape Village. Agape Blitz partnered with this new project by providing volunteers from Oklahoma, Portland, Washington, and other locations in Oregon. Other churches and organizations have also signed up to work over the past few weeks. We are entering the last few weeks of the build. There have been over 10 faith congregations and 8 organizations provide volunteers, food, or supplies and many others donate financially to this project.

We still need your help. Cascadia Clusters has provided the skilled labor and direction for the groups while Central Nazarene continues to offer land, food, and help. Financial donations, donations for building supplies, lumber, nails, screws, home depot cards, and insulation continue to be necessary. Our goal is to have a dozen inhabitable homes before the rain and cold hit the city.“ http://www.portlandcentralnaz.org/agapevillage.html

MOBILE HOME ZONING CHANGE PASSES CITY COUNCIL

Thanks to all of those in the community who worked so hard to make this happen!!

Amelia Templeton, OPB, reported on August 23, that “The Portland City Council unanimously passed a zoning change that will make it harder for mobile home park owners to close the parks and redevelop them as apartments or condos. Park residents and low-income housing advocates have been pushing for the zoning change for more than a year, and turned out in force at Wednesday’s hearing. About 3,000 Portland households are in mobile home parks. Residents who came to testify described them as unique, tight-knit communities.”

“We are the poor, the elderly, the mentally ill and the disabled,” said Anthony Knoke, a self-described disabled veteran and resident of the Arbor Mobile Home Park. “In my park, there are five families that own about half the park. Whole families. Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, brother in laws, sisters, children,” he said. “They take care of their elderly, they take care of each other, they help take care of me.”

‘Of the 57 parks in the city, most of which are found in east Portland, 56 will be rezoned and their land will be designated explicitly for Manufactured Dwelling Park use. In effect, that means an expensive review process and a City Council vote any time a developer proposes closing a park to build something else. This really is an example of the city prioritizing equity, and prioritizing the interest of those people who would otherwise have the fewest options,” said Cameron Herrington, with the group Living Cully.”

“Have you heard about the rent strike underway at Holgate Manor?” asks the Holgate Manor Tenant Union.

“For over 40 years, Holgate Manor (an 82-unit apartment complex in SE Portland) has offered sanctuary for a diverse community of immigrants, refugees, families, elderly and working-class people. All this is threatened after our building was sold to California millionaire Fred Kleinbub at the beginning of this year. Almost immediately, Kleinbub brought in Princeton Property Management and began trying to force us to move through misleading letters, rent increases and constant noisy construction. As our rents have gone up by 9.9%, many of us live with mold and vermin infestations that Princeton is not responding to. In response, we formed the Holgate Manor Tenants Union. Together, we are saying "Enough!" We voted last week to call a rent strike, refusing to pay rent until the landlord meets our demands. We need Princeton and Kleinbub to rescind their unjust rent increase, make needed repairs, allow our displaced neighbors to return, and communicate with us in our languages.

“If the strike wins, it will be a victory for every person in Portland who is sick and tired of rising rents, gentrification, and watching wealthy investors displace our communities for profit. But to win our strike, we need your help!

Contact us at HolgateManorTU@gmail.com or text HOLGATE to 345345, and we can send you updates and action alerts.”

COMING IN OCTOBER:

Thursday, October 04, 2018

2018 Annual “Street Roots” Family Breakfast – 7:30am to 9:00am,

Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Portland OR 97232

Join Street Roots for their “Annual Family Breakfast” to celebrate Street Roots vendors, achievements for the past year, and presentation of annual “Vendor of the Year” award. Michael Buonocore, Executive Director of Home Forward, will deliver this year's keynote address. http://streetroots.org/

October Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Monthly Meeting – 12:00-2:00 PM,

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 N.E. Hancock

Following the Interfaith Alliance planning session, a poverty training workshop will be conducted by Kathryn Moran and Jessica Rojas.

August 2018 Newsletter

AUGUST 2018 NEWSLETTER

The Interfaith Alliance newsletter is produced by the Poverty Awareness  Communication Action Team.  To contact:  Email Bonniejgregg@msn.com

 

Dear Members and Friends of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty: 

While we are not holding our monthly meetings in July and August, you and others can still make a difference right now for people living in poverty!

Below is a summary by Dave Albertine, Co-Chair of the Transition to Stability Action Team explaining efforts being made to rehabilitate the Oak Leaf Mobile Home Park.   Please read the summary below and contact Dave Albertine for more information: davea51@gmail.com or 503-720-6458.

Also, work on the Agape Tiny House Village is proceeding. Your congregation or you as an individual can help in a variety of ways, including participating in the building or fixing meals for the teams who are building.  Please contact Sara Carolus about this: scarolus3@gmail.com  or  503-381-6944.  You can also check out their website: http://www.portlandcentralnaz.org/agapevillage.html

Also, Jessica Rojas has let us know about another opportunity:  Lloyd EcoDistrict, ReBuilding Center and Right 2 Dream Too are partnering to build new sleeping pods at Right 2 Dream Too's site (near MODA center). Volunteer help is needed.  Information is attached and you can contact the following person:  sarah@ecolloyd.org. 

 ~ Warm (!) regards, Carol Turner &   David Groff Co-Chairs, Interfaith Alliance on Poverty

 

ON THE GROUND -- OAK LEAF MOBILE HOME PARK

by Dave Albertine, Madeleine Parish

As you know we are continuing our efforts helping residents at the Oak Leaf Mobile Home Park pack and move to temporary quarters for the next six to nine months as the Oak Leaf Park is rehabilitated.  We have formed four congregational teams and are working to schedule specific activities.  We have found that each resident and family brings needs and challenges that affect packing and timing, but efforts continue to try to move most residents near or by August 15th to motels, houses and other mobile home parks in the Cully area.   Volunteers have had to be very flexible and nimble as schedules and plans often change daily as residents realize the impacts of the changes to their lives. 

It is very apparent that change, even for a possible better future, is very difficult.  It is especially true for those who are sick, for those who want to hold on to the little they have, and for better or worse, mourn the loss of possessions and the rhythm of their daily lives.  For our volunteers it takes endless patience, sometimes humor and often a suspension of judgment when in the midst of 90+ degree heat tough decisions must be made, often in ways that seem less than sensible.  Thus far, the process at Oak Leaf has been fraught with the unexpected needs and difficulties found when trying to organize what would to many seem nearly impossible.  Nevertheless, we move forward because we should and we must and we can.

For those of you who have volunteered thus far, thank you.  You know better the situation on the ground.  I know as well, some of you who have volunteered have found the work efforts less than efficient and well-organized, often because we are responding to specific resident concerns, work space issues in crowded mobile homes and other conditions.  It makes it difficult to provide for the best use of our volunteers.  I would encourage those on congregational teams to join when they can as requested in the next few weeks.

Now congregational teams are helping residents pack and put belonging into pods that are near their mobile homes and prepare for moving to temporary motels/apartments.  Once moves are finally made, some of the residents and families may need further help and support during the months of transition.  At present, we have no social worker to assist this process, but we hope for that help in the future.  Once that is in place, we will plan for support for residents in their temporary quarters and eventually, for their return to a new Oak Leaf.

 Over the last few weeks the residents at Oak Leaf, in addition to preparing for their own move, have experienced personnel changes including the loss of social work help.  Janet Keating, Oak Leaf park manager has gone to extraordinary efforts to help residents with a level of care, compassion and skill that has been inspirational to say the least.  She has gained the trust of often wary and insecure residents and has done the most to keep things moving forward.

 At this point, we need the good thoughts and prayers from all in the Alliance to help us support the residents at Oak Leaf and work closely with St. Vincent de Paul of Eugene in continuing to make this project successful.  In all honesty, many difficulties remain, but they are not insurmountable.  Members of the Alliance have provided critical support at a time when it is most needed.  More will be asked of us in the months ahead.  As specific volunteer efforts are identified, we will contact you, especially through the present congregational teams.  Please watch and respond.  Foremost we must keep the needs of the Oak Leaf Mobile Home residents in mind.

.

 

AGAPE VILLAGE:  “BUILDING BLITZ” BEGINS 

by Sarah Carolus, Central Lutheran

The construction of tiny houses at Agape Village has begun!! These houses will provide a safe, stable home for folks as they transition off the street to their own place. The houses are being built on the property of Portland Central Nazarene Church. The construction design and implementation is being led by Andy Olshin of Congregation Beth Israel, an Alliance member.

 The building blitz started July 19th and will continue through August 21st. Interfaith Alliance member congregations - Rose City Park Presbyterian, First Unitarian, and Central Lutheran - are all participating.  During the week of July 23rd through July 27th, over 50 volunteers from Oklahoma, Washington, Agape Church of Christ, Portland Central Nazarene Church and other congregations around Oregon are contributing.   The Agape Village website is http://www.portlandcentralnaz.org/agapevillage.html if you want more information. 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

 First fall meeting of the INTERFAITH ALLIANCE will be held on September 6th, from 12:00-2:00 PM, at the Madeleine Parish, 3123 NE 24th.  Featured speakers will be Alison McIntosh, deputy director of policy and communications at Neighborhood Partnerships, where she convenes the Oregon Housing Alliance, a coalition of more than 80 organizations with a vision that every Oregonian have a safe, stable and affordable place to call home  and Lynn Peterson, newly elected chair of the Metro Council.  There will be discussion of  Metro Area Bond Measure to Fund Affordable Housing, a  Constitutional Amendment allowing Oregon Municipal Bonds for Affordable Housing,    

 

CULLY NEIGHBORHOOD SECURES NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOND

By Bonnie Gregg

 The Portland Housing Bureau announced on July 12, 2018 that “The Cully neighborhood will be the site of a new housing bond development.”   Bond funds will make it possible for PHB to acquire a 19,000-square foot property, (shown above) to build at least 50 new units of affordable housing.  The property is the fourth bond project announced in the last 18 months, totaling more than 560 units of permanently affordable housing  

Mayor Ted Wheeler said:  “My pledge to the public is to deliver the 1,300 units promised under the Bond by 2023. With the 50 new units planned for this site, plus hundreds more under active negotiation, we are making aggressive progress to meet our commitment well ahead of schedule.”  Shannon Callahan, PHB interim director, says this location in Portland's Cully Neighborhood was selected for its vulnerability. "This is a rapidly gentrifying area where families are facing a growing risk of being priced out,” Callahan said.   “Acquiring this property with the Bond allows us to create a permanent foothold of affordability in this neighborhood and stable housing for as many as 200 people.” The land, which would cost the city $500,000, is currently occupied by one single-family home.  


“OUR VOICES MAKE A DIFFERENCE”

Commissioners Vote in Favor of Cully Residents 

by Marilyn Mauch

It is a privilege and inspiration to your Fremont representatives with the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty to get to know and work with our neighbors in the Cully area. We have come to know the seniors who live in dignity in their manufactured homes and witnessed the love and hard work of Cully parents who want the very best for their children.

As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, on June 12th many parents and seniors who live in some of the 56 manufactured dwelling parks in Portland provided more than an hour of powerful testimony to members of the Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission. The Commission must approve any request regarding zoning. Residents spoke about the vital importance of a special zone to help prevent the parks from being sold and developed into housing beyond their economic reach.

They also talked about the irreplaceable community these parks provide, where people take care of each other and families can thrive and that the housing parks provide the only opportunity for low-income people to own their homes. Very importantly, many mobile home residents cannot afford the City’s affordable housing units because they are often more expensive than living in a manufactured home. The Advocacy arm of the Alliance submitted a letter of support to the Commission for the zoning change as well as a letter of personal testimony, provided transportation for the more than 100 people attending the hearing and sat side by side with residents, our visual presence showing the support of the broader community for the zoning change request.

Having heard the testimony, the Commissioners then met on July 10th to vote on the zone change. It was a tension-filled meeting. Two of the Commissioners objected to the zone change because it favored keeping manufactured homes in Portland. To paraphrase, other Commissioners said “Wait a moment – aren’t we supposed to be listening to the people in our community? This community effort has been very well organized and their voices resound loud and clear that their manufactured homes are very, very important to them.” A final Commission vote was taken and a majority of the Commissioners voted in favor of the zone change! Yet one more step must take place before the zoning proposal becomes enacted – the City Council needs to vote in favor of it. Remember all the post cards Fremonters and other congregations signed for Mayor Wheeler? The Alliance received more than 450 signed postcards addressed to the Mayor who is a member of the City Council. We think and pray the Council will vote their support. We’ll keep you posted.

 

 

A VISIT TO THE EMERALD CITY  (Excerpts Below)

By Rae Richen,   June 5, 2018                         

SquareOne Villages — low-income housing communities in Eugene, Oregon

We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto. But the Emerald Village is not a dream. It’s a reality we can replicate. I invite you to come along and see how we can improve the lives of some of our brothers and sisters.

This past few years, we been forced by sheer numbers to wake up to the desperate need for low-income housing. At first, those who couldn’t afford to live anywhere but on our streets were blamed for their own situation, but now, rational thought and reading the research tells us the truth. Some are  injured or have a disability and cannot earn enough for an apartment at today’s high prices.  A few are indigent by choice. However, most are under-paid, hard-working people who can’t afford any home we have left them in our cities and towns. The solutions offered for houseless-ness are many and varied. Each possible solution is no panacea, but each is part of a mosaic that reduces the terrible situation our neighbors face. SquareOne Villages introduced me to three of those pieces in the housing puzzle.

During April, concerned church women from all over Oregon met in Eugene to learn about Emerald Village, Opportunity Village and Cottage Village. These three are the first projects of the non-profit SquareOne Villages.

The foundation understanding for the SquareOne Villages is that if people have a safe place to be, they are able to see opportunity for themselves. If the community is self-managed, its residents work to maintain its reputation and its standing in the neighborhood. With safety, other needs begin to fall into place. Residents can find work, solve health problems and begin to plan for the future.

The first village developed by SquareOne is Opportunity Village Eugene (OVE), a community of tiny houses with a shared kitchen, laundry, bathrooms and meeting space. The community has been self-managed through a resident council and under a community agreement. The city of Eugene provided an acre in West Eugene on which Opportunity Village was built. It was built with donated labor and supplies on land leased to a pilot project. The city councilors found the work to be exceptional and recently approved a two-year extension of the lease. Mayor of Eugene, Kitty Piercy has said, “We consider it remarkably practical and productive to utilize this property for a self-manage village of people needing a safe place to shelter, store their possessions, and find community. Police Lieutenant, Erik Klinko said, “It has gone better than I thought it would. [The Village] has not been a burden to the neighborhood in terms of crime impact.”

Staying at the village helped residents transition to permanent housing though some still face barriers to obtaining permanent housing. One help toward reducing the barriers to permanent housing is the new complex of small, yet slightly larger, houses at another Eugene location. It is called Emerald Village Eugene. The women visitors came to Emerald Village to meet builders and residents. Eight of the twenty-two homes were finished, four were already occupied. The residents were happy to show off their new homes, which they had lovingly decorated. One young man had learned how to build his home in a style of construction newly permitted in Eugene. It is a straw/clay wall system.   This innovative dwelling demonstrates a natural building process that uses minimal industrial materials and incorporates local labor, skills, knowledge, and the rich resources of the Willamette Valley. He lives there with his father.  Inside his 100 Mile Home’(using materials available within 100 miles) were stored his books, his cello and his father’s favorite belongings.  Another new resident was the local gardener, tasked with caring for donated plants until the homes were built and the garden soil in the courtyard was improved. Everyone knew that plants for the future of the village should be set outside Gib’s Digs. Porch of Gib’s Digs and view of the neighbor house. Gib cares for the donated plants. The homes were designed by thirteen local architectural firms plus a few designed by the SquareOne architects. All are designed as permanent homes, built on a slab foundation. Each includes its own sleeping, living areas, kitchenette and bathroom.  There will be a community meeting place and tool storage for gardens. One of the homes is large enough for a family.  Emerald Village residents will be members of a housing cooperative and will have a share in the village The monthly cost will be $250 to $350 a month and will cover the share payment, utility expenses, maintenance and other operating costs. The share allows residents to create a modest asset that can be cashed out when they choose to move.

Among the donors to Opportunity and Emerald Villages, the idea was put forward to test this system by designing a village to house low-income residents in a rural area.The nearby town of Cottage Grove has stepped up to host this village. That project is now raising money and materials donations for the Cottage Village.We visitors, who came from many parts of Oregon, were optimistic after seeing what might be done in small houses for low-income residents. And for many, that led us to become very interested in a similar project beginning in Portland. I’ll tell you about that Portland project as it unfolds.

We have long pretended to live in a land where all are family, and all are treated equally, but we have opened our eyes and looked around. We see now that we’ve allowed wages to stagnate to the point where working people cannot afford to rent an apartment, so they live in their cars or in tents and still go to work every day.  We’re enlightened to see how well the SquareOne Villages work at offering the housing that is needed, as well as the pride and independent decision making that creates a real community of support. Let’s look for many more chances to put this into action for our sisters and brothers. For more information about the SquareOne Villages, visit  https://www.squareonevillages.org. It is a very informative website and will inspire more efforts to build villages and communities that will make our towns and cities proud. Be sure to check out the Tool Box tab which discusses how to plan and set up a similar village in your community.

July 2018 Newsletter

JULY 2018 NEWSLETTER

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much but whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

The Interfaith Alliance newsletter is produced by the Poverty Awareness Action Team.
To contact: Email Bonniejgregg@msn.com



On A Mission to Alleviate Poverty in the Portland Region

Alliance members include: Westminster Presbyterian, Fremont United Methodist, Congregation Beth Israel, Madeleine Catholic Parish, First Unitarian, St. Andrews Catholic Parish, Rose City Park Presbyterian, Augustana Lutheran, Genesis Community Fellowship, Ainsworth United Church of Christ, Grace Memorial Episcopal, and Central Lutheran working with St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish and Community Partners

“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets “iffy”, and flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. “ ~Erma Bombeck




INTERFAITH ALLIANCE, JUNE 7, YEAR END MEETING

Held at Portland Central Nazarene Church, the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty met to review 2017-2018 main strengths and accomplishments and to consider ways in which the Interfaith Alliance might become more effective and increase the participation of its members.

Following general meeting, Interfaith Alliance members toured the Agape Village”, now under construction adjacent to Portland Central Nazarene Church. Central Nazarene Church tells us that “Ever since the church opened its doors, there have been houseless people living on, and near, the property. A couple of years ago, the church really began to look at what it means to love God and to love our neighbor. In this search, hearing what other villages were doing, working with other churches and organizations, and in trying to love our houseless neighbors, Agape Village was born. The ultimate goal is to create a village which involves the entire community in giving our neighbors a hand-up. We want this village to be a win-win for everyone - making our community safer while giving people a chance to find health and stability. “The goal of the village is to provide a safe place to transition into permanent housing and a healthier life. In order to do this partnerships with other non-profits and social service agencies will be formed and those resources made available to the village guests

TO GET INVOLVED, CONTACT:

Central Nazarene Church/Matt Huff/Sarah Chapman - mhuff@portlandcentralnaz.org

Village Coalition/Vahid Brown - vahid.brown@gmail.com Cascadia Clusters/David Cahana - david.cascadiaclusters@gmail.com

Agape Blitz/Ron Clark - rclark@agapecoc.com

EFFORTS CONTINUE AT OAK LEAF

By Dave Albertine

With the summer upon us, individuals and teams from member congregations of the Interfaith Alliance have begun work to help temporarily relocate tenants of the Oak Leaf Mobile Home Park in the Cully neighborhood. As the new owner of the park, St. Vincent de Paul of Eugene is leading the effort to rehabilitate the park over the next year. Nearly all the current mobile homes will be removed and the park’s water, sewer and other infrastructure will be replaced and restored. Approximately 22 new mobile homes will be provided current residents and a community center area with laundry facilities will be built. Plans also call for increased security and better lighting.

In order to prepare for this major restoration, residents are being moved for the next six to nine months to temporary housing in apartments and motels. Members of the Alliance are helping residents prepare and pack for the move, and will also serve as Oak Leaf helpers to support residents emotional and personal needs until their return. Storage pods have been provided. Many of the residents have lived at Oak Leaf for years. Some have health issues and the move, though necessary, is disrupting and challenging. Often residents need practical advice and physical help to sort and pack belongings.

If you are interested in helping at Oak Leaf, please consider joining one of our congregational teams. Please contact Dave Albertine at 503-282-7848 or davea51@gmail.com for more information. The job requires a helping heart, patience, compassion, good communication and an ability to help residents pack. Additionally, we need some who could also provide the “muscle” to move larger and heavier belongings. The work is demanding, but very rewarding. Specific instructions and help will be provided by St. Vincent de Paul staff.

NOTE: Gienia Baines, the lead social worker from St. Vincent des Paul Eugene, who is coordinating the Oak Leaf move, advises there are now 4-5 additional families/individuals who want help packing and moving their items into their pod in the coming weeks. Help can be given any day Monday through Sat, generally between 11:00 am-3:00 pm. If you are able to donate some time, please call Gienia at 541-510-2392 and let her know you are coming. Check in at # 9 mobile home for an assignment. Also, please send Dave Albertine an email and let him know you are helping and if you are with an organization or congregation- so we get a sense of how many people are helping and who they are. His email is davea51@gmail.com



OUTCOME OF LIVING CULLY’S MOBILE HOME CAMPAIGN UNCERTAIN

by Marilyn Mauch

Hundreds of mobile home residents and supporters showed up wearing orange to the Planning and Sustainability Commission hearing on Tuesday, June 12th at Portland Community College’s southeast campus. Together, through heartfelt testimony and visible support, they called on the Commission to vote YES on a proposal to protect Portland’s 62 mobile home parks with a new zoning designation that would make it difficult for developers to purchase park properties and redevelop them with housing out of reach for low income households.

At the end of the meeting, the Commission postponed the vote until its July 10 meeting in order to consider amendments submitted by some of its members. Supporters of the zoning change fear that these amendments could seriously weaken the initial proposal and invite redevelopment of park properties. Living Cully has called on members of the Alliance and its other supporters to submit testimony to the Commission urging it to adopt the original manufactured dwelling park zoning proposal and reject any amendments that make it easier to redevelop a park. Submit your testimony before July 10 at https://www.portlandmaps.com/bps/testify/#/mdp Living Cully expressed sincere thanks for the Alliance’s letters of support to Commission members, for providing a bus to take families to the hearing and for Alliance members attending the hearing.

“YES, FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Campaign Kickoff, Portland Mercado, June 21, 2018.

The Oregon Legislature has referred Constitutional Amendment (HJR 201) for Affordable Housing to voters in the fall of 2018. As rent and home costs skyrocket in the Portland Metro area and across the state, we are fighting to keep our communities together. Support #HomesWeNeed and vote YES for Affordable Housing this fall!

The Oregon Housing Alliance, sponsor of the “Yes, For Affordable Housing” campaign has racked up the following accomplishments during the 2018 legislative year:

Document Recording Fee (HB 4007) -- The Legislature increased the document recording fee for affordable housing from $20 to $60, which will raise $90 million a biennium for critical affordable housing needs!

AHTC Technical Fix (HB 4028) - The Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credit (OAHTC) can be used to purchase and preserve manufactured home parks, to ensure long term affordability for residents. HB 4028 makes a slight change to allow an LLC or an LP controlled by a nonprofit organization to be an eligible purchaser. - The Legislature passed this important technical fix for manufactured home park preservation.

Address Racial Disparities in Homeownership (HB 4010) - People of color continue to face discrimination as they seek to purchase their first home. This bill creates a task force to study and address racial disparities in homeownership. - This Task Force was created by the Legislature!

Request for Emergency Shelter (HB 5201)

The Governor’s Office has requested $5 million to meet emergency needs. This funding will go to communities across the state to address an unprecedented increase in need for shelter capacity. - This request was funded!

Addressing Severe Rent Burden (HB 4006) Cities with a high percentage of renters with a severe rent burden (over 50% of their income goes to rent) will hold a public meeting to identify potential solutions to the problem, and submit a plan to Oregon Housing and Community Services to consider ways to address the problem. Also included in the bill are resources to support technical assistance grants for local jurisdictions, and funding for a study of the cost drivers of affordable housing. - This bill was passed, and fully funded!

“2018 STATE OF THE CITY”

REPORT BY MAYOR TED WHEELER (Excerpts Below)

“We know the key challenges that confront us in the present – homelessness, housing, policing, economic development – but we also recognize these challenges as opportunities to live our values, put them into action, and let them serve as an example to others. I believe that every one of us is entitled to a warm, dry place to sleep at night. We can’t continue to call ourselves a progressive city as so many of our neighbors live, and too often die, on our streets. Homelessness represents nothing short of a humanitarian crisis. It is unacceptable to me, and I hope to you, and I expect us to continue to lead and innovate to find humane solutions to significantly reduce this problem. “That’s why the first dollars allocated in my proposed budget will be dedicated to preventing homelessness, providing shelter for those living outside in the elements, and – most importantly – guiding people into permanent housing while connecting them to the services they need to get off and stay off the streets. “The City of Portland has a challenging budget and I’ve asked all bureaus to show me what 5% reductions in service would look like. My commitment to you is this: we will maintain the record investments we’ve made in the Joint Office of Homeless Services.

“We were one of the only cities in America that saw a reduction in the unsheltered population over the last two years—which we decreased by 11%. Don’t get me wrong – the problem of homelessness is very serious and it continues to grow, but having fewer people living outside, exposed to the elements is proof that we can make progress. We reduced our unsheltered population by increasing shelter capacity, placing more people into permanent housing, and by reducing the number of people who become homelessness in the first place. Almost 5,000 people obtained housing last year, hundreds more than the goals our partners in A Home for Everyone set before the year began, and more than twice the number placed before the coalition was created. That is 5,000 people who are no longer living outside, and no longer living in shelter. They have a place to call home. 5,000. “In addition, more than 6,000 people started receiving prevention services last year, almost 2,000 more than the year before. That is 6,000 who are right on the edge that we are preventing from becoming homeless in our community. “As we make progress on homelessness, we must also address the factors that lead people to homelessness in the first place. We must ensure that Portland remains a city that is accessible and affordable for everyone. .I don’t want millionaires to be the only people who can afford to live downtown. I don’t want service industry workers to have a two-hour commute. I want a city where we actively create housing options at every income level and for people of all ages. “More than 600 affordable housing units came online in 2017—more than double the number of units in the prior year. And this year will be another record year. There are currently more than 700 newly affordable units under construction and slated to open in 2018. This will be the largest number of affordable units ever produced by the City of Portland in a single year in modern history. An additional 1300 units are beginning construction and will open their doors in 2019. “City Council will soon approve a plan to allow for greater height and density in the Central City to create more housing, all of which will be subject to the Council’s inclusionary housing program. That alone has the potential to create thousands of units of workforce housing.

“We passed major tenant protections this year, including making permanent an existing policy requiring landlordsto provide relocation assistance to tenants they evict without cause or who cannot afford a double digit rent increase. We expanded the pool of tenants who are eligible for this greatly needed protection. And we are investing the housing bond dollars approved by Portland voters. Proponents of the housing bond promised that 1,300 units of permanent affordable housing would be created at a variety of affordability levels within 5 – 7 years. And, we are on track to accomplish that. “As of today, in the first 18 months, we have nearly half of the units promised to voters in process, in both new developments and acquisitions of existing buildings – providing new housing opportunities and preventing displacement.

“If voters approve ballot measure HJR 201 in November, our bond dollars will go much farther. We might be able to double, or even triple, the number of units created by the affordable housing bond. If metro moves forward with their housing bond, this would allow us to leverage those dollars, too. We know that the involuntary displacement and the discrimination of entire communities resulted in a legacy of lost opportunity, of lost wealth creation, and created an environment for a lack of trust. This gap in trust, can only be addressed if we honestly recognize these actions of the past, some of which are still playing out in many ways in our present, and are willing to discuss them, and take alternative actions to the best of our abilities, to right these wrongs. The spirit of Portland is that of solutions. That pioneering spirit that runs through the veins of all those who call Portland home. Join me in reaffirming our commitment to fair housing for all. To locking hand in hand and arm in arm and moving towards a reality that affirms our commitment to the intent of the Fair Housing Act both in spirit and in practice. “While we address access and affordability in the rental market, we must also provide more opportunities for home ownership. A home represents the ability to create wealth, not just for your family today but for generations to come. “We have come some of the way, not near all of it. There is much yet to do.”

CITY PURCHASES APARTMENT HOUSE TO HELP AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced the purchase of an apartment building on S.E. 105th and Burnside at a price of $14.3 million. “Funding this kind of transitional housing for our most vulnerable neighbors is extremely important to me,” he said. “Acquiring a new building with these amenities and transit options is a rare opportunity. We have been able to act swiftly before it was sold on the private market thanks to this resource given to us by Portland voters.” The building is the third project announced as part of Portland’s Housing Bond and the promise to create 1,300 units to help solve the city’s affordable housing problem. “The housing issue is a regional issue,” Mayor Wheeler explained. “It is not just a Portland issue.” The new apartment building will have 51 units including seven studios, 20 one-bedroom, and 24 two-bedroom apartments, as well as on-site supportive services. The two-bedroom units are designed to accommodate families with children.


GOOD READ:

“Breakfast At Sally’s” by Richard LeMieux

Bremerton man’s inspirational journey through homelessness—recommended by Lou Carman, Madeleine

Once a happily married businessman, avid golfer, and the proud owner of several luxury cars and three boats, conservative-minded Richard LeMieux saw his fortunes change almost overnight. In this astonishingly heartfelt memoir, he describes his descent into homelessness and his struggle to survive personal and economic disaster. LeMieux describes his odyssey and the quirky, diverse, and endearing cast of characters found among the homeless people of Bremerton, Washington….a rare inside-look at how the other America lives and how one man, beaten down and alone, was able to reconnect, find good people, and ultimately, with their help, to persevere. Lou says, “The author was a man who lived in Bremerton, WA and had a wealthy lifestyle until he lost everything except his station wagon and his little dog. This is the story of his time as a homeless person, and his story may make you see homeless people in a different way.”

RIGHT 2 DREAM TOO

Right 2 Dream Too (known as R2DToo) is a rest area in Portland that serves the houseless community on a temporary basis. Their mission is to provide a safe place for people to sleep undisturbed

RIGHT NOW, they are looking for volunteers to help build sleeping pods. Although no prior experience needed, those with carpentry skills are especially encouraged to volunteer. Construction will be led by a professional carpenter Shifts are 3 hrs long, from 8am - 5pm. Building will take place at 999 N Thunderbird Way BUILD DAYS: July 6, 7, 8, 21 & 22 Sign up for volunteer shifts at ecolloyd.org/sleeping-pod-volunteer-sign-up . More ways to help We also need refreshments, shade, and other day of support, contact sarah@ecolloyd.org for more details. Questions? Contact Sarah sarah@ecolloyd.org.

May 2018 Newsletter

The greatest problem is not with flat-out white racists, but rather with the far larger number of Americans who believe intellectually in racial equality  but are quietly oblivious to injustice around them.

- Nicholas Kristof

Portland Spirit Led Justice Alliance 

By Rabbi Debra Kolodny, as reported by David Groff 

Portland boasts at least fourteen progressive faith-based coalitions and organizations representing hundreds of faith leaders and thousands of faithful. Several focus exclusively on dialogue and one-off events. Others focus on activating faith leaders on immigrant accompaniment, legislative, and economic justice campaigns.  The Interfaith Alliance Against Poverty focuses on alleviating poverty.

We have all seen that the November 2016 election unleashed a flood of faith leaders and communities who show up to rallies, vigils and marches, lending our voices to the good fight and giving money to organizations representing targeted communities. Yet the vast majority of these activities are not targeted towards concrete goals or part of ongoing campaigns. The Spirit Led Justice Alliance seeks to focus and amplify work with clear justice outcomes. 

 This consortium of interfaith coalitions will add to the already wonderful coalition work in two ways. First, it will bring us together as activists on issues of shared concern. Then, it will engage us in monthly ceremony, ritual and prayer, to ensure our long-term sustainability and resilience.

Every event will have spiritual leadership in its planning and/or execution. Spiritual traditions across all races, religions and cultures will be engaged. At first, you will hear about activities led by existing faith-based coalitions and organizations like the Faith and Labor Committee of Jobs with Justice, the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice, Ecumenical Ministries and the Oregon Coalition for Christian Voices. After a time, coalition representatives will explore engagement with other justice campaigns led by impacted communities.  You are invited to join these efforts!  Be on the lookout for emails in May! 

History of Interfaith Alliance Member St. Andrews Catholic Church

by B. Gregg   

The proclaimed mission of St Andrews is to be “a visible presence of Christ in our culturally and racially diverse neighborhood, rooted in the Gospel and nurtured by liturgy, prayer, and the community of faith. As such we commit ourselves to work with the poor, the powerless, and the oppressed for the liberation of all; to seek justice, compassion, and peace in our lives, community and world; and to proclaim and celebrate God’s unconditional love for all.”

In October 1908, with financial help from “relatives in the old country” and friends from St. Patrick’s parish across town, Irish Catholic immigrant families constructed their first parish facility at NE 9th & Alberta Streets.    The chapel was on the top floor, the parish hall was in the basement and St. Andrews school, operated by five Sisters of the Sacred Heart, from Scranton, Pennsylvania, was on the first floor, serving approximately 100 students. Irish born Father Thomas Kierman, just 24 years old, was appointed pastor and served St. Andrews for 27 years until his death in 1934.

In 1920, the building caught fire destroying the school and chapel floors.  A large tent was set up to serve as the school on weekdays and church on Sundays for the next 2 years. The school was rebuilt in 1922 with a convent on the second floor and church services were held in the basement.  In 1929 the church was re-built by Peter J Pfeifer, according to French Gothic design.   Preifer also worked on Madeleine and All Saints parishes, but declared St. Andrews his “masterpiece.”

During the 1920s-30’s, immigrants from Germany moved into the parish.  In the 40’s African Americans drawn to work the shipyards located in the neighborhood, one of the “few areas where non-whites were allowed to live in Portland.”  Later Filipino families settled in the parish.  School enrollment increased to 256 in 1958.  When enrollment dropped in 1985 the school was closed, but reopened  in 2001 to accommodate the Jesuit-run St. Andrew Middle Nativity School.

St. Andrews Community Center serves the many needs of the parish and community.  It is funded by an annual auction, a tradition begun in 1973 by the late Neil Kelly.

April Interfaith Alliance Monthly Meeting

By B. Gregg

St. Andrews Pastor, Fr. Dave Zegar, warmly welcomed members and guests of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty for their April 2018 monthly meeting.. He led the gathering in prayer, asking for  God’s wisdom  as we work together to achieve the dignity and justice to which  all human beings are entitled.

Interfaith Alliance Co-Chair, David Groff introduced speakers Matt Huff, Pastor of Central Nazarene Church and Andy Olshin, member of Congregation Beth Israel.

The Agape Village

Born in Maryland, raised in West Virginia, Matt   graduated from Antietam Bible College in 2005 with a B.A. in Pastoral Studies.  In 2007 with a Masters in Intercultural Studies, he completed his Master of Divinity at Nazarene Theological Seminary.  He has led Central Nazarene Church in southeast Portland for the past four years.

His church sits on a property of 10 acres and ever since the church opened its doors, there have been houseless people living on or nearby.  A couple of years ago, while “brainstorming” what it means to love God and to love our neighbor, they researched what other churches were doing across the country to help with their houseless neighbors.  They learned that many were sponsoring tiny house villages and  decided to do the same.  Thus was born “Agape Village”

“The ultimate goal is create a village which involves the entire community in giving our neighbors a hand-up.  It will be a self-governing village, modeled after Opportunity Village in Eugene and Dignity Village in Portland.  The goal is “to provide a safe place to transition into permanent housing and a healthier life.”  

They hope to construct 20 tiny houses, at a cost of $10,000 each, on the 10 acre property. Houses will be built of cedar, on a solid slab of cement.  They will be solar-powered, with a tiny sink, and heated by hot water.    8’ ½” wide x 16’ long x 13’6” high, each unit  will have a front porch,  windows on all sides, and  be equipped with cell phone chargers.  Bathroom and laundry facilities will be provided nearby.

Shelter Pods

In “Jewish Life Oregon”, Deborha Moon reported on her interview with Congregation Beth Israel member, Andy Olshin. (excerpts below)

She said that “Many, many years from now, Andy Olshin (on right in photo above)  hopes his tombstone reads: “He built a thousand homes for the homeless.”

“To date the coalition he created has built four “safe sleep shelter pods,” which Andy says are “a place to live, but not home. It is temporary shelter.”  Two of the mobile shelters have been deployed to Hazelnut Grove, a homeless village near Overlook Park that has the blessing of the city, at least for now.

“The other two are spending 10 weeks in the parking lot of Congregation Beth Israel – not to house anyone, but as a display for other faith groups and nonprofits that might accept future pods in their parking lots to shelter homeless families.

“Andy’s goal is to have 300, 3-pod clusters, within the next 5 years, many located on church properties.   One reason he has focused on putting pods in the parking lots of faith organizations is because people in faith communities “care about other people. They help – that is part of being a faith-based organization.”

“The project began when Andy met with City Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury and Portland Business Alliance president and CEO Sandra McDonough.

“Rabbi Cahana joined Andy on Nov. 2, 2017 to testify before the city council on a zoning amendment to make it legal for religious institutions and some nonprofits to put the pods in their parking lots if they meet certain conditions. The amendment passed on second reading.”

WHAT CAN INTERFAITH ALLIANCE CONGREGATIONS DO?

Church Parking Lots - Permit use of ten spaces of the church parking lot  to set up a 3-pod  homeless village  for a period of six months.

July 16 – August 17, 2018:   Agape Village Construction - Assist in the building of 20 tiny homes on concrete slabs on the Central Nazarene property. Ways to help:

  • Contribute toward the cost of materials

  • Join volunteers doing construction

  • Provide food/refreshment for workers

  • Adopt a house @ $5,000-$10,000

  • Befriend Agape Village Guests

For more information:

Parking Lot Pods:  Andy Olshin,@ Andrew.Olshin@comcast.net

Agape Village:  Pastor Matt Huff @mhuff@portlandcentralnaz.org 503-760-6272

PRIMARY ELECTION MAY 15, 2018    

The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty joined this year with the League of Women to present Multnomah County Candidate Forums during April.  In addition, Voter’s Guides were distributed to congregations within the Interfaith Alliance. VOTE411.ORG

IF YOU CARE about Affordable Housing—Education—Jobs-- Health Care-- How your tax dollars are spent,

SEND IN YOUR BALLOT TODAY!

Now is THE TIME to let YOUR VOICE be heard…

Choose the candidate who most shares your views!

Vote FOR the measures you approve, 

Or AGAINST those you do not. 

 “Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”    Abraham Lincoln.

“PEOPLE’S PLAN”  by PAALF 

(Portland African American Leadership Forum)

PAALF has requested that the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty endorse the “People’s Plan”.  After study, the Interfaith Alliance Advocacy Action Team has decided to support this action and will be submitting the endorsement for the consideration and approval of the Interfaith Alliance General Membership at their meeting on May 3. 

 “Please read the letter from PAALF Co-Chairs and/or visit the whole plan at https://www.paalf.org/paalf-peoples-plan/ , and think deeply about what the Interfaith Alliance should decide at our next Monthly Meeting.” Rae Richen

PAALF VISION The Portland African American Leadership Forum envisions a world where people of African descent, enjoy the rights, resources and recognition to be a thriving, resilient and connected community. 

PAALF MISSION The Portland African American Leadership Forum helps our Black community imagine the alternatives we deserve and build our political participation and leadership to achieve those alternatives.


Letter From PAALF Co-Chairs

 “The concept of a Black Utopia, one that promotes and fosters a Black community that taps not only into its legacy of resilience but is truly one afforded the opportunity to thrive, can be a symbol of hope. Not a hope that is shaped in wistful “what ifs…?,” but a hope that is connected to true possibility. The People’s Plan seeks to contextualize the data used by policy makers in the City of Portland and the State of Oregon, by juxtaposing the understanding of where we, the Black community, are and where we could be. 

“The People’s Plan recognizes that it is not enough to re-illustrate the disparities facing our communities in the areas of health, education, housing, administration of justice, environmental justice, etc. There needs to be space for, and an ongoing conversation regarding, what the Black community could be with the elimination of barriers. What would be our ideal expression and realization of community? 

“The Portland African American Leadership Forum strives to be an organization that brings leaders together to address the needs of our community, and the individuals and families it is comprised of. As an organization, we aim to be clear that the term “leader” can accurately be applied to the mother who advocates for her child; to the community elder who continues to remind us of the journey; to our organizational executives and CEOs. 

“PAALF recognizes we need the multitude of our collective voices at the table in order for us to realize meaningful change in our community. The work we need to do is not something that can be done in a vacuum. Therefore, we seek a variety of inclusive ways in which to engage our community members to participate and benefit from the work of PAALF. The goal of the PAALF People’s Plan report is to empower the voices of all of our Black community’s leaders. Through this lens of empowerment, we recognize it is our community’s right to shape the way our community looks, feels, and how Black people of Portland experience it. Through the unapologetic assertion of our voices we will be the ones to shape the policies that impact our Black community.

“Anything that lacks the breadth and depth of our collective voice will fall short in the policies that seek to foster a Portland the Black community has truly shaped and designed. It is incumbent for the Black community to continue to push for our voices to be heard and our recommendations to be actualized. PAALF will continue to be a part of this clear mission to create the space for “. Robin M. Johnson, MS Executive Committee Co-Chair Portland African American Leadership Forum.

Historic Black Williams Project Walking Tour – Saturday, May 12 – 9 AM and Thursday, July 19 – 6 PM

You are invited to participate on a 3 mile walk along N Williams Avenue between NE Broadway and NE Killingsworth to view 40 objects of art displayed by local artists celebrating the Black history of the area.   Meet at Dawson Park, NE Stanton St and Williams Avenue.  Learn about the “Hill Project” area currently being considered for development.  

POVERTY TRAINING: 

How has your childhood affected your life journey, your attitudes, and your actions?

By B. Gregg

At the March 1 meeting of the Interfaith Alliance, Poverty Trainers, Kathryn Moran, and Jessica Rojas, led Interfaith Alliance members to participate in a “PRIVILEGE WALK” to discover how they arrived at their present place in society

 For each question, participants were asked to take one step forward, or one step back.  Were you every hungry growing up?  Were you taken to ballets or symphonies? Did your family own a business? Was it expected that you would go to college?  Did you attend college?  Were either of your parents an alcoholic? Were either of your parents incarcerated? As the questions continued, participants made their way back and forward across the room. 

 By the end of the walk, a few were standing all the way across the room, others were standing pretty close to the wall from which they’d started, and the majority were scattered somewhere in between.  All better understood how place does matter, opportunities and challenges make a difference.

At the April 5 Interfaith Alliance meeting, Kathryn and Jessica discussed the results of the “walk” and explored the impact of   “privileged” and “marginalized” life experiences as well as the differences between generations and those experiencing “situational vs. generational” poverty.

Oak Leaf Mobile Home Report 

By David Albertine

I was invited to attend the tenants meeting with St. Vincent de Paul regarding changes planned for Oak Leaf Mobile Home Park.   It was both informative and heartwarming to see tenants trying their best to understand and begin to take ownership in the changes going on within the park.  Terry McDonald, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul spoke and answered questions.  The dialogue was respectful, but plain spoken and direct.  About five tenants were present as was Ally, the new social worker assistant and Janet, the park manager.  Also, a city person was also there.  Here is what I learned of present plans (subject to possible change).


1)  The park at present has 34 spots for mobile homes.  It will be reduced to 22 spots including parking and a community center.

2)  Asbestos, demolition and removal of nine mobile homes will take place by the end of April.  The house on the property is uninhabitable and will be removed once permits etc. are received.

3)  Occupied mobile homes will be assessed to determine whether they can be removed or will need to be demolished.  Residents will receive new trailers.  I am a bit unclear on this, but it appears that no present trailers will be salvaged because of their age.

4) Owner occupied mobile homes will be evaluated and dealt with on an individual basis.

5) St. Vincent’s is trying to work on an opportunity for residents to purchase their new mobile home.  The certainty of this is yet to be determined.  However, rents will remain the same for all residents who continue to rent both during the transition and after tenants return.

6)  The city of Portland is expediting the permit process.  Hopefully final permits will be issued by mid-june.  As soon as permits are issued there will be an effort to help residents leave as quickly as possible.  St. Vincent’s is working hard to make the transition time as short as possible. Transitional housing has not been found at this point.

7)  The plan is to totally empty the park, provide new water, sewer, roads and basically start again from scratch.

8) Residents will be provided pods for storage.  Pods will be removed off-site.

9) Park rehab will take five months.  The goal is to have tenants back in by mid-November.  Any delay in permits or moving people will cause a delay in return.

10)  Tenants said at the meeting would welcome help from us with moving etc.

Possible Implications for the Alliance

Members of the Transitions to Stability will need to meet with Giena Baines, Ally and possibly Janet to develop a support plan.  From what I gathered at tonight’s meeting the main needs will likely center around the actual physical transition moves, both out and in.  We will need to determine specific needs of residents and determine whether we can be helpful. 

 It is yet to be determined, but it seems likely that we will need to ask our congregations for limited time, but specific help to accomplish the task of moving.  Other social and support needs will also be needed, but that is unclear at this point.  I anticipate we may organize in some support teams.  Again, some of this is a moving target, but this is what I see based on my observations at the tenant’s meeting.  I suspect we will need the help and support of all our Alliance.  We will continue to clarify our participation.

NOVEMBER 6, 2018 BALLOT TO BAN ASSAULT  WEAPONS

On April 30, Oregon Measure 43 Campaign Initiative Petition to Promote Public Safety for All through banning the sale of assault weapons and large capacity magazines held a signature-gathering training session at Augustana Lutheran Church.  If you would like to become involved or  learn more about the efforts of this group, contact Rev. Mark Knutson mark@augustana.org

Cully Housing Action Team (CHAT) April 3, 2018 Meeting Highlights

by Marilyn Mauch

CHAT/PSU Videos  

Two short videos featuring   Cully residents  were presented by a PSU film instructor and her students.  

First video focused on an interview with Linda, a single senior living in Cully. Her mobile home had received new windows through the Federally funded Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Thanks to the weatherization, Linda is now warm and comfortable during winter months.

WAP services are available at no cost to households at or below 200% of the federal poverty income level. Primary funding for the program is from the U.S. Department of Energy with other funds from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, utility companies and the Bonneville Power Administration.. As I understand, WAP funds are very limited and there is a waiting list for Cully residents to receive these services.  

The second video depicted the turmoil the Normandy Apartment residents experienced when a developer purchased the building and raised the rents by more than 100 percent. The rent increase resulted in residents having to immediately look for alternate housing and new  mid-term school placements for their children.

City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly  is now considering requiring landlords to give advance written notice to their renters before selling the building.  The advance notice would enable renters or the City to consider purchasing the building to remove it from the market, keep the tenants in their homes, avoid disruption in children’s education, and keep the housing affordable.

Sale of Holgate Manor apartment building (82 apartments) at SE Holgate and 37th Avenue  

Residents were told on March 1 that remodeling is needed which will mean a large rent increase and potential displacement while renovations are completed. The residents have asked that the Portland Housing Bureau purchase the apartment building using some of the $258 million housing bond monies and convert the property into permanently affordable housing. Residents represent a diverse community with eight languages spoken; some have lived at Holgate Manor for decades.   Many residents are low income or fixed income and elderly. See https://www.change.org/p/mayor-ted-wheeler-help-holgate-manor-tenants-stay-in-our-homes.

Those present at the CHAT meeting voted to have a letter sent to the Housing Bureau signifying CHAT’s support for the City to enter into negotiations to purchase Holgate Manor.  

Briefing by Metro Council representatives regarding upcoming Metro bond monies to advance affordable housing.  Bob Stacey, Metro Councilor for District 6, announced Metro plans for a bond measure targeted for affordable housing which the regional government hopes to offer voters this November. The dollar amount of the bond is not yet set -- $50 million or larger. Metro has been studying what bond amount voters would support. Bob was accompanied by Jes Larson, a Government Affairs Specialist with Metro and a third Metro staff person. They asked what were the most important needs and features of affordable housing Cully residents would like to see. 

Cully residents and friends expressed the following affordable housing desires. 

-- Environmental concerns – they wanted the housing to be located in safe, clean areas – not in/near brownfields for example

-- Housing for low and lowest income folks

-- Housing that accommodates a variety of family sizes 

-- Have wrap-around social and medical services as needed to support residents, including for the addicted

-- Near to grocery and drug stores and bus lines 

-- Foster a sense of community by providing for example, a community meeting space and play space for children 

-- Could the housing be available for residents to eventually purchase? 

Stacey said that if the Metro affordable housing bond is approved by voters this November, such bond monies might be available for use by nonprofits if a constitutional amendment permitting this is also passed this November.  

Note: Metro manages the boundary that separates urban land from rural land in the Portland region and works with communities to plan for future population growth and to meet needs for housing, employment, transportation and recreation. Metro serves 25 cities in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties, as well as unincorporated parts of those counties.

ACTION ALERT

by John Elizalde

Please write or call your congressperson to express your views on the proposed Farm Bill.

“April 19, 2018–Organizations across Oregon are calling on U.S. Representatives to reject a Farm Bill that was passed yesterday by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.”

This is the beginning of a call for action from Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon.  A host of Oregon organizations realize that many of the Farm Bill provisions recently passed by the US House committee will hurt our most vulnerable neighbors.  The bill imposes new and more heavy-handed work requirements on some SNAP recipients that will hinder not help them climb from the pits of the poverty.

The Advocacy Action Team of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty has studied this issue and concluded that member congregations should be asked to join with other Oregon organizations and reject the Farm bill as passed April 18.  

The AA Team has four criteria it applied to this (and all action items): 

1. It found that SNAP benefits are a profound means that low income people are able to maintain any semblance of a quality of life as they struggle to keep their children well fed for school work and themselves healthy as they work to get out of poverty.  

2. The Farm Bill is up for reauthorization in 2018 and the House Agriculture Committee is the first of the actions the congress will take this year; this version of the bill needs to be stopped soon.  

3. The Interfaith Alliance on Poverty/Advocacy Action Team seeks to join a host of other like-minded organizations across the state working help our neighbors in need.  

4. Most, if not all of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty members has active anti-hunger efforts that would be further harmed by the imposition of this Farm Bill. 

Please call your representative today.  Do it now!       
https://www.oregonhunger.org/speak-up

April 2018 Newsletter

Spring – an experience in immortality.” -Henry D Thoreau

APRIL 5 INTERFAITH ALLIANCE MONTHLY MEETING

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

Guest speaker will be Scott School Principal, Gina Roletto 

She will share her insights educating students  from the multi-cultural, socio-economic diverse families of the Cully neighborhood.

On behalf of Congregation Beth Israel, Rabbi Rachel L. Joseph,  welcomed a full house of Interfaith Alliance and Community members to the March 1 meeting of the Interfaith Alliance.

Rabbi Rachel advised that Congregation Beth Israel was founded in 1858, when Oregon was still part of the Oregon Territory. It was the first Jewish congregation west of the Rockies and north of California. The then new Congregation held religious services in Burke's Hall, which was located above a livery stable located on First Avenue.

The first Synagogue, located on SW Fifth and Oak streets, was built in 1859. After two succeeding Synagogues, they have worshiped beneath their current Byzantine Dome on SW 17th & Flanders for 88 years.

Sally Rosenfeld introduced guest speaker, Brandi Tuck, Executive Director of Portland Homeless Family Solutions

Brandi grew up in Coral Springs, Florida and attended  the University of Florida, where she earned degrees in political science, philosophy, and non-profit organization.  In 2006 Brandi moved to Portland and began work at the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force conducting an anti-hunger public policy and outreach for federal nutrition programs. 

In 2007  Brandi founded Portland Homeless Family Solutions and has worked as the Executive Director ever since.  Brandi received the 2009 Skidmore Prize for Nonprofit Service, the 2010 Bank of America Local Hero Award for her leadership in social services and the 2013 WVDO Crystal Award for Executive Fund Raising

.Brandi declared:  “Homelessness is not normal.”  She recalled that  the 1940  New Deal provided $89 Billion for a Federal Housing Authority  to support affordable  housing for the white, but not black community. 

From the 1940-80’s, housing funds were defunded to $20 billion.  Public housing fell into disrepair and was torn down.  At the same time mental health facilities were closed and patients were released out into the streets without resources.  As the housing crisis grew, waiting time to get housing assistance grew.     

Wages have stagnated while the cost of food, health, transportation, and rents have risen.  Child care averages about $900 per month.  

After World War II, the GI Bill supported with middle class with education and housing assistance.  Wealth was accumulated and passed down to the next generation.  Now the passage of wealth  has slowed to a trickle.  Students encumbered with debt, have limited resources to purchase homes.

As rents rise, more people face evictions. As more and more people are forced out of their housing,   shelters have become the resort of the homeless. Tent cities arise.  Tiny houses spring up on  vacant lots.  The city allocates more money for multiple housing, but it is never enough because wages are never enough to cover the rising cost of rents and living.

The mission of  Portland Homeless Family Solutions is “to empower homeless families with children to get back into housing and stay there.  We take people “as they are” building relationships, understanding that they may be trauma affected by their experiences.”

A year ago, the PHFS Board and Staff set out on a long-term vision they  called  our “Moon Shot” – They wanted to own a building where families experiencing homelessness receive wrap-around services* to support them moving permanently back into housing.

On Friday, March 23, Portland Homeless Family Solutions (PHFS) announced their intention to purchase a 3.3 million-dollar property on 92nd and SE Tolman Road. This purchase will allow PHFS to increase capacity in their family shelters from 8 to 34 families a night. 

It will also allow the non-profit to expand wrap around services such as: homeless prevention, rapid rehousing, life skills training, mental health services, addiction treatment, child care, employment services, and healthcare. 

The purchase includes eight 2-bdrm apartments; PHFS hopes to build an additional 40 units of affordable housing on the property in the near future.

March to commemorate the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King is being led by the Albina Ministerial Alliance (AMA) on APRIL 4, 2018. The NAACP-Portland Branch (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon are co-organizers.  The First Unitarian Church will co-sponsor.

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

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

Stepping out in Faith:  Tiny Houses on their way to SE Portland

by John Elizalde

A congregation of 130 Sunday worshippers, 10 acres, a large flat, cleared tract of about an acre, 6 current homeless tent dwellers living up the hill on the property – mix, shake, add faith and 20 – 30 tiny houses and there you have it; or will have it; or almost will have it.

These faith communities just do stuff like this.

Pastor Matt Huff gave a tour of the expanse of property owned by the Portland Central Church of the Nazarene to Sally Fraser, Sarah Carolus and John Elizalde from the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty.  He told of how the church was confronted with the reality of the housing crisis as it impacted the neighborhood and members of his community.  Through his relationships with other faith leaders he learned about a variety of ways that faith communities are responding by stepping out in faith.

Relationships do that, don’t they.  We learn new ways, new ideas and gain inspiration to explore our own opportunities.  There is a longer story here but we’ll suffice to say that Portland Central Church of the Nazarene is well on its way to hosting a community of 20 – 30 tiny houses they will make available to the homeless folk in their neighborhood.

Construction is underway at a site in NW Portland where a team of skilled and resourceful people are using the frames of worn out RV trailers as the under carriage of the tiny homes.  The homes will be 8.5 feet wide and up to 16 ft long with a loft for sleeping.  The full furnishing of the units hasn’t been completed yet but it is likely there will be a way to use a propane  heater, small refrigerator and maybe a hot plate.  Plumbing and full electricity will not be available at first so there is likely to be a stand alone ‘wash house’ and cooking house..

Occupants of the homes haven’t been decided on either.  There is a school just down the street and it may be that families would be served well at Central Nazarene.  But then, there are many single men in the area who are struggling with houselessness too.  Those 6 houseless neighbors on the property are all men.

And, where does the church come up with 20 – 30 old RV frames for these homes.  It seems that “Roger”, a friend of the build team leader, has a line on such clunkers and every few days he shows up at the church with another old RV in tow.  This provides work for “David”, another team leader friend, to go to work with demolition.  On the day of our visit David was in a great mood having a sunny warm day to tear apart old RV’s.  He’s living the dream.

And, maybe it is a dream.  There are so many unanswered questions about plumbing and sewage and electricity and water and materials and timing and money and money and money.

There are so many reasons to say ‘yes, but....”

Pastor Matt shrugs and says “I wonder how it will all turn out.  I’m pretty sure everything will work out just fine.”  There is that stepping out in faith again.

TINY HOUSES IN YOUR BACKYARD?

By B. Gregg

Hazelnut Grove, Photo - Stephanie Yao Long

Oregonian reporter, Mike Zacchino, tells us that “Multnomah County’s creative problem solving department wants to roll out a pilot program this year that installs 30 taxpayer-funded tiny homes in backyards across the city. Families with children who are homeless, or on the brink of homelessness, would rent the tiny homes from the property owner for at least five years. Then, the property owner can do anything with “the granny flat” -- it’s fully theirs.”

City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly has ordered city code enforcement to deprioritize cracking down on people illegally living in tiny homes and RVs on private property.  Eudaly intends to propose an ordinance that would allow people   to live in tiny homes in yards around the city. Until then, property owners are allowed three tiny homes or one RV to be occupied.

Portland currently has four tiny, self-built-home communities: Dignity Village,   Right 2 Dream Too,  Kenton Women’s Village, and Hazelnut Grove .   

Dignity Village, now approaching 20 years in North Portland, is connected with a nonprofit homeless services provider.

Right 2 Dream Too moved from West Burnside at the Chinatown gates to city-owned property between the Willamette River and Moda Center.  Residents who work shifts to run the “rest stop,” where people can sleep for 12 hours at a time, live in new tiny homes built with donated materials and volunteer labor.

A 14-pod village for homeless women opened in June 2017 in  the Kenton neighborhood.  The village provides the women an opportunity to have their own space, rather than living in a shelter. It is supported by Catholic charities. 

Hazelnut Grove grew organically in its spot at the intersection of North Greeley and Interstate avenues, one or two homeless individuals settling in at a time until eventually there were 13 residents of a tiny house community.  The Overlook Neighborhood did not welcome the newcomers, but agreed to work out a Good Neighborhood Agreement, while going through a mediation process.  Mayor Wheeler decided to keep hands off until the process worked out.  Now that it appears no agreement is going to be worked out, the Overlook Neighborhood has been informed that Hazelnut Grove will be moving, but nobody knows when or where.

In southeast Portland, as described in John Elizalde’s article above, Portland Central Nazarene Church, is embarking on a project to construct 30 tiny “mobile homes”.  They will be 8 1/2’ x 13 1/2’ x 12’-16’, constructed of cedar and powered by solar panels.  Their advantage is that their mobility will allow them to be moved from place to place.

PORTLAND “MARCH FOR OUR LIVES”

by B. Gregg

KOIN reports that “Portland, Salem and Vancouver were among the cities across the globe holding "March for Our Lives" rallies, organized by Florida high school students after the slaughter of 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Valentine's Day. “

Event organizers estimate between 20-25,000 people attended the march and rally in Portland.

Interfaith Communities Unite Against Gun Violence

Campaign Chair, Mark Knutson, Pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church, stated:  "Oregonians of all ages are rising up to stand alongside our young leaders who have seized this moment with courage and vigor to shape a safer future for all of us. “  Pastor Knutson is also Chief Petitioner  of the effort to

 “Lift Every Voice”  Interfaith Campaign to Ban the Sale Of Assault Weapons and Large Capacity Magazines in Oregon.

A Co-Petitioner is Rev. Alcena Boozer, former principal of Jefferson High School and Pastor Emeritus of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church, and Rabbi Michael Cahana of Congregation Beth Israel. The Treasurer is Imam Muhammad Najieb, Director of the Muslim Community Center of Portland and a veteran of the Marines.  Rev. Lynn Smouse-Lopez of Ainsworth United Church of Christ is serving as an Alternate Petitioner, and a number of other faith leaders and young leaders are serving on the Campaign Steering Committee and six sub-committees.

SPARC lights the fire!

By John Elizalde and Sarabelle Hitchner, ,First Unitarian Economic Justice Action Group, First Unitarian Committee on Hunger and Homelessness; Interfaith Alliance on Poverty

Portland, Multnomah County, Gresham and a host of others have stepped into the lions’ den according to Mark Dones from the Center for Social Innovation.  Mark was clear at the SPARC Community Kickoff that SPARC is likely to light up the way that our community has social systems, rules and maybe laws that adversely impact people of color and contribute to these people being homeless.  And we’ll need to deal with that reality.

Supporting Partnerships for Anti-Racist Communities launched in Multnomah County under sponsorship of A Home For Everyone, the municipal and county government partnership to end homelessness in the region.  SPARC will assess and address the ‘stark racial and ethnic disparities found nationally among people experiencing homelessness,’ according to the program brochure.  This means we’ll ‘fundamentally change the conversation we are having about the root causes of housing instability, risk for homelessness and barriers to exiting homelessness for people of color.’  The process brings together policy makers, service providers and people with lived experiences to understand how racism impacts homelessness.

SPARC is an initiative of the Center for Social Innovation (center4si.com), a 12-year old social change research and consulting group out of Needham, MA. 

To date, there are 10 communities around the country in these conversations and making changes.  Whereas homelessness is a national phenomenon, it impacts people locally and must be addressed community by community.

The program kickoff was held March 19 and began a week of intensive program activity that will continue over a 3-year process.   

There will be the requisite quantitative analysis of Multnomah County data as well as qualitative study.  Economic Mobility, Housing, Behavioral Health, Criminal Justice, Family Stabilization and Network Impoverishment will be part of the qualitative review.  A thesis could be (and in all likelihood has been) written on each of these features.

Critical for us will be a plan to reach ‘racial equity.’  This means the deliberate policies and practices that provide everyone with the support they need to improve their lives.  In broad terms this means a program that includes on-going anti-racism training, persistent professional development for people of color, full time equity positions in government and service agencies, governing board diversity, anti-racist community efforts and innovative interventions.

A couple of important points came from the panel of experts who spoke at the kickoff.  

  • It is more than poverty that is driving homelessness for people of color. 

  • Homeless people know what changes to social systems would improve their circumstances.

  • Outcomes of work are the test of equity, not simply lip service to policy. 

  • Listen to people of color and believe them.  Folk really do know what their lived experience is.

  • We who are white don’t get to call ourselves allies or accomplices of people of color – they make that call.

  • We of Caucasian heritage live with a different cultural history, memory, and confidence in government-driven change than our neighbors (and government leaders) whose families were interned in WWII, repatriated to Mexico early last century, or suffer the uncertainty around deportation today due to DACA --- for example.

  • If you are having a discussion about race and racism and there isn’t a person of color in the room, something is wrong.

As the song says, ‘we’ve only just begun’ and it seems like a big deal that our community is taking this deep dive into an important realm of our social fabric. 

 Kaia Sand, Executive Director, Street Roots stated in her opinion piece  “SPARC-ing conversation on homelessness and race, Street Roots-March 23-29, 2018” - 

“Oregon has a history of excluding and displacing people of color.  Federal housing policies, forced relocations of Native people, mid-century termination of some Oregon tribes, exclusionary housing laws, racist real estate practices, planning and policies, terrible terms on housing mortgages and on and on.  And then there’s less to pass on - people of color lose out on intergenerational wealth.  This all impacts housing stability.

PORTLAND HYGIENE PROJECT

By B. Gregg

So, you find yourself broke, homeless, facing life on the streets of Portland.  Besides finding food, clothes, bedding, and a place to sleep, you need to locate a toilet available through the day, and somewhere to wash your body, brush your teeth and launder your clothes.  

The HYGIENE PROJECT, done in partnership with the PSU School of Social Work and the Sisters of the Road in Old Town/Chinatown, explored the need for showers, toilets and laundry facilities for those without permanent housing. Portland State University students discovered that Portland’s homeless population is suffering due to lack of access to proper hygiene facilities

Lisa Hawash, an assistant professor in the PSU School of Social Work, led the research and survey of 550 homeless people, over a 2-year period from 2014 and 2016. The graduate students found that 40% had experienced health problems due to lack of hygiene resources, including staph infections, scabies, lice, open sores, endocarditis and urinary tract  

The HYGIENE CENTER would be open 7 days per week, 12-14 hours per day; offer accessible showers and bathrooms; provide washer and dryer facilities; and storage/locker space.

 “As a community social worker, I believe in the dignity and respect and human rights for all people and people’s self determination,” Hawash said. “At the end of the day, it’s about inherent worth.”

SUMMARY -- CULLY HOUSING ACTION TEAM (CHAT) MEETING

 • City Council Hearings on the Relo Ordinance, Feb. 28th & March 7

The Relocation Ordinance, commonly called the “Relo Ordinance,” was set to be in effect for only one year. It enabled households served a no-cause eviction or a rent increase of 10 percent or higher in a 12 month period to be paid relocation assistance by their landlord. The City Council Hearing on February 28 was 1) to vote on whether or not to make the ordinance permanent and 2) to address rentals to tenants who occupy the same dwelling unit as the landlord or a landlord who rents only a single dwelling unit in the city of Portland. Approximately 24% of rentals fall into these categories. 

The Interfaith Alliance provided a van and John Elizalde drove 15 Cully residents to the City Hall hearing on the 28th. A handful of Interfaith Alliance folks attended the hearing via other transportation.

 

Council consideration of the ordinance at the 28th meeting started later than anticipated and while the council members generally seemed supportive of making the ordinance permanent, they wanted to discuss further policy regarding rentals of single dwelling units.   At the subsequent council session on March 7th, the commissioners made permanent the February 2016 renter relocation policy. What’s new? Landlords renting single dwelling units are no longer exempt to the provisions of the Relo Ordinance except in limited circumstances.  

• Good News!! The city will fund 75 new affordable housing units in Cully! Drawing on the 250 million in bond monies for affordable housing, the City will buy property to build 75 affordable housing units in Cully. The contract is in process and the location of the housing can’t be announced yet.

• Reaching out to African Americans living in the Cully area. Living Cully received a small grant of $3,000 to host events to engage African Africans living in Cully. A series of game nights will take place at the Living Cully Plaza with the first scheduled for Friday, March 16, 6-9 pm.  

• Hacienda CDC News The full name of Hacienda CDC is Latino Community Development Corporation. Formed in 1992, its mission is four-fold: To strengthen families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement and educational opportunities. The corporation’s offices are located in a large, colorful building at the corner of 67th Avenue and Killingsworth Avenue, directly across from the Living Cully Plaza building. In the Cully neighborhood, the corporation has already built housing communities on four vacant lots and renovated one run-down apartment complex – (a former hotbed of drug activity and prostitution), thereby creating in total 325 units of community-centered affordable rental housing in Cully.  

Exciting, Promising Milestone - But City Funding 

Needed! Hacienda has now completed all plans for the redevelopment of the Living Cully Plaza building, formerly known as the Sugar Shack. The Shack cannot be salvaged. Hacienda CDC must now go to the City to ask for monies to finance the rebuilding of the Plaza property. Hacienda CDC met with residents to gather information about their needs for the building. A new building will provide 150 affordable housing units, a community gathering space, laundry facilities and much more tailored to Cully family needs. 

Breakout Groups: Those present broke into three study/planning groups. They were: 1) Land acquisition – supporting Hacienda’s efforts to buy properties and develop Living Cully Plaza; 2) Eliminating barriers to home ownership; and 3) Engagement strategies for youth.

The Home Ownership Group is new and just beginning its work. A number of families have rented in the Cully neighborhood for a rather long time. They wish to open bank accounts, start putting money into the bank and perhaps someday be able to use the savings toward the purchase of a home. The purpose of the Home Ownership Group is to 1) acquire information about opening a bank account and 2) what’s involved in trying to buy a home, 3) how to spread the information to other Cully residents and last, 4) to advocate with first-time homeowner programs such as Habitat. These organizations might open the possibility of homeownership to them.

 

Some of the questions/points that arose at our short breakout session were:

. Can one get a bank loan if the person doesn’t have a social security number?      

. Can one buy a home if the person doesn’t have a social security number?

. How does one get an ITIN necessary to open a bank account? (An ITIN is a nine-digit tax processing number assigned, for example, to people who do not have a legal status or social security number in the U.S.)