JUNE 2O19 NEWSLETTER

MAYOR WHEELER FORUM

By Marie Langanes &  Bonnie Gregg

Carol Turner welcomed the nearly 200 guests assembled in the Madeleine Parish Hall, on May 13,2019, to hear Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler address:  POVERTY IN PORTLAND: STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS PORTLAND’S HOUSING NEED.  

After opening prayer led by Pastor Linda Quanstrom, Fremont United Methodist Church, Mayor Wheeler, declared we are participating in “history in the making” as we endeavor to solve the problems of poverty in Portland.

Root causes are many, including low income, reduced safety net programs, few public health options, limited educational opportunities, racial discrimination, unfair criminal justice practices, inadequate shelters, and unaffordable housing.  He said, “These are complicated issues which require complicated answers.”  

For instance, when foster children exit the foster care system because of age, they frequently end up on the streets of Portland.  When a lost job or medical bills drive individuals or families into bankruptcy, many who never thought they would become homeless suddenly find they are.  Many of the homeless work one or more jobs, but at wages so low they can’t afford to pay rent.  Retiring baby boomers find themselves without incomes sufficient to pay the bills.  Single mothers with one or more children face hard challenges, particularly if they happen to be Latino or African American.  The physically disabled, mentally challenged, elderly or chronically infirm do not have the   means to afford a place to live and pay their other expenses, as well.  

The City’s first goal is to keep low-income families from losing their housing, because once they are homeless it is much harder and costly to get them into living places.

The Mayor declared Portland  has a prosperous economy.  High skilled jobs are in demand.  The tourist industry is booming. The City is contacted continuously from other cities, because Portland is considered a model of intra-agency collaboration.  Since 2011, 44,000 people have moved to Portland.  However, that is not the reason for the rise in our homeless population.  They are not coming from out of state to obtain services.  Most of our homeless, approximately 85%,  grew up in Portland or other parts of Oregon. 

The Mayor said that one of the primary reasons for the rise of homelessness is that the housing industry has not kept up with demand for housing. In addition, Federal programs supporting those in poverty have been cut. Those without or with limited resources, often fall into poverty, which is why the City of Portland has devoted so many of its resources trying to help with shelters, programs, etc. This year, the City has committed $1 million to providing “hygiene centers” to assist the homeless.

Following Mayor Wheeler’s prepared remarks, there was a round of questions presented on cards from members of the audience read by Carol Turner or John Elizalde to Mayor Wheeler.   

Responding to a question asking how the recent sweeps of 91 homeless camps help the homeless, 

The Mayor advised that he does not believe urban camping is an acceptable solution for the problems of poverty.  It does not produce a quality life style for the homeless and leads to health, safety, and environmental problems for the community. It’s never allowed to put tents on the city streets or block sidewalks.   He said that the “Springwater Trail” which allowed the homeless to camp freely for a number of years, turned out “to be a disaster”, causing neighborhoods to rise up in protest.  

Nevertheless, ”urban camping” is increasing not only in downtown Portland, but in our neighborhoods  He said that on an average the City receives from 500-700 calls weekly from citizens concerned about the litter, the needles in the park, the profanity, the  blocking of  public ways and/or the behavior of the urban campers which they fear threatens their children and their way of life. 

Mayor Wheeler acknowledged that the sweeps do disrupt the lives of the campers. That is the reason they give campers notice of when a sweep is scheduled.  On the day of the sweep the police are always accompanied with social services workers to help get campers relocated. Their personal belongings are bagged and tagged and are put in storage, in a downtown facility, run by other homeless people. Of 3000 camps moved only two people have been arrested.  

The City has looked at many models on how to solve the problems of the homeless throughout the U.S. and is now considering the “Navigation Center” model, which has been successful in San Francisco.  

The Mayor is hopeful that by utilizing the Navigation Center Model, Portland will be able to get more people off the streets and be able to assist them in developing customized plans for their situation because as the Mayor says,  “one size fits all” doesn’t work.  

He concluded by saying “There is a sea of goodwill in this room.  What we need is a holistic approach to mobilize that goodwill,  to find  solutions that will  create an economy that is shared by everyone in our community, not just a few.”  

Fr. Amalraj of the Madeleine Parish closed the meeting, thanking everyone for their participation and praying for the success of our combined efforts to overcome poverty.

JUNE 11 – MAYOR WHEELER FORUM FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION

If you would like to learn more from Mayor Ted Wheeler’s staff about the issues raised during the Mayor's presentation,   and their response to questions asked by members of the audience at the May 13th Program, you are invited to the follow-up meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, 7:00-8:30pm, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock. 

Please register by June 7, with Bonnie Gregg (bonniejgregg@msn.com).  

SPECIAL THANKS TO VOLUNTEERS!
The Poverty Awareness Team of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty wishes to thank the many, many people who helped to make the Mayor Ted Wheeler Program on May 13th a very successful event!

Interfaith Alliance Congregation Members:  Barbara Dow,  Marie & Bill Langeness, Becky Elmore, Connie Yost, David Groff, Debby Willett, Eve Rosenfeld, Father Amalraj Rayappan, Fraser Rasmussen,  Gary & Sherry Martel, Beth & Gregg Neel,   Jim Moiso, Joan Meyers,     Lee Lawrence-Moiso, Les Wardenaar, Linda Quanstrom,  Lynne Rasmussen, Rae Richen, Ruth Whitham, Sarah Carolus, Scott Overton and Tom Hering.

Madeleine Parish Staff:  Father Mike Biewend, Jackie Dooris, Ann Hart, and Rich Hammons

Interfaith Alliance Planning Team:  Carol Turner, John Elizalde, Dave Albertine, Marilyn Mauch, Karen Nettler, Sally Rosenfeld, Claudia Roberts, Bonnie Gregg, and Holly Schmidt.

If we missed your name, please forgive us.  Know that everyone’s help was greatly appreciated!  We couldn’t have done it without you. 

JUNE 6 -  1ST THURSDAY INTERFAITH ALLIANCE YEAR-END POTLUCK MEETING

GENESIS COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP,  located at 5425 NE Killingsworth, will be hosting the June 6th meeting of the Interfaith Alliance, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM.  Everyone is encouraged to bring a potluck item to share.  A discussion of the Portland 2.0 Project led by David Yaden, will be the focus of the meeting. 

The Interfaith Alliance will take a brief summer respite to refresh and re-calibrate.   The 2019-2020 Interfaith Alliance 1st Thursday monthly meetings will resume September 5,  2019.

What Pastor Frazier says about Genesis:  “I believe that Almighty God has created Genesis to grow and be a strong vibrant influential church in our city.  The community will realize what Genesis has begun to experience already; that is, to be a community that expresses unconditional love, a community of worshipers that touch the heart of God, and a light in the ministry of reconciliation. Family, Youth & Senior ministries will develop into solid ministries as our Outreach ministry finds a new, yet influential role in our community.  Genesis will become not a place to go but a people to belong to.”

Genesis Community Food Pantry is proud partner with the Oregon Food Bank and is an equal opportunity provider. Mondays & Thursdays – 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Genesis Community Food Pantry’s mission: To offer assistance to all in need, regardless of their current “status”.  We will open our doors and arms to serve all people.

Our vision: To participate in a community that relies on one another, loves one another, and supports one another, as Christ did.

Portland 2.0

About the Project

Beginning in the late 1960s, the Portland region boldly decided to head in a direction different from other urban areas—turning away from sprawl and freeways, rebuilding a vital and active downtown, maintaining desirable neighborhoods and attractive public parks and amenities. It gained a reputation for urban success, civic vitality and innovation. Let’s call that Portland 1.0.

However, our quality of life has not been equally shared. Some were simply left out, excluded. Importantly, the burdens of our desirability, especially displacement and housing affordability, have fallen disproportionately on those least equipped to cope and those historically bypassed by our “urban success,” especially communities of color and lower income groups.

Growth is creating new strains. And circumstances have changed, including an increasingly diverse population, technology, the economy, modes of civic engagement.

The Portland 2.0 project arose out of a belief that it is time to assess how things have changed and to ask some big questions about governance as a shared civic endeavor of citizens and leaders–about how things do or don’t get done, about the capacity of our civic infrastructure to shape and achieve Portland 2.0. https://www.pdx.edu/cupa/portland2.0

INTERFAITH ALLIANCE ADVOCACY TEAM REPORT: 

Residential Infill Project (RIP) Guidance to Prevent Displacement in East Portland by Sarah Carolus and Elizabeth Stepp

At a recent meeting of the Interfaith Alliance Advocacy Action Team,  Katie Larsell,  a member of the East Portland Action Team, shared her insights regarding the Residential Infill Project’s possible impact on East side neighborhoods.

Sarah Carolus reported that Katie Larsell emphasized the following points during her presentation:

• Because of their larger lots, lower land costs and lower income of the population, East Portland has potential to attract significant infill development.

• This potential development will cause displacement and other unintended consequences.

• There was an amendment presented before RIP's final vote to allow East Portland to be exempt from the new zoning for 5 years. That was voted down 5-4. Katie advised that she would have voted for RIP if this amendment had been included. 

• RIP currently is a one size fits all proposal, which will not work in all neighborhoods. City models of how RIP will change city are not necessarily correct. 

• Some of RIP is needed to address Portland's housing goals. Reducing size of buildings, adding more housing choices, and creating smaller family sized units is good.

Elizabeth Stepp observed that Katie had made the following recommendations for actions by the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty:

• Consider having a representative attend the East Portland Action Plan General Monthly meeting, at David Douglas High School (4th Wed. in the evening). The EPAP area is land east of I-205 and west of Gresham, and between the Columbia River and southern city limits.  It includes the Lents neighborhood.  

• Consider sending a communication (position paper / submit comments) to the Mayor and City Council on the RIP and on the potential of adding anti-displacement mitigation measures and programs (see Oct. 24, 2018 letter from EPAP to City Council). 

 Excerpts from letter sent from the East Portland Action Plan to Mayor Wheeler, Commissioners Eudaly, Fish, Fritz, and Saltzman, Planning and Sustainability Acting Director Joe Zehnder, and the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC):

 The East Portland Action Plan (EPAP) is a City-community partnership which has been tasked with leadership and guidance to public agencies on how to strategically address community-identified issues to improve livability and prevent displacement in East Portland.  With the extension of the Residential Infill Project (RIP) into East Portland, the RIP will impact the following Action Plan strategy areas: Housing & Development Policies (HD.3and5) and, Housing Assistance and Safety Net Services (SN.1 and.3).

 The original ‘A’ overlay RIP map, which included all recommended RIP neighborhoods, contained only one East Portland neighborhood -- the rest of East Portland was not included. Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) staff analysis showed that RIP could be a destabilizing and displacing force in certain East Portland areas which are already experiencing pressure from rising rents and rising home prices. Other East Portland areas were not included because of drainage problems, and in some cases, because of limited public transportation.  If adopted as proposed, the RIP will increase the number of allowable units on each lot within what is now traditionally single-family areas.

 East Portland Action Plan Economic Development and Housing Subcommittees advise that the following be implemented if the RIP ‘A’ overlay is extended beyond the initial BPS recommendation into East Portland:

 Before the Portland City Council votes on accepting the RIP report, property owners in East Portland must be notified about the change. City residents were notified of the original RIP and given ample time to respond during an open comment period. Property owners, neighborhood associations and business associations in East Portland looked over that proposed RIP and saw that it did not include them. They need to know if it does include them and have significant time to address the adjustment. This change impacts a lot more people in East Portland than it did originally, and such a monumental change should not proceed without informed East Portland input.

Using an equity lens, create an East Portland Quadrant Plan equivalent that plans projects and zoning changes tailored to conditions specific to East Portland. East Portland is racially, ethnically, and language diverse, has more poverty than any other part of the city, and has multiple school districts with different needs to consider. There is a different pattern of street grids and many large undeveloped lots. Property values, while rising, are still lower compared to the rest of the city. A one size fits all RIP, created in response to problems in other parts of the city, will have unintended consequences for East Portland. 

Establishing a Quadrant Plan equivalent prior to implementing the RIP in East Portland will lessen the unintended consequences. This Quadrant Plan equivalent will have the depth and project orientation of the downtown Quadrant Plan. 

The original BSP staff report stated that the RIP could increase displacement in East Portland. There is no reason to doubt the basis of this analysis. East Portland needs a full range of anti-displacement mitigation programs in place BEFORE the RIP comes to East Portland.

Anti-Displacement Mitigation Programs Needed:        East Portland Action Plan insists that you put in place displacement prevention tools before you implement the RIP in East Portland. One consequence of hastily implementing the RIP in East Portland that is not planned, but is entirely predictable, is a continued and rapid displacement of current residents, especially people of color.

 We advise the implementation of robust mitigation programs, using the example of inner northeast Portland as a cautionary tale. The City made extensive changes in that area without adequate mitigation programs in place. The result was widespread and, much regretted, displacement of too many people, notably, the now diminished African American community in the area. The City cannot claim naïveté as to the impact such changes make when intervention does not proceed implementation.  

The BLS staff made the following recommendations on what programs should be put in place before the RIP comes to East Portland:  "In support of vulnerable homeowners”:

1. Offer outreach and education to low-income homeowners about the ‘A’ overlay provisions and their opportunities and risks.

2. Provide technical assistance to low-income homeowners on how to build additional unit(s) on their property and how to manage rentals.

3. Increase funding for financial assistance programs regarding: a. Home-ownership; b. Home-repairs;   c. Down payment assistance; and d. Loans to homeowners to build additional unit(s) on their property.

 Programs to support vulnerable renters of single-family homes:

1. Develop anti-displacement strategies for specific areas facing early stages of displacement risk;

2. Fund education programs for low-income renters regarding tenant rights, financial literacy and other skills that could help them stabilize their housing situation; and

3. Pilot a program to give qualified displaced households preference for affordable housing units in or near neighborhoods where they were displaced.

 With robust programs in place, the changes in density and new building could be a way of creating wealth for East Portland homeowners. We know East Portland will change -- the City of Portland has charged the East Portland Action Plan to provide guidance, because we are a diverse group that establishes common ground in the best interest of East Portland. Take our guidance. Protect East Portland community rental tenants and build wealth for existing East Portland community members, not predatory investors. East Portland Action Plan Summary https://multco.us/file/30127/download

HOMELESS:  LIVING WITH STRESS & TRYING TO LIVE WITHOUT IT

by Aliza Saunders |Street Roots/ 3 May 2019 

Street Roots wanted to learn more about what being able to relax means when you don’t have a home. We shouldn’t have been surprised that this exploration turned into conversations about stress on the streets.

An intense job interview or narrowly catching the bus might cause an immediate and even thrilling dose of stress, called acute stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. Not all stress comes in small spurts, however. Chronic stress is “grinding stress that wears people away day after day, year after year,” a form of stress that can be debilitating, according to the American Psychological Association.

This stress can result in serious psychological and physical health consequences, such as anxiety, insomnia and a weakened immune system. The American Institute of Stress has compiled an exhaustive list of 50 common symptoms of stress that includes difficulty making decisions, depression, trouble learning, lack of care in appearance, and rapid and mumbled speech. Like many psychological conditions, chronic stress manifests in diverse and sometimes nonlinear ways. In addition to daily uncertainties such as finding the next meal or staying dry during a rainy night, people who are or have recently been homeless often carry childhood trauma, which may contribute to deep and sometimes crippling stress.

For 13 years, Mykel Garner lived on the streets and faced immeasurable stress. He was abandoned by his grandmother to Child Protective Services when he was 8, and since then, he has lived in more than 10 group homes, struggled with addiction, been shot three times, and spent time in a psychiatric hospital. “When I was on the streets, I didn’t have a choice,” he said. “I had to just be submissive and admit that I had been beaten, and basically in the end, I just wanted to die. I tried so many times to just give up.” 

Despite these challenges, about three years ago, Garner felt the most relaxed he had in a long time. He was clean and sober with a sponsor and attending recovery meetings. Garner felt accepted, hopeful and a part of something. Around that same time, Garner was also moving into his apartment, where he has lived for the past two years. While it alleviated many of the stressors he had faced on the streets, moving into an apartment also introduced new ones. The owners of his housing unit have tried to evict him four times, Garner said, and now he has been getting ill in his room and feels he’s been unable to be effectively diagnosed.  “Now, with housing, it’s like someone has control over me, and they basically have control over … (my) life or death. If I go back to the streets the way I am, I don’t think I’ll make it without going to prison or getting killed,” he said. “I just don’t see myself making it because it took everything I had to make it through everything I did this far in life.”

Heather Harrington has been living on the streets for two years, and like many homeless individuals, she faces the daily stress of making enough money, keeping warm despite harsh weather conditions, and protecting her belongings from theft. She also has to navigate those living around her. 

“I’ve never seen so many people who seem lost, and they need help,” she said. “They’re just wandering around ... talking to themselves or sleeping in the middle of the sidewalk or screaming at the top of their lungs to someone who’s not there. It’s stressful. It puts me on edge.”

John Smith, finding that his health became compromised after living in shelters for about 12 years, began living on the streets last year. Smith takes medication for high blood pressure, which he attributes to both his family history and the extreme stress of being homeless.  “Being out on the streets, you never let your guard down because that’s when you end up getting hurt,” he said. 

Jerrick Harrenstein lives in a shelter. He went there every night during the winter. Harrenstein battles with daily mental health issues and often feels like his stress is inflicted on him by his surroundings.  “I’m stressed out all the time. It’s part of life – my life,” he said.

Leo Rhodes, a homeless advocate, has been homeless for 30 years and has been in housing for the past eight. Rhodes was met with violence when living on the streets.  “I fell asleep on the waterfront, and I got hit over the head three times with a pipe. That brings a lot of stress on you,” he said.    

Combining years of trauma with difficulties of daily stressors, those who are or have been homeless often live with lingering, and sometimes chronic, stress. Even so, these folks frequently show resilience in the way they are able to cope. However, many people living on the streets have been through so much trauma and loss, leading to this chronic stress, that they are now unable to simply relax.  “I don’t feel relaxed ever living on the fucking streets,” Harrington said. “It takes a while to even feel relaxed again. “I could go from here into a house, and I won’t be relaxed. I’ll never be the same. It’ll never be the same. It’s called PTSD, I think.”  https://news.streetroots.org/2019/05/03/homeless-living-stress-and-trying-live-without-it

HEALING STRESS WITH A SANDWICH

by Bonnie Gregg

Stress is part of all of our lives, but living with the uncertainty of not knowing where you will sleep or how you will survive from day to day has to be in a category all its own.  You may have social security or a disability benefit, may be working one or more minimum wage jobs, but there is no way you can pay rent, feed and clothe yourself, pay cost of prescriptions or support your drug/alcohol habit.  

So living on the street is not a choice but a necessity.  Whether you are an 18 year old, newly released from foster care, a runaway striking out on your own,  an alcohol or drug addict,  someone who had it all, and lost it all, a victim of mental or physical illness,  a veteran still suffering wounds from the battlefield (psychological or physical), just out of prison having served your time but with nowhere to go, a battered wife seeking escape from an abusive marriage,  a mother of children with no job and no place to go,  an elderly person, without resources, the list goes on – when you first arrive on the streets, you are fresh meat.   You quickly learn that the ways you lived your former life no longer apply.  You have entered a “feral community”, where your survival depends on your ability to learn the rules of the street, and who is in charge which is not you. Those who have been there the longest have the most might.  Someone you may think is your “new best friend”, may rob you of your possessions.   

You take your blows, and over time discover how to survive.   You learn what time to be in line for the soup kitchen and shelters; you find your way around social services, where to go for medical help, to obtain clothes, to take a shower, etc.  You may even make a few friends.  Still you are never sure where you will be sleeping.  Even if you guard your space, someone may take it.  The shelters are crowded and though they may be warm, they are not for everyone.  Many worry about having their things stolen, or catching an illness. Lying on a pad on the floor, beside others seeking shelter,  listening to the noises, inhaling the smells, struggling to get comfortable often produces its own kind of stress.

That is the reason that for many, a homeless camp is appealing.  There you can pitch your tent and have a place to sleep and keep your things.  It may not be a house but it provides you the semblance of a home and a neighborhood as well, as you become part of a community.   That is the reason news of “a sweep” strikes such terror in homeless camps. They may “tag & bag” your belongings so that you can pick them up later,  but you are back where you started, on your own and on the streets. Your stress becomes infinitely worse, as you worry about what happens next.

AS THE NUMBER OF HOMELESS INCREASES, not only in cities, but across the state, efforts are being made at every level to find ways to help the homeless obtain affordable housing and a pathway back to a healthy, productive, hopefully happy life.   Many faith communities, neighborhood coalitions, government and service agencies are trying to make things better.  Volunteers work in food banks, soup kitchens, clothes closets, day and night shelters, etc.  Churches offer their land for the construction of tiny houses, or a parking lot to accommodate those living in cars.   

Creating platforms to address the systemic problems of poverty, involving a variety of participants, including the homeless themselves, together with representatives of government, social service agencies, think tanks, etc., has been suggested as the best way to deal with the current crisis.

Worrying about the problems of the poor, particularly the homeless, affects everyone who  cares about humanity and our common need for food, shelter, and a productive life.  What can we do?  So many questions. So few answers.

Deacon Mike O’Mahoney of the Madeleine Parish surveyed the situation, and asked himself what he might like if he was homeless,.. and  the thought came to him:  “Maybe a sandwich!”  Everything is better with a good sandwich in your stomach.  And wouldn’t it be nice if instead of having to stand in line at a soup kitchen and then make your way back to where you were camped, someone would bring the sandwich to you,--  along with some clean socks, maybe some hygiene items.  Not, of course, if they were going to try to sell you their religion, but if they were open to some plain conversation, that might be nice.   

Mike began the Maddie’s Cart’s Monday Sandwich (Now Meal) Program about a year ago, making breakfast burritos.  He asked Dave Albertine to help him, and had soon enlisted 20 or more men, women, and children making meals in Madeleine’s kitchen at 5:00 AM in the morning (for 7:00 AM delivery) and at 5:00 PM in the afternoon (for 7:00 PM delivery).  The volunteers  accompany him to deliver the meals and meet with the homeless.  On a recent Monday night they delivered 300 meals.   That’s 300 homeless people. Maddie’s Cart may not solve the problems of poverty, but on Monday nights, along with a meal, socks & stuff,  “love is in the air”.  Burdens seem a little lighter.  Small talk is exchanged. Laughter is heard. 

Poverty and its pal, “chronic stress”, have no place among the folks gathered around Maddie’s Cart. Whatever distresses them disappears as people come together as a human family, on a small planet in an immense galaxy, beneath a bridge in Portland, Oregon.

MAY 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

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty presents MAYOR TED WHEELER 

 Speaking on Poverty in Portland: Root Causes & Strategies 

he 1st Thursday monthly meeting of the Interfaith Alliance will be replaced by the Monday, May 13th gathering at the Madeleine Parish Hall, 3123 NE 24th Av,  to hear Portland Mayor, Ted Wheeler, discuss “Poverty in Portland Root Causes & Strategies”.   

6:30 PM - Pizza, Beverages, & Cookies

7:00 PM - Mayor Presentation w/ time for Q& A

8:00 PM - Small Table Debriefs 

Childcare available, pre-registration required. Please register by May 6th.  RSVP to bonniejgregg@msn.com. No admission charge, but free will offering appreciated.

1st Thursday APRIL 4, 2019 INTERFAITH ALLIANCE MEETING – ROSE CITY PRESBYTERIAN

Rose City Park Presbyterian  Pastor David Dormack welcomed the members of the Interfaith Alliance   to the April 4th, 1st Thursday monthly meeting.  He told how Rose City first started as a Community Church in 1909, occupying the same property they do now.  They asked the Presbyterians if they could join their church, and after first refusing, they finally did.  At its peak, Rose City Presbyterian had 1,500 members and the “biggest” Sunday School in Portland.

From the beginning, they were a social activist church. One of their members was a founder of Planned Parenthood.  It is said that the pastor of the Rose City Park Presbyterian Church was responsible for organizing the Junior Rose Parade, an outgrowth of the pastor’s efforts to round up children to attend Sunday School.  

“The Junior Rose Festival, focused on children, began unofficially in 1921, on the city's east side, and included its own parade and junior court. It became an official part of the Rose Festival in 1936.[2] The festival's annual Junior Parade takes place in the city's Hollywood district. The Junior Parade has grown to an event involving nearly 10,000 children, making it the world's largest parade for children.”   -- All because of a Pastor’s call to the children of his neighborhood. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_Rose_Festival 

Rose City Park Presbyterian embraces the “More Light” movement, welcoming the LGBT community.  They have recently undertaken an outreach ministry to the Sudanese refugees settling in Portland.  They focus not only on “hunger and homelessness” but also on the “arts”.  They house several non-profits as rental partners.  All are welcome at Rose City Park Presbyterian!

ohn Elizalde introduced guest speaker,  John Topanga, President of ECO Northwest, Pacific Northwest’s largest and well respected economic consulting firm, that provides  “independent, insightful and relevant analyses” to strengthen policy and investment decisions.

John opened his remarks saying that if you asked Portlanders what they think Portland’s greatest problem is, they would say “Homelessness”.  However, most members of the business community have “no grasp” of the problem or the root causes.  The public as a whole is equally ill informed, which makes it hard for public officials to know the best ways to respond. 

Homelessness is not evident all across the nation.  For instance West Virginia has high opioid addiction, but no homelessness.  Arkansas has a high number of people receiving disability pensions, but no homelessness.

On the other hand, Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii have high numbers.  This is partly due to climate and available resources.  In Portland, approximately 56,000 persons experience Episodic Periods of Poverty, perhaps one or two years before they are able to recover  financial stability.   Another 1,700+ are “chronically poor” caught in a web of poverty from which it is difficult to escape.  In Multnomah County 40% of the homeless are unsheltered.  People of color are adversely affected due to systemic issues.  Where all Americans account for 13% of the homelessness population, African Americans account for 40% of that number.

John indicated, we are experiencing the consequences of 40 years of Federal policies limiting public housing and support for affordable housing.  Section 8 Vouchers need to be substantially increased.

The housing market is driving up costs for every segment of society, not just the poor.  During the period from 2010-2016, six houses were being built for every 10 needed.  Many families are living paycheck to paycheck, one crisis away from bankruptcy.  An illness, lost job, or unexpected expense can push them into the ranks of the homeless.

In the ECO/Northwest Report of March 2019, Regarding Homelessness in Oregon,  they conclude that: “The state (Oregon) will not make progress on homelessness if the hard work is done only by those who directly serve the homeless on a daily basis.  The problem is too big for that.  Progress will require collective action by a range of action by:

public and non-public agencies that work not only on homeless issues, but also broader housing and land use regulatory policies, 

federal partners willing to re-examine and invest in rental assistance, 

state policymakers who can chart new state roles in housing policy,

business leaders who will provide leadership and support strategies, 

philanthropies willing to convene and invest in research  and development, and 

universities that can lead in research and policy innovation.” https://www.oregoncf.org/Templates/media/files/reports/OregonHomelessness.pdf

JUNE 6 -  1ST THURSDAY INTERFAITH ALLIANCE YEAR-END POTLUCK MEETING

GENESIS COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP,  located at 5425 NE Killingsworth, will be hosting the June 6th meeting of the Interfaith Alliance, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM.  Everyone is encouraged to bring a potluck item to share.  The Portland 2.0 Project will be the main topic for discussion. 

The Interfaith Alliance will take a brief summer respite to refresh and re-calibrate.   The 2019-2020 Interfaith Alliance 1st Thursdays monthly meetings will resume September 5,  2019.

HAZELNUT GROVE RESIDENTS FIND NEW HOME

by Bonnie Gregg

Molly Harbinger reports in the April 10th issue of The Oregonian that  “The congregation of St. Johns Christian Church, in the neighborhood’s downtown,  voted Sunday to volunteer a church-owned property across the street as an option for the tiny home village of Hazelnut Grove, currently located at the intersection of North Greeley and Interstate in the Overlook neighborhood.”

This is good news for the homeless residents of Hazelnut Grove who started building their own community in 2015.  Out of whatever materials they could find, they built tiny homes near the intersection of North Greeley and Interstate in the Overlook Neighborhood. 

Hazelnut Grove endeavored to be self-sufficient, working with the City to obtain sanitation and other services.  They adopted and enforced their own rules for their community’s behavior, but as their numbers grew, their Overlook neighbors became increasingly uncomfortable.  When a fire was deliberately set in August 2018, engulfing the hillside and threatening their homes, they’d had enough.

"To actually see someone light a torch and intentionally lay it down, toss it down in the tall dry grass and stand there, and watch it build, was something I did not expect to see” said  one resident  not giving her name for fear of retaliation.

The Overlook Neighborhood Association  demanded that the City move Hazel Grove. https://www.koin.com/news/local/multnomah-county/overlook-residents-concerned-over-nearby-homeless-camp/1366910783

The City struggled to find a solution.  Therefore, it was a welcome development when the members of the 114 year old St. Johns Christian Church voted to offer their property across the street from the church at 8044 N. Richmond Avenue. The property could accommodate up to 25 residents.  

But, the St. Johns Village will not be the same as Hazelnut Grove.  Instead of structures built by the homeless themselves, it will resemble the Kenton Women’s Village, where 8’ x 12’ sleeping pods, built by volunteer contractors, have been constructed with just enough space to sleep and store belongings.  It may not be Hazelnut Grove, but it will offer space for their community, as well as welcoming neighbors just across the street at St. Johns Christian Church. 

THE STRUGGLE AGAINST POVERTY

by Bonnie Gregg

In America & Canada

According to the “Homelessness in America Report”, (HUD’s Annual Point-in-Time Count)  -- a total of 552,830 Americans were experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2018.  67% were individuals; 33% were families.  18%  were people with disabilities who have been homeless for an extended period of time.

“The ten states with the highest homeless rates account for 55% of the homeless population. New York, Hawaii, Oregon, California, and the District of Columbia top this list. These states and jurisdictions also have the highest housing costs in the country. Compared to other parts of America, residents in these states spend higher percentages of their income on rent/mortgage payments.

Homeless services providers are equipped to offer temporary beds to about 70%, leaving 30% without beds.   During the winter months, temporary shelters are set up.  However, many people are unsheltered, living on the streets, in abandoned buildings, under bridges or in tent communities.  

In recent years, the poverty rate has  decreased from Great Recession levels. However,  —42.6 million Americans, or 13.4 percent of the population, continues to live in poverty. https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/homelessness-statistics/state-of-homelessness-report/ 

So how are the Canucks, our neighbors to the north,  faring?  

David Brooks writes in the New York Times, that “between 2015 and 2017, Canada reduced its official poverty rate by at least 20%.  Roughly 825,000 Canadians were lifted out of poverty in those years, giving Canada    its lowest poverty rate in history.”

David  states that,  ”In Canada, though the median length of stay in emergency shelter is approximately 50 days, most people experience homelessness for less than a month (29% stay only one night), and manage to leave homelessness on their own, usually with little support. For these people homelessness is a one-time only event.

  “People who are chronically homeless (long-term) or episodically homeless (moving in and out of homelessness), form a smaller percentage of the overall homeless population, but at the same time use more than half the emergency shelter space in Canada and are most often the highest users of public systems. 

He explains that this is because, “About 15 years ago, a disparate group of Canadians realized that a problem as complex as poverty can be addressed only through a multisector comprehensive approach.  They realized that poverty was not going to be reduced by some innovation – some cool, new program nobody thought of before.  It was going to be addressed through better systems that were mutually supporting and able to enact change on a population level.

“So, they began building citywide and communitywide structures.  They started 15 years ago with just 6 cities, but now have 72 regional networks, covering 344 towns.  “They began by gathering say – 100 people from a single community – a quarter who had lived with poverty; the rest from business, non-profits,  and the government.  They spend a year learning about poverty in their area, talking with the community.  They launch a different kind of conversation. 

“ First, they don’t seek better poor, they want fewer poor.  That is to say, their focus is not on how do we give poor people food so they don’t starve.  It is how do we move people out of poverty? “Second, they “up their ambitions”.  How do we eradicate poverty altogether? “Third, they broaden their vision.  What does a vibrant community look like in which everybody’s needs are met?

“After a year, they come up with a “town plan”.  Each town’s poverty is different; so, each town’s plan is different.  Each town’s assets are different; so, each town’s plan is different.  The town plans feature a lot of collaborative activity.  A food pantry might turn itself into a job training center by allowing the people who are fed to do the actual work.  The pantry might connect with local businesses persuading them to adjust their hiring practices so that high school degrees are not required.  Businesses might pledge to raise their minimum wage.  The plans involve a lot of policy changes on the town and provincial levels – improved day care, redesigned transit systems, better work-force development systems.

By comparison, David Brooks asserts that, “In many American communities we’re mostly “scattershot.”  That’s the problem with our distrust and polarization. Transformational change rarely gets done.  Everything is fragmented.  There are usually a bevy of public and private programs doing their own thing.  In a town there may be 4 food pantries, which really don’t know one another well.  The people working in these programs have their heads down, because it’s exhausting enough just to do their own work.  A common model is one-donor funding one-program.  Different programs compete for funds. 

“The foundation heads, city officials, and social entrepreneurs go to a bunch of conferences, but these conferences don’t have much to do with one another.  In other words, the Americans who talk about community don’t have a community of their own.  Every day they give away power they could have if they did mutually reinforcing work together to change whole systems.” 

By contrast, David Brooks states that because of their efforts to create town plans, “By the time Canada’s national government swung into action, the whole country had a base of knowledge and experience.  The people in the field had a wealth of connections and a sense of what needed to be done.   The two biggest changes were efforts in city after city to raise the minimum wage…. and the expansion of a national child benefit, which can net a family up to nearly $6,500 a year per child.  David tells a Canadian success story in the fight against poverty.  Unfortunately, this story is contradicted by other reports.

The CANADA JUST THE FACTS REPORT states: “Nearly five million people in Canada – that’s one out of every seven individuals – currently live in poverty.  An estimated 235,000 people in Canada experience homelessness, with roughly 35,000 being homeless on any given night.  When comparing these to US statistics, it should be noted that   Canada has an overall population of 35,623,680 compared to the U.S.  overall population of 326,625,791.  https://www.indexmundi.com/factbook/compare/canada.united-states/demographics

Almost 1 in every 5 Canadian  households experience serious housing affordability issues (spending over 50% of their low income on rent) which puts them at risk of homelessness.

Three-quarters of Yukon’s population live in Whitehorse where the average price of housing increased 80% over six years.

Estimates place the number of homeless individuals living with a disability or mental illness as high as 45% of the overall homeless population.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation predicts that its major national housing program funding fell  from $3.04 billion (2010) to $1.68 billion by 2017 — a $1.36 billion difference

Between 1980 and 2005, the average earnings among the least wealthy Canadians fell by 20%.

Over the past 25 years, Canada’s population has increased by 30% and yet annual national investment in housing has decreased by 46%.

http://www.cwp-csp.ca/poverty/just-the-facts/ https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/how-many-people-are-homeless-canada

Although it is clear Canada shares some of the same poverty problems as the U.S., David Brooks suggestions on implementing a “multi sector comprehensive approach” corresponds with the recommendations of John Topanga, Director of ECO Northwest, who says that    “collective action by public/non-profit agencies, federal partners, state policy makers, business leaders, philanthropists, and universities” will be required to eliminate poverty.

 Nevertheless, David Brooks’ assertion that Americans  working to solve problems have “no  community of their own”, attending “a bunch of conferences”,  working in a fragmented way,   and competing with each other for donor dollars does not seem entirely accurate.

Americans working on the front lines of poverty,   – whether they are  from charitable organizations,  “think tank” groups, City or State government, soup kitchens, shelters, or food pantries,   may not be working   in the   systemic way he suggests—but they are working together collaboratively. 

 They know each other and they know what the problems specific to their community are. They also know what it would take to fix many of the problems of poverty. 

 It isn’t as if we don’t have structures in place capable of solving the problems of poverty, but communities cannot do it alone.  What we need is a national will to make the elimination of poverty a priority and a willingness to spend the resources to make it happen.  Instead programs that could help reduce poverty are cut,  punishing the poor and leaving communities to deal with the consequences.

POVERTY AROUND THE WORLD:  65 MILLION PEOPLE ON THE MOVE…..  

Across the globe, poverty is produced by a number of factors, causing massive migrations:

DROUGHT- LACK OF CLEAN WATER  - A single drought can mean disaster for  communities whose lives and livelihoods depend on a reliable harvest.  Drought   leaves families without access to clean water, forcing them to use dirty water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and watering crops.   In East Gojam, Ethiopia there has been no rain in 3 years putting families at risk for disease and malnutrition.  This causes many fathers to migrate in search of a new home, followed by their families.

HURRICANES  & FLOODING – Countries that are vulnerable to heavy rains and/or high winds are also at risk for forced migration.   Victims include Haiti, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Somalia, etc.  According to a 2017 report by Cornell University, climate change could account for up 1.5 billion migrating by 2060. 

EARTHQUAKES – Devastating earthquakes have occurred on every continent in the world producing millions of homeless evacuees.

WAR & CONFLICT  - The most common factor for forced migration around the world is war and conflict.  Currently there is a crisis in Myanmar with over half-million Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh in fear ofethnic cleansing.  The UN has declared Myanmar “the fastest growing refugee emergency” in the world. Ongoing too are Syria’s civil war, that has left 6.3 million Syrians displaced.  The Democratic Republic of Congo has the highest number of displaced in Africa, with 6 million people forced to flee.  South Sudan has also been plagued by war, causing flight of their citizens. https://www.concernusa.org/story/5-causes-forced-migration/

Unfortunately, nations who traditionally have accepted immigrants and asylum seekers are now closing their borders, leaving the homeless to scramble on their own or accept sanctuary in detention camps. Their futures, and consequently our own, are in the balance.  

Will the United Nations supported by nations around the world rise up to solve this crisis?  Or will nations, hide behind their borders, closing both their minds and their hearts.  World-wide 68.5 million “homeless people” are now housed in detention camps awaiting permanent placement.  They are not going away, and as time passes and their numbers grow, neither decrees or detention camps will keep them from trying to achieve their freedom and a place to call their own.   It is what you or I would do. 

This is a global humanitarian problem, that requires a global humanitarian response.  Like “Climate Change”, the clock is ticking.  We ignore  these realities, at our peril.   https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/us-accepted-refugees-2018/; https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/10/migration-new-map-of-europe-reveals-real-frontiers-for-refugees/

REFUGEES IN PORTLAND

Most refugees arriving in Portland come from Somalia, Ukraine,  Myanmar, Bhutan, South Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.    Oregon has three resettlement agencies:  Lutheran Community Services, Catholic Charities, and the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, who contract with the US State Department to resettle refugees.  They assist refugees upon their arrival, finding them a place to stay, and helping them adapt to their new country.

Imagine what it might be like to land in Portland International Airport, thousands of miles from where you were born, knowing little of the language, and nothing of the culture.  For the last few years you have been a camp dweller, enclosed by a fence, existing in a controlled environment.   Before that, you were part of your own homeland where most everybody looked like you, had the same color skin, spoke the same language, observed the same religion, shared the same music, etc. …  a place where your ancestors had lived   for centuries and where you were surrounded by family and friends.   Generally the climate was warmer, too  

Then you were driven out of your home by forces out of your control -- as guns and/or violence ravaged your land, perhaps killing members of your own family,     OR the land dried up OR an earthquake struck  OR a hurricane cast you adrift.

Catholic Charities tell us that generally refugees enter the bottom rung of the economic ladder, competing   for entry-level jobs.  Remarkably most thrive and prosper, and within one generation become strong, contributing citizens of the United States. https://www.catholiccharitiesoregon.org/ils/

CAUSES OF CENTRAL AMERICAN MIGRANT FLIGHT

he largest portion of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border are coming from Honduras, El Salvador, or Guatemala, which make up Central America's Northern Triangle, where severe poverty and widespread gang violence have prompted huge swaths of the population to flee. 

The history of Central America dates back to the Mayan Empire that was overtaken by the Spanish during the 1500s who introduced their language and culture into the region.   After most of the Central American countries gained their independence from Spain during the early 1800s,   foreign exploitation, civil wars, and government corruption produced economic instability and widespread suffering among the people.  

The United Fruit Company was an American corporation that traded in tropical fruit (mainly bananas) grown on Latin American plantations and sold in the United States and Europe.   When Guatemala and Honduras agreed to help UFCO exploit their country’s resources, it had a deep and lasting impact on the economic and political development of several Latin American countries.   After a period of decline, in 1984 it was transformed to the present-day Chiquita Brands International.

Today, a major cause for the instability of the region is due to the inequality of pay which results from the ownership of farmland and large corporations by a wealthy few.   In addition to deep poverty, gang activity and crime   has affected the majority of the population.  Some say gang members deported from the United States are responsible for the rise of the gangs in Central America.  This may or may not be true, but there is no question they have enhanced their power.   Basically, gangs operate a “shake down” operation, demanding payment under threat of killing a family member, abducting a teenage daughter into prostitution, or recruiting a teenage son into the gangs.  And they make good on their threats,   killing anyone who protests,  causing this region to have  “the highest level of crime and homicide rate in the world”.   

These are some of the reasons men, women, and children are driven to leave their homes in Central America, taking only what they can carry on their backs, walk hundreds of miles, giving their money to strangers in hope of a chance for a better life, without fear of gangs or violence.  They are not a caravan of “criminals”, they are a caravan of victims fleeing criminals.

https://www.centralamericadata.com/en/search?q1=content_en_le  https://www.therealstreetz.com/.../22/central-american-gangs-povert

IMMIGRANTS LIVING IN FEAR – HIDDEN AMONG PORTLAND’S POOR

In Portland, we tend to think the immigration crisis exists along our nation’s southern border far away from us.  Because they seek to make themselves invisible, we don’t always see the immigrants among us, who are generally hidden within the ranks of the poor, --- whom we also have trouble seeing unless they are carrying a sign by the freeway or camp in our neighborhood.

We learn from Catholic Charities that they are “feeling the effects of local and statewide detainments and deportations. Calls from individuals and families seeking immigration legal services have spiked to an average of 550 per month since February 2017, far outweighing our capacity to respond to each individual’s unique set of circumstances. 

“The Immigration Legal Services Team’s current ability to assume new cases and/or offer case management services averages just under 25 per month, while the number of cases we have had to refer out to other legal service agencies has doubled to an average of 60 per month.  “Increased arrests, detentions, and deportations are already well underway across the state, with steady increases in deportation arrests from this time last year and a doubling in the number of arrests of undocumented individuals without criminal records.  The toxic effect of this increased enforcement activity has fundamentally altered daily life in immigrant communities throughout Oregon and threatens the health and wellbeing of millions of families.  

“Particularly inmixed-status families in which one or both parents are undocumented and some, or all, of the children are US citizens, the continual and unrelenting threat of deportation that will rip a family apart is causing a real and costly public health crisis. 

“Mental health and education professionals are reporting sharp increases in trauma and stress symptoms in children of undocumented parents.  Many children are not attending school and many adults are afraid of leaving their homes. 

“Additionally, the threat of large-scale family separation and repatriation to dangerous situations has caused a grave sense of hopelessness and fear in many Latino communities in our area.” https://www.catholiccharitiesoregon.org/justiceforimmigrants/cfid/

BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING 04/04/19 – NOTES by Sarah Carolus

This meeting was held in the evening at IRCO (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization) in order to give that community an update on the Bond‘s status and also to engage them in finding ways to better access Bond opportunities. Mayor Ted Wheeler was present for the entire meeting. 

The Bond’s Progress  

• The Housing Bureau gave an overview of the Bond’s production goals, priority communities, location priorities, how much progress has been made fulfilling the goals, what projects are completed and what projects need to be developed. This information is similar to what was presented at the March meeting and I didn’t note them again.

• 159 households have moved into either the Ellington or the 105th & Burnside property. Culturally specific community partners, such as IRCO, SEI, NAYA, have referred 71% of those households. 

Next Steps in Bond Solicitation Process 

• Consultation meetings were held in March with developers, contractors, and non-profits about the upcoming Bond solicitation process. 

Some take-away points from those meetings were

• 1. A clear definition is needed of what supportive housing is and what services will be eligible 

• 2. There needs to be a clear outline of the evaluation and selection criteria

• 3. Strategies for reaching communities of color need to be expanded. 

• 4. Low barrier screening is important in order to reach intended populations. 

The evaluation process will have 2 review committees. The first will be internal and will evaluate the technical, financial, and feasibility of proposals. 

This committee will be made up of Portland Housing Bureau, Joint Office of Homeless Services, Prosper Portland and some Multnomah County staff. The second committee will be a community review. On this committee, there will be 2 Bond Oversight members, minority evaluation program representatives, and representatives of some stakeholder groups. 

• Criteria for evaluation will be ranked and are: an alignment to Bond goals, an equity plan, qualified and experienced representatives, a preliminary budget, a proposed service delivery plan and project schedule. 

• The target date for the solicitation to begin is April 22nd with a deadline of late June. 

Breakout into Small Groups and Comments from Groups 

• Those present were asked to join small discussion groups. Each group had a Bond Oversight member and a Housing Bureau Staff to take notes of what was said. 

• There were 2 discussion questions. The 1st one was “How can we make Bond opportunities more accessible to developers, contractors and community agencies who have not worked with the City in the past? What relationships should we form or strengthen?” The 2nd question was “What actions should we take to improve access to Bond housing for community members from Communities of Color?”

• There was a brief sharing of one comment from each group. All the discussion points will be taken back to the Housing staff. 

The next meeting will be July 18th. 

APRIL 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

Interfaith Alliance on Poverty Member Congregations & Partners include:

Westminster Presbyterian, Fremont United Methodist, Congregation Beth Israel, Madeleine Catholic Parish, First Unitarian, Wy’East 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, including  Ecumenical Ministries Of Oregon, League of Women Voters of Portland, Living Cully, Multnomah County Library, Northeast Coalition of Neighbors, Oak Leaf Mobile Home Park, Oregon Coalition of Christian Voices, Oregon Housing Alliance, Portland Central Nazarene Church/Agape Village,  St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County, Home for Everyone, Transition Projects,  and  the Muslim Education Trust.

APRIL 4, 1ST THURSDAY INTERFAITH ALLIANCE MEETING

It is our pleasure to have as our speaker  John Tapogna, President of ECO Northwest, Pacific Northwest’s largest and well respected economic consulting firm, that provides  “independent, insightful and relevant analyses that strengthen policy and investment decisions.” He will share findings from the firm’s  just completed study done for the Oregon Community Foundation on Homelessness in Oregon: A Review of Trends, Causes and Policy Options.

In case you want to get a head start, a link to this study is:  https://www.oregoncf.org/Templates/media/files/reports/OregonHomelessness.pdf   There is an executive summary at the beginning of the report. 

Meeting details: 

Thursday, April 4, 12:00 noon- 2:00 pm

Rose City Park Presbyterian Church: 1907 NE 45th Ave Fellowship Hall (enter from NE Hancock) Parking: small parking lot, but lots of parking on NE 46th, off NE Sandy

Rose City Park Presbyterian Church has a long and rich history in Portland’s Hollywood district. They began as Rose City Park Community Church in 1909, with a wooden building at the corner of NE 45th Avenue and Hancock Street, and have been worshipping on the same block ever since. The current building, an early twentieth century Neo-Gothic interpretation and its iconic tower, was built in 1925.

The most recent renovation of the worship space was completed 2010, providing ADA upgrades to the chancel, sanctuary and adjacent restroom. This sensitive remodel, combined with installation of an elevator in 1994, has made most of the building accessible. Post-remodel, the sanctuary still retains the sensibilities of the 1920’s with period moldings and vintage chandeliers, while providing a flexible space that feels lively and contemporary.  www.rosecityparkpres.org/about/ 

MARCH 7  INTERFAITH ALLIANCE MEETING

Following opening prayer offered by Sarah Carolus, Carol Turner, Interfaith Alliance Co-Chair, recognized new members at March 7th meeting.  Tom Hering, Co-Chair of Interfaith Advocacy Action Team introduced featured speaker Juan Carlos Ordonez. Communication Director for the Oregon Center for Public Policy.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OREGON’S TAX AND BUDGET SYSTEM

Juan opened his remarks by asserting that budgets are “moral documents” and that tax and budget proposals make moral statements. He indicated that “Income Inequality” is Oregon’s greatest challenge.

In the March 6, 2019 Fact Sheet prepared by Juan, and Daniel Hauser, (OCPP lead analyst on taxes and housing),   they state that the gap between the Middle Income and the Richest has never been wider.  

“Confronting income inequality is arguably the greatest challenge facing Oregonians today.  A growing body of research indicates that income inequality not only limits the ability of working families to get ahead, it also undermines economic growth.”

Since the official end of the “Great Recession” in 2009, the average income of the top one-tenth of 1 percent in Oregon increased by about $1.7 million, after adjusting for inflation.  As a whole, the average member of the top 1% annual income increased by about $167,000.  By contrast, over the same period, the typical Oregon wage earner saw a $1,600 increase in income.  The result is that the top 1% makes more than the bottom 50%.

Of the $23.6 billion 2019 Oregon State Budget, the three biggest state government programs are Education 15.4%, Health Care 11.2%, and Pensions 6%.  It is expected that there will be a $900 million shortfall, due to Medicaid expansion to support the Oregon Health Plan.  

According to the OCPP October 2018 Report: “Oregon’s poorest families pay more in taxes as a share of income than any group of taxpayers in the state, while the richest Oregonians pay the smallest share of any group.” That is the conclusion of a new report by the Washington, D.C.-based Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP).    Daniel Hauser, tax policy analyst with the Oregon Center for Public Policy states “Oregon’s tax system is upside-down. Our tax system should reduce Oregon’s record-high levels of income inequality, not widen the gap.  Oregon’s lowest-income residents are struggling to afford rent and put food on the table. Asking these Oregonians to pay a larger share of their income in taxes than the highest-income Oregonians is a disgrace.”

EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)

Juan recommended increasing Oregon’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable tax credit that helps low-income working families.  Enjoying strong bipartisan support over the years, the EITC is one of the most effective anti-poverty programs. The Oregon EITC helps 900,000 Oregonians, including 4 out of 10 children in the state

Boosting the EITC is good for struggling families and the entire state. Research shows the EITC improves children's educational outcomes, strengthens the economy, reduces use of public assistance, and more.

The one shortcoming of Oregon's EITC is that it is too small. Among the 29 states that offer a state EITC, Oregon's is one of the smallest, at just 8 percent of the federal EITC.  Therefore, Juan recommended increasing the EITC to 20%

Tell the Oregon legislature: Renew and Raise the Oregon Earned Income Tax Credit by supporting House Bill 3028.

PERSONAL INCOME TAX
Juan explained that the personal income tax is the main resource for Oregon State budget. Although Oregon’s personal income tax is mildly progressive, the entire tax system is not.   Marginal tax rate rates start at 5 percent and quickly rise to 7 percent and 9 percent as a taxpayer’s income goes up. Tax rates top out at 9.9 percent.   

 “It doesn’t take much income to get to the 9 percent tax bracket. For couples filing taxes together today, the 9 percent marginal tax rate kicks in at $17,000 of taxable income (what you’re left with after all tax subtractions and deductions, but before tax credits). That 9 percent rate stays in place until $250,000 of taxable income, which means a low-income family pays the same tax rate on its last dollar of income as an upper middle-class family. In addition, they pay property taxes and excise taxes on things like gasoline, alcohol, and tobacco. When all the taxes are added, Oregon’s tax structure is actually regressive – meaning low-income Oregonians pay a higher share of their income in taxes than the richest Corporations’ share of all income taxes has shrunk over the last four decades –“ 

CORPORATIONS

Corporations used to contribute a lot more in income taxes than they do now. - In the mid-1970s, corporations contributed about 18.5 percent of all income taxes paid in Oregon. Today, the corporate share of has shrunk to just 6.7 percent. That’s a decline of nearly two-thirds. This has resulted in Oregon having less money to invest in schools, health care, and other key services. As corporations have shed their income tax responsibilities, individuals and families have had to pick up the slack.  Oregon, among all states, has long ranked at or near the bottom in terms of business taxes, including corporate taxes - While corporations benefit from low taxes, they are also subsidized through a long list of tax credits, deductions, and subtractions.

PASS THRU INCOME

Juan expressed concern about the Pass Thru Income deduction which enables corporation to pass through profits to owners.  In 2013, the Oregon Legislature lowered the income-tax rate for certain owners of “pass-through businesses,” which include S-Corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.  Oregon’s Legislative Revenue Office estimates that the pass-thru deduction would cost the state $192 million in 2019. With the deduction in place, the Revenue Office projects a net revenue loss of $40 million. Absent the deduction, the state could anticipate a $152 million revenue increase.  Therefore, OCPP is supporting passage of Senate Bill 211.  Below are excerpts from Daniel Hauser, tax policy analyst for  the Oregon Center for Public Policy testimony in support of Senate Bill 211.

“Pass-through business owners should not pay a lower tax rate on their profits than their employees pay on their wages. This fundamental tenet of equity is why the reduced tax rate for pass-through business owners should be eliminated from Oregon law. This committee should amend SB 211 so that, rather than scaling them back, the reduced rates are struck from statute. 

“Currently, taxpayers reporting an annual pass-through business profit of more than $5 million can see their tax cut reach over $70,000. Under SB 211 these high-income taxpayers would still receive the tax break, though the effective cap would come down to around $9,000. While this would be an improvement, we would still be putting millions of dollars that could be invested in our schools or other important services to instead subsidize many of the richest 5 percent of Oregonians.

“Scaling back this subsidy, as SB 211 does, is a move in the right direction, but it would be more equitable to eliminate it entirely. Please amend SB 211 to end this regressive, inequitable, and poorly targeted tax break.” https://www.ocpp.org/2019/02/12/sb-211-end-pass-through-tax-break/

Juan closed his remarks by recommending that members of the Interfaith Alliance support the following measures: Reform corporation income tax to correct decline in contributions.

• Close “Pass-Through” tax breaks, by Supporting Senate Bill 211.

• Raise Earned Income Tax Credit from 8% to 20% , by Supporting House Bill 3028

• Reform Mortgage Interest Deduction, above $200,000 incomes, by Supporting House Bill 3349

FEDERAL BUDGET PROPOSALS NOW UNDER REVIEW BY U.S. CONGRESS

Proposed 2019-2020 Budget Increases include:

• Department of Defense -  add $33 billion for a total of $718 Billion (57% of the proposed federal discretionary budget)

• US-Mexico Border Wall - $8.6 on top of $7 billion already approved as “national emergency” and an additional $1 billion transferred from military budget.

Proposed 2019-2020 Budget Cuts include: 

• $845 billion cut over the next 10 years from Medicare;

• $241 billion cut from Medicaid;  

• $220 billion cut from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next decade, with proposed reforms including mandatory work requirements and food box delivery service in lieu of cash benefits for low-income families;

• 12% cut to Education including after-school programs;

• $207 billion cut from federal student loans in the next 10 years together with elimination of Public Service Loan Forgiveness and subsidized student loans.  

• 31% cut from the Environment Protection Agency and 14% cut to Department of Interior. 

• 22% cut in Housing from 2019 Budget.

  The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports “President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2020 budget request   proposes to drastically cut housing benefits that help millions of low-income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, veterans, and other vulnerable people afford their homes.   The proposal would eliminate or deeply cut essential housing and community development programs like the national Housing Trust Fund, the HOME Investments Partnership program, and public housing capital repairs. It would underfund rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program and raise rents - by as much as three times current levels - on America’s poorest families.”  Mar 11, 2019 https://nlihc.org/resource/president-trump-proposes-drastic-cuts-affordable-housing-prog 

It will be up to the U.S. Congress to decide whether these budget proposals are enacted, but the president has made his priorities clear.  

“FASTEST TAKE-OFF RECORD” SET BY INTERFAITH ALLIANCE VOLUNTEERS AT WALNUT PARK SHELTER

Emily Coleman, Volunteer Coordinator with Transition Projects is described as “ecstatic” about the response of the Interfaith Alliance in providing meals/support for the Walnut Park Shelter.  Volunteers included members from the NE Coalition of Neighbors, Ainsworth United Church of Christ, Fremont United Methodist, Central Lutheran. St. Andrews Catholic Parish, and Rose City Presbyterian.  Emily said it was the “fastest take-off” supporting any shelter they have launched so far.  

Since the Walnut Park Shelter is scheduled to close by the end of April – she encouraged members to consider helping at other shelters.  Special recognition is due to Leslye Johnson for her efforts organizing the Interfaith Alliance response.

OREGON PTA’S “MAN WITH A MISSION”:  to provide Oregon Students “Quality Schools”

Otto Schell sandwiched time to attend the March 7 Interfaith Alliance gathering between a meeting at the State Capitol and a Ways & Means public information event in Portland.  

Otto is working hard to persuade as many Oregonians as possible of the need to invest in Oregon’s students. In an address before parents at Madison High School, Otto stated, “Everyone in our state knows that class sizes are untenably large.   We see the everyday challenges of meeting the needs of our children, the unending work that teachers do in the classroom, at home, on weekends to accommodate children who struggle to speak English, are hungry, learning challenged or have a less than supportive family”. “https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2013/03/shedding_light_on_the_k-12_fun.html

To achieve “quality schools”,  Otto declared  will require resources above and beyond the   $9.24 billion in the Governor’s “base budget”.  The K-12 Investment Budget would provide an additional $133 million, better, but still not in Otto’s opinion good enough.  To provide “full funding for quality schools”, there needs to be a budget of at least $11.04 billion.  This will provide:

• Smaller Class Sizes – Reduce class sizes and add staff to provide the individual attention students need to learn and be successful.

• Well-Rounded Education – Offer a more well-rounded and meaningful education that includes: STEM, art, music, PE, libraries and other electives and learning opportunities. 

• Student Health & Safety – Care for the whole child by providing mental health and social, emotional supports for students, and ensuring schools are safe and welcoming for all students.

• More Learning Time – Provide more time to learn by adding school days, summer school, and other learning opportunities for students who  need them most.

1. Otto recommended that the Interfaith Alliance support:  House Bills 3028 and 3349.

INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY 

Interfaith Alliance members joined hundreds from around the State of Oregon for the Interfaith Advocacy Day held in Salem on March 4, which was sponsored by the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. They met with legislators to discuss “compassionate legislation, climate, criminal justice, health care, housing, hunger, and immigration.”   

BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING 03/07/19 – NOTES BY Sarah Carolus 

The Committee was welcomed and the roll was called. Progress Updates on First Solicitation Process – some is recapped information from last meeting. 

• The range of funds available is $50 – $75 million. When that amount is spent, half the Bond money will be left. 

• Both new construction and acquisition/rehab projects will be considered. 

• There will be a combination of City-owned and private development projects/land. 

• North and SW Portland and East County are priority locations. Potential developers will know this. If land becomes too expensive, the Housing Bureau might use some of their funds to help secure sites. 

Housing Bond Project Updates 

• The property at 30th and Powell will not be part of the first solicitation process. Home Forward is partnering with the City; they have already hired architects and developers themselves. There is a request from Home Forward to lease this City property, which was purchased with Bond funds of $27 million. 

• The Westwind will be completely demolished and replaced once all the tenants have been relocated. Every tenant has been interviewed as a beginning process to relocate them. An Oversight Committee member requested that there be adequate follow up on the relocated tenants after they have moved. 

• The Joyce property located on SW 11th in downtown was bought by the Housing Bureau several years ago and is vacant. It will be part of the first solicitation process and will be utilized for the supportive housing population. 

Proposed Subsidy Limits and Voucher Deployment 

• The new construction subsidy would be at $150,000 per unit. Acquisition/rehabilitation subsidies would be at $100,000 per unit. These figures are higher than normal, but the hope is that no other gap funds would be needed. 

• A question came up about land banking. This first solicitation will require a start date of 6 months from the time of the monetary award. Perhaps the next round of solicitation will look at long term property acquisition. 

• The buildings that are 100% supportive housing (300 units total needed for the Bond goal) will be fully subsidized by housing vouchers. The remaining 100 vouchers (goal for total Bond funds) will go to those below the 30% AMI. 

• There is the intent for flexibility with possibility of some mixed income buildings. 

Estimated Progress Using this First Solicitation Funding 

• A total of 350 to 600 units will be created. 

• 190 to 325 units will be created for the 0-30% AMI population. 

• 150-170 units will be created for supportive housing. 

• Vouchers will be used for 140-200 units. 

• 100 to 350 family sized units will be created. 

Supportive Services by Partnering with Joint Office of Homeless Services 

• his is a result of a 2000 unit JOHS goal for offering supportive housing services. 

• There will be direct funding of $10,000 per household for supportive services. 

• The focus will be serving chronically homeless individuals. 

• The estimated staff to participant ratio will be 1:15 which is considered intensive care. 

• The services will be delivered by qualified adult Supportive Housing providers. Multnomah County maintains a list and there are already 18-20 providers found to participate. 

1. Approximate Timeline for First Solicitation 

   • March and April 2019 – outreach activities. March 13th – Housing Oregon members and other developers. March 21st – a meet and greet with contractors, subcontractors, MWESB outreach. March 27th – Supportive Housing service providers co-hosted with JOHS. April 4th – community engagement, working with MACG, OPAL, and others. 

   • April 2019 – issue the first solicitation. 

   • June 2019 – deadline to submit proposals. 

   • August 2019 – issue the award letters. 

2. Bond Oversight Committee Comment 

   • A committee member requested an update of the referral process being used. Tenants from the building at 105th and Burnside came through that referral process, which is used by a team of homeless providers. 

   • I offered Public Testimony at the request of Gabe Triplett commenting on the needs of the physically disabled population. According to a Portland Housing Bureau member, all units are easily adaptable. 

   • The next meeting will be on April 4th at the IRCO building from 6:30 to 8:30 and will involve an update and proposed goals at a community engagement meeting. 

STUDENTS FIGHTING FOR OUR PLANET

by Bonnie Gregg 

On March 15, 2019, between 1,500 and 2,000 Portland students joined students in over 1,700 cities, in over 100 countries around the world in rallying for actions to effect climate change on our planet.  

Students declared,   “We, the youth of America, are striking because decades of inaction has left us with just 11 years to change the trajectory of the worst effects of climate change, according to the Oct 2018 UN IPCC Report. 

“We are striking because our world leaders have yet to acknowledge, prioritize, or properly address our climate crisis.  “We are striking because marginalized communities across our nation —especially communities of color, disabled communities, and low- income communities— are already disproportionately impacted by climate change. 

”We are striking because if the social order is disrupted by our refusal to attend school, then the system is forced to face the climate crisis and enact change. With our futures at stake, we call for radical legislative action to combat climate change and its countless detrimental effects on the American people.  “We are striking for the Green New Deal, for a fair and just transition to a 100% renewable economy, and for ending the creation of additional fossil fuel infrastructure.

 “Additionally, we believe the climate crisis should be declared a national emergency becausewe are running out of time”. “https://www.brightest.io/cause/youth-climate-strike-us/activity/portland-climate-rally/  

Hopefully our world’s leaders will heed the students’ heartfelt plea, because it won’t matter if one day we are able to solve the problems of poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, etc., nor if we are able to achieve social justice for all. --  If the Earth is no longer an inhabitable place for the human race, we will have failed both our children and the planet.

CLIMATE CONCERNS

The following are excerpts from article, written by Lorraine Chow, January 4, 2019 https://www.salon.com/2019/01/04/10-worst-case-climate-predictions-if-global-temperature-rise-above-1-5-degrees-celcius_partner/

“In 1992, 1,700 scientists around the world issued a chilling “warning to humanity” regarding the dangers of climate change.  In 2017,  more than 15,000 scientists from 184 countries co-signed their names to an updated — and even bleaker prediction.  “The latest version, titled “World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: A Second Notice,” asserts that most of the environmental challenges raised in the original letter — i.e., depletion of freshwater sources, overfishing, plummeting biodiversity, unsustainable human population growth — remain unsolved and are “getting far worse.”  

On November 23, 2018, there was a 1,600-page Fourth National Climate Assessment, quadrennial report issued by 13 federal agencies of the U.S. government. This report paints a particularly grim picture, including more frequent droughts, floods, wildfires and extreme weather, declining crop yields, the rise of disease-carrying insects and rising seas — all of which could reduce U.S. gross domestic product by a tenth by the end of the century. 

 So what we saw this summer? Unless humanity gets its act together, we can expect much worse to come. Here’s a peek into our climate-addled future.

Species extinction - The Amazon, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, could lose about 70 percent of its plant and amphibian species and more than 60 percent of its birds, mammals and reptile species from unchecked climate change. 

Food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies - While climate change could actually benefit colder parts of the world with longer growing seasons, tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, South America, India and Europe could lose vast chunks of arable land. For coastal countries, rising seas could inundate farming land and drinking water with salt.

Farewell to coastal cities and island nations - Unless we cut heat-trapping greenhouse gases, scientists predict sea levels could rise up to three feet by 2100, according to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment report. Entire countries could also be swallowed by the sea due to global warming.

Lethal heat - Today, around 30 percent of the global population suffers deadly levels of heat and humidity for at least 20 days a year, a 2017 analysis showed. If emissions continue increasing at current rates, the researchers suggested 74 percent of the global population — three in four people — will experience more than 20 days of lethal heat waves.

Surging wildfires - The Camp Fire, which burned more than 150,000 acres in Butte County in November, was the deadliest and most destructive fire in California’s history, killing at least 85 people.   If greenhouse gases continue rising, large fires that burn more than 25,000 acres will increase by 50 percent by the end of the century, and the volume of acres that will be burned by wildfires in an average year will increase by 77 percent

Hurricanes: more frequent, more intense - Moist air over warm ocean water is hurricane fuel. “Everything in the atmosphere now is impacted by the fact that it’s warmer than it’s ever been,” CNN Senior Meteorologist Brandon Miller said. 

MARCH 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.”

What You Need to Know About Oregon’s Tax and Budget System

Tax information will be explained by Juan Carlos Ordóñez, Communication Director with the Oregon Coalition of Public Policy, at the 1st Thursday March 7th meeting  held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 NE Hancock, from 12:00-2:00 PM. 

The session will include an overview of where the money comes from and where it goes, especially in terms of the General Fund dollars as related to human services and affordable housing.

Juan Carlos manages the Oregon Coalition Center’s communication strategies and media relations, collaborates with coalition partners, and is a key member of the Center’s policy team.  He’s a graduate of Harvard Law School, a former litigator, and former freelance writer.  An immigrant from Guatemala, he’s a father of two kids attending Portland Public Schools.

CENTRAL CITY CONCERN REPORTS ON PORTLAND POVERTY

Rabbi Joseph welcomed the 1st Thursday meeting of the Northeast Interfaith Alliance on Poverty to Congregation Beth Israel, on February 7, 2019 meeting -- with song and an invitation to welcome God into the “sacred space within us” -- so that our gathering may become a “Living Sanctuary” in which to share and work together.

Sally Rosenfeld introduced Central City Concern guest speakers:  Dr. Eowyn Rieke, MD, MPH, Associate Medical Director of Primary Care, Blackburn Center; Gary Cobb, Community Outreach Coordinator; and Mercedes Elizalde, Public Policy Director.

Gary Cobb, Central City Concern Community Outreach Coordinator   advised that following a career in the Coast Guard, he had spent almost 20 years “on the streets, homeless, addicted, unemployable, without support systems, and finding it difficult to navigate.”

When he found his way to Central City Concern in November 2001, he found “sanctuary” within the community.  They helped him to access the Oregon Health Plan, detox, and experience the “real magic” of conversion into a healthy, capable, employable individual.  He has been “clean and sober” for 17 years.  He was also able to “clean up the wreckage” of his family relationships.    He is now a home owner and has been employed by Central City Concern for 17 years. Gary.cobb@ccconcern.org

Dr Rieke stated “The problem is worse than most people realize.”  The 2017 Point in Time Reports indicated that 4,177 Portlanders are experiencing homelessness, including 1,668 unsheltered, and that the 2018 ECO Northwest Report reveals that “tens of thousands” of people are 1 crisis or major life event away   from homelessness.   

Both Individual and Structural Factors play a role affecting poverty:  Between 1970-2000, 3 million low income housing units have been lost, and 2 million “Single Room Occupancy” (SRO) units are no longer available. (Portland has experienced a 70% loss in SRO’s.)  At the same time, mental health institutions were closed, pushing people out into the streets, without resources, and there were significant cuts to mental health funding, which has been reduced from $261,000 million to $31,000 million.

Dr. Rieke concluded, “To truly impact homelessness, we need federal programs, but local programs can also help by providing comprehensive solutions that include health services, employment support, and housing.” Eowyn.Rieke@ccconcern.org.

Mercedes Elizalde, Public Policy Director, reported on Central Concern’s policies regarding affordable housing, immigration, and health delivery systems.  

She indicated there is a particular need for shelters to support the mentally ill.  In addition, federal funds are needed to increase the availability of housing vouchers.  Right now the priority is for families, which does not reflect the actual need.  Although 500 families are in need, 7,000 individuals lack housing.  Mercedes.Elizalde@ccconcern.org.

Housing Is Health

In the fall of 2016, six health organizations from the Portland area announced the “Health is Housing” initiative, which provides major funding to Central City Concern (CCC) for a new clinic and 379 units of urgently needed new housing.  Housing is Health partners include Adventist Hospital, Portland; CareOregon; Kaiser Permanente Northwest; Legacy Health; Oregon Health Sciences University; and Providence Health & Services – Oregon.

These projects are a reflection of Central City Concern’s evidence-based approach to ending homelessness; housing and health care go hand-in-hand.  You can’t get well if you’re not housed and you can’t stay housed if you’re not well.  www.centralcityconcern.org/housingishealth

Blackburn Center 
To answer increasing needs in the Eastside community, the Blackburn Center is being constructed at 25 NE 122nd Ave.  It is a six-story structure that combines a health care clinic with housing.  

The facility will extend Central City Concern’s current services to give more people access to primary care, recovery and mental health services, housing, and employment assistance.  The building is set to open in summer 2019. https://www.centralcityconcern.org/housingishealth/blackburn

OAK LEAF MOBILE HOME RENOVATIONS MOVING FORWARD

Dave Albertine. Co-Chair of the Transition to Stability Action Team, reports that while improvements were made to the   Oak Leaf Park Mobile Home Park, residents have been living in temporary accommodations.  Most renovations are now completed, but because there are 7 septic tanks in need of repair, residents will not be allowed to return until that work has been accomplished. 

Interfaith Alliance members assisted residents in moving to their temporary accommodations and have stayed in contact with them while they wait for the renovations to be completed.  They will also be on hand to help them move back and welcome them home.  If you would like to assist in these efforts, contact Dave Albertine, davea51@gmail.com

HELP NEEDED FOR WALNUT PARK NE PORTLAND WARMING SHELTER

 The Walnut Park Shelter, at 5329 NE Martin Luther King Blvd., was opened in November 2018.  It provides nighttime accommodations for up to 80 people, with special priority for veterans, people 55 and older, those with disabilities, and people already experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the neighborhood. The shelter is open daily at 5 p.m. and closes at 7:30 a.m.  It will close in April.  

In addition to a place to sleep, guests are provided with a hot cup of soup.  To supplement the soup, volunteers are invited to prepare and bring meals to the shelter.  Training in procedures required is offered by Transition Projects. To volunteer, either as an individual or with a group,  please contact Emily Coleman, Volunteer Coordinator with Transition Projects, emily.coleman@tprojects.org or 503.488.7745.

The Interfaith Alliance has sponsored two training sessions.  If you would like more information on how to volunteer within the Interfaith Alliance,  contact Leslye Johnson, lesgeooj@comcast.net

PORTLAND RENTS ON THE RISE  

by Bonnie Gregg

As of January 2019, average rent for an apartment in Portland, OR is $1,635 which is a 3.55% increase from last year when the average rent was $1,577.

 One bedroom apartments in Portland rent for $1,511 a month on average (a 2.32% increase from last year) and two bedroom apartments rent on average $1,866 (a 4.34% increase from last year).   

Oregon minimum wage workers earn $10.75 /hour  which translates into $430 a week,  for 40 hours work,  or $1,863 a month. https://www.minimum-wage.org/oregon

In other words, unless you make at least  $21.25 per hour and work 40 hours per week, you cannot afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Portland. 

So, ….what are low-incomed workers to do?

 HOME FORWARD may be the answer – They tell us, “As the largest provider of affordable housing in Oregon, Home Forward offers a variety of housing options to low-income individuals and families: more than 6,000 apartments to rent, including approximately 1,980 units of public housing, and approximately 9,390 Section 8 rent assistance vouchers. Our housing is available to individuals, families, people with disabilities or special needs and seniors who meet each program's income guidelines. Home Forward is a public corporation serving all of Multnomah County, including the cities of Gresham, Fairview, Portland, and Troutdale, and other East County communities.

“Home Forward partners with more than 100 community agencies in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. The services provided by our community partners include financial services, education, substance abuse and youth programs, job training and life skills.

“Apartment Communities - Home Forward maintains a diverse portfolio of apartment communities located throughout Multnomah County that are dedicated to low-income residents. These homes range in size from single rooms to five-bedroom townhouses, and have rent amounts that are well below market rates. Most of these properties are individually operated by independent management companies that are overseen by Home Forward.

“Some of our apartments are public housing, which is directly subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and managed by Home Forward. Rent amounts in public housing are set between 28.5% and 31% percent of the household's monthly income. To find out more about our housing options, click here.

“Rent Assistance - Home Forward's Section 8 rent assistance program enables low-income residents to rent from any qualified private landlord who accepts rent assistance vouchers. Participants negotiate their own lease, and Home Forward pays a portion of their monthly rent, based on their income and the size of the household. For more information on Section 8 vouchers, click here.  

“Home Forward also coordinates other types of rent assistance in collaboration with our partner agencies, including short-term rent assistance, help for renters with disabilities, and help for military veterans.

“Services  -- Home Forward offers more than just shelter. We know that difficulties resulting from low income, disability or special needs are not limited to securing affordable housing. “Some residents are eager to move toward economic independence from public assistance; others are interested in training for and obtaining employment; still others need help with day-to-day activities. Our residents seek education, independence and support in order to function as productive members of society. Home Forward's services are designed to help residents meet their goals. For information contact: http://www.homeforward.org/home-forward/overview-of-programs”

BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING 02/07/19

NOTES By Sarah Carolus 

The Committee was welcomed and the roll was called. Jo Ann Hardesty will be appointing the new committee member to replace Jes Larson, who is now working on the Metro Bond Measure. 

Housing Bond Project Updates 

1. The Ellington Application letters notifying residents of availability of 52 project-based vouchers were sent in January. 90 applications were received, although some may not qualify. The applicants were placed on a waiting list by lottery, with a preference for households at 0-30% AMI. The eligibility process will be performed by HUD. Home Forward has hired a Resident Service Coordinator and will be contracting for a Youth Program Coordinator to offer activities to the approximately 260 children living at the property. Statistics: 251 family-sized units, 1 unit being converted to a community space, 80 0-30% AMI units, 20 supportive housing units and 52 project-based vouchers. 

2. 30th and Powell Holst Architecture is currently conducting a feasibility analysis. Home Forward is preparing an RFP. Statistics Projection: 180 total units, 75 family-sized units, 72 0-30% AMI units, 30 supportive housing units and 50 project-base vouchers. 

3. 105 East Burnside 100% occupied in January. Statistics: 51 total units, 24 family-sized units, 16 0-30% AMI units, 9 supportive housing units and 16 project-based vouchers. 

4. Westwind Apartments Health and safety related maintenance work continues. A relocation consultant, OPC, was hired the end of January. 23 of the 50 tenants have been interviewed so far to determine housing needs and relocation benefit eligibility. All relocations of current tenants will be permanent. When the building is reopened, new tenants will occupy it. Statistics: 70 total units, 70 0-30% AMI units, supportive housing and project-based voucher units still to be determined. 

5. NE Prescott Statistics: 50 total units, 50 family-sized units. Development will be part of the new solicitation process. 

Reports, Audit 

1. The Bond Oversight Committee Annual Report is currently being drafted and 3/27 is a proposed date to present the report to City Council. 

2. The General Annual Report which will be published for the public will be aligned with the BOC Annual Report. 

3. The City Auditor’s office is currently preparing a draft report for the performance audit. 

4. The financial audit was awarded to Harvey M. Rose Associates in January. The scope of the work is being amended due to the City Auditor’s performance audit. 

Bond Solicitation Process as a result of Constitutional Amendment passing 

1. The Framework still needs to be used as guidance for the new strategies. Goals to avoid displacement, reduce homelessness and advance racial equity are priority. The communities and locations prioritized in the Framework need to be emphasized and equity in contracting and workforce needs to be upheld. 

2. The structure of ownership has shifted from 100% publicly owned land and buildings to funds leveraged by City owned property being leased to privately funded sources or private land being used for City projects. This widens the location areas available and maximizes funds. Urban Renewal funds are tied to geography, and the City needs to focus on SW, North and East Portland as priority neighborhoods to be developed. 

3. New strategies need to be developed to achieve the Bond goals. The goal of creating 600 family-sized units won’t be met until another 375 units are completed. The 0-30% AMI goal still needs 

504 units; 96 family units have been created so far. The supportive housing units needed are 240 units for chronically homeless and 31 units for families. Because the chronically homeless need 24 hour management and the most services nearby, the Housing Bureau envisions 3 buildings totaling 240 units, one of which will be the Westwind. Families will be scattered within multiple other projects. The Housing Bureau sees an additional 6-10 other projects to fulfill the other goals (375 family-sized units, 264 0-30% AMI units, and 31 supportive housing units for families). 

Solicitation Planning for 2019 

1. February and March will involve outreach work to the contractor and subcontractor community, low income developers, JOHS, community engagement organizations such as MACG and OPAL, and supportive housing service providers. The solicitation process will begin in April with a June deadline. In August, projects will be awarded and financing started. A second solicitation will occur in 2020. 

2. The NOFA is very detailed and has specific requirements, so only those experienced will apply. 

3. The range of funds to be offered will be $50 to $75 million with a range of 300-500 units to be created. Projects that offer either new construction or acquisition/rehabilitation will be considered. 

4. This year’s goal is to continue development of the Westwind and find another similar project to create another 70 units of housing for the chronically homeless who will fill the 0-30% AMI requirement and will need supportive housing. Also another 3 to 5 projects will be needed with 80 - 180 family-sized units to be developed and 48-108 units developed for the 0-30% AMI. 

Strategy Questions to Consider 

1. Should there be a subsidy cap per unit? 

2. How do the project-based vouchers get deployed – by project and/or population? 

3. What is the location strategy for the supportive housing project and how do services get aligned? 

There was no public testimony. The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 7th from 9 – 11 AM

Below are two poems written by Marilyn Robb, The Madeleine Parish,  in which she asks and answers the question:

 WHAT GOOD HAVE THEY EVER DONE ME ? 

What good have they ever done me?  These worthless beings clustered in their dirty tents, 

These failures and losers, 

They are a festering blemish on the streets of my city, reeking of alcohol and urine…. wrapped in their wool cocoons, asleep along the walks and walls. 

  Let them rot in their filth. Let them die of starvation. Make them disappear from my sight.   

What good have they ever done for me?

THE RESPONSE

What good have they ever done for me? 

These worthless beings clustered 

in their dirty tents,

These failures and losers, 

These who are “the least among us…”

What good have they ever done for me?  

They have restored my sight

and opened my eyes.

They have showed me my wealth and taught me to share.

They have disturbed my thoughts

and helped me to understand.

They have changed my life

and taught me compassion. They have opened my heart and allowed me to love. 

What good have they ever done for me? 

They have done for me, more than I can ever do for them.

“THE BASIC NECESSITIES”

by Bonnie Gregg

For most of us, a place to call home requires   a few basic necessities.  First, we want walls and a roof to protect us from the cold/rain, and a door we can close to keep us safe.  We want a fireplace or stove to keep us warm and cook, chairs to sit, a bed to rest; light to see; water to drink and to wash; and an area equipped to meet our bodily needs.  We like to have a window too, to keep tabs on what’s going on in our neighborhood.  

We also need space to keep our stuff - food, pots/pans, clothes, blankets, towels,  books, gadgets, tv, cell phones, etc.   Ideally, we   have a place to wash our clothes and put our garbage, because like all human beings, every day we manage to produce a mess that needs to be cleaned or cleared away.   

These may be our basic necessities – However, on a cold winter night, we will settle for a car with a heater or a sleeping pad on the floor of a warming shelter.

Although not the majority, there are those among us who do not seek a dwelling with our “basic necessities”.  Free spirits, they prefer life in the outdoors.  No door, but a doorway on a city street is fine. They don’t need a lot of stuff – too much to carry.    They are experts as urban dwellers.  They know where the soup kitchens are and what time to get in line; when the shelters open up, and where  you can get free clothes,  medical help, etc.  Some spend much of their day in libraries where they can read books, use computers, see films, hear music, and use pristine bathrooms.   They generally prefer being alone, although there are always companions about, if they want, folks like them who walk their own path, understand their journey. They   know the  street gossip and their street neighbors,  who to avoid, who to trust.  They like being their own boss – nobody telling them what to do.   

Sandi Coila sent this eulogy from Sue Grafton's book, “W is for Wasted”  – which is shared in part below…

"We are here this afternoon to mourn the passing of two friends, Terrence Dace and Felix Beider. They were homeless. Their ways were not those we most desire for ourselves, but that didn't make them wrong. We seem determined to save the homeless, to fix them, to change them into something other than what they are. We want them to be like us, but they are not.   “The homeless do not want our pity, nor do they deserve our scorn. Our judgements about them, for good or for ill, negate their right to live as they please, Both the urge to rescue and the need to condemn fail to take into account the concept of their personal liberty, which they may exercise as they see fit as long as their actions fall within the law….   “Their graves will be unmarked but that does not mean they are forgotten. The Earth remembers them, even as it gathers them tenderly into its embrace. The sky claims them and we who honor them will hold them dear from this day forward."

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MARCH 4  – INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY – SALEM CAPITOL @9:00 AM-4:00 PM  -- (Registration required (2/20)

Sarah Carolus, Co-Chair of the Interfaith Advocacy Action team encourages everyone to attend this special event to discuss “compassionate legislation, climate, criminal justice, health care, housing, hunger, and immigration” followed by a community march.  If transportation is needed, please contact Sarah at scarolus3@gmail.com

MARCH 6 – HILL BLOCK COMMUNITY OUTREACH SUBCOMMITTEE – 4:30-5:30 PM,  New Song Community Church, 2511 NE MLK Blvd

MARCH 13 – TRAUMA INFORMED LEADERSHIP TRAINING, 5:30-7:30 PM  -- VIBRANT TABLE, 2010 SE 8TH  AV, PORTLAND, OR map -- Learn resources and skills for interactions with vulnerable people. Gain important history on homelessness in Oregon and new perspectives for your real life volunteer events. Following speakers, there will be a thirty minute guided conversation, with snacks provided.  

Keynote Speakers: 

 Mandy Davis, LCSW, PhD. Associate Professor of Practice Director, Trauma Informed Oregon PSU, School of Social Work  is an Associate Professor of Practice at Portland State University’s School of Social Work and a licensed clinical social worker. She is Director of Trauma Informed Oregon. Dr. Davis teaches and lectures on implementing trauma informed care and trauma specific services.   Israel Bayer   is a housing advocate and former executive director of Street Roots, an award-winning street newspaper in Portland, Oregon.