**Please Help Send a Request to the Obama Transition Team**

[JeffR]

The issue of homelessness is dire, and the solution is low-income housing. This is not a high-visibility issue, and it's important to let the Obama administration know that low-income housing desperately needs attention.

Please read through the facts about low-income housing below, pick one or two facts that you see as important, and write one or two sentences about it to the Transition Team at: http://www.change.gov/page/s/contact

Then, please pass this on to friends, family and anyone you can think if in order to take action on this. Homelessness MUST be eradicated in the richest country in the world, but it won't be unless we start now to draw attention to this issue!

Thank you for your efforts!

:bluebox: Between 1970 and 1995, the gap between the number of low-income renters and the amount of affordable housing units skyrocketed from a nonexistent gap to a shortage of 4.4 million affordable housing units – the largest shortfall on record. ¹

:bluebox: Even with low wages, many poor people could afford housing if they had access to government-subsidized public housing. However, the federal government has been cutting back on building housing and providing subsidies for housing since the early 1980s. There is a 10-year waiting list for Section 8 vouchers in Massachusetts, and no more are being given out. ²

:bluebox: According to HUD, in recent years the shortages of affordable housing are most severe for units affordable to renters with extremely low incomes. Federal support for low-income housing has fallen 49% from 1980 to 2003. ³

:bluebox: Rep. Barney Frank, in his proposal for The National Housing Trust Fund Bill, said that there are 9 million people in need of low-income housing, and 6 million available units.

:bluebox: Research identifies the lack of affordable housing as the primary cause of homelessness among families in the United States. ⁴

:bluebox: In recent years, over 200,000 private-sector rental units have been lost annually, and 1.2 million unsubsidized affordable housing units disappeared from 1993-2003. HUD budget authority in 1978 was 65 percent more than its 2006 budget. ⁵

:bluebox: Right now, the number of homeless male and female Vietnam era veterans is greater than the number of service persons who died during that war. ⁶

:bluebox: Over the last 30 years, annual tax expenditures for home owner subsidies have grown from less than $40 billion to over $120 billion per year. Every year since 1981, tax benefits for home ownership have been greater than HUD's entire budget and have dwarfed direct expenditures for programs that benefit low-income renters. Those benefiting the most from this tax program may actually be banks and real estate corporations that make their largest profit margins on high-end housing. ⁵

:bluebox: HUD isn't even using the funds it has available. For instance, Fort Wayne Housing Authority, which has a waiting list for help paying rent with more than 2,000 families on it, had millions of dollars it failed to spend on the program, a new audit shows. ⁷

:bluebox: Despite what the New York Times on Dec. 2 (2007) called an "acute rental shortage," HUD plans to spend $762 million to demolish public housing and replace it with only 744 new units of affordable housing. HUD will spend an average of $400,000 for each new mixed-income unit, while statements by HANO'S own insurance company have shown that many of the multiple-unit buildings to be demolished could be repaired for less than $10,000 per building. ⁸

:bluebox: Prior to 1996, federal housing law provided that every public housing unit that was demolished had to be replaced on a one-for-one basis with another public housing or equivalent unit. In this manner, the nation's inventory of public housing units would remain constant, and housing would remain available to meet the housing needs of the nation's most vulnerable populations, such as the very-poor, the elderly and the disabled. However, in 1996, this requirement was suspended and later repealed by Congress. ⁹

:bluebox: In fact, from 2000 to 2008, almost 100,000 units of public housing have been demolished, but only about 40,000 units of public housing have been constructed. This means that over 60% of the public housing units demolished over the last eight years have not been replaced, and the nation has lost over 60,000 public housing units. ⁹

:bluebox: Finally, it should be noted that the largest federal housing assistance program is the entitlement to deduct mortgage interest from income for tax purposes. In fact, for every one dollar spent on the low income housing programs, the federal treasury loses four dollars to housing-related tax expenditures, 75% of which benefit households in the top fifth of income distribution. More over, in 1994 the top fifth of households received 61% of all federal housing benefits (tax and direct), while the bottom fifth received only 18%. ¹⁰

1. Institute for Children and Poverty, 2001 http://www.icpny.org/index.asp?CID=0
2. Betty Reid Mandell, New Politics, Volume XI, No. 3 http://www.wpunj.edu/~newpol/issue43/BMandell43.htm
3. National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2005 http://www.nlihc.org/template/index.cfm
4. Burt, M.R. "What Will it Take to End Homelessness?" Washington, DC: Urban Institute, 2001 - cited by the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness http://www.thechicagoalliance.org/homelessstats.aspx
5. The Western Regional Advocacy Project http://wraphome.org/index.php
6. Department of Veterans Affairs http://www1.va.gov/homeless/page.cfm?pg=1
7. Dan Stockman,The Journal Gazette http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080525/LOCAL10/805250383
8. Lewis Wallace, In These Times http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3504/first_came_katrina_then_came_hud/
9. Return of One-for-One Replacement for Demolished Public Housing Units by Bill Wilen, Director of Housing Litigation, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law
http://blog.povertylaw.org/2008/09/the-return-of-one-for-one-replacement-for-demolished-public-housing-units/#more-73
10. p. 90, Poverty And The Homeless, Mary E. Williams, Editor 2004 http://www.amazon.com/Current-Controversies-Poverty-Homeless-hardcover/dp/0737723106

Cross-posted in the Poverty and Activist HQ forums. This post is the result of research by a group of DUers and others dedicated to advancing the cause of affordable housing and related issues.

[KamaAina]

1. New Orleans alone has or plans to demolish nearly 5,000 units

by no means all of which flooded in Katrina; most second-story units did not.

And people wring their hands and wonder why well over 100,000 people have not returned, over three years on. :eyes:

edit: most of NOLA's projects are (or were :grr: ) low-rise complexes of two- or three-story buildings.

[JeffR]

2. Exactly. Katrina was a terribly convenient excuse to wage class warfare.

A fact apparently hidden in plain sight from our "vigilant free press".

[intheflow]

21. And I'm sure the same thiing is happening in Ike's wake in Texas.

Thanks for posting this, Jeff. So sad that such a topic needs a K&R--this blatant class warfare should be leading every newscast.

K&R

[TBF]

38. They took a different approach in Texas and just let the poor people

wash out to sea. No bad press and no complaints about toxic trailers that way...

[intheflow]

45. I'm pretty sure that's what happened in Mississippi and south of NOLA

during Katrina. 60,000 homes completely destroyed and 60,000 more uninhabitable in Mississippi alone, but only about 500 people died in Mississippi, and most of them were upstate due to tornadoes? Yeah, right.

[TBF]

48. Interesting - I hadn't heard that, although I knew there was a lot of damage

in MS. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the same thing had happened there. It's really shameful.

[pitohui]

90. there were entire neighborhoods in miss. that vanished down to the foundations

if an entire family was in that house, who would survive to file a missing persons report?

i don't doubt the death rate is far higher than we'll ever know

the point cadet neighborhood vanished as if it never was, truly truly spooky -- other houses and apartment buildings too

my friend could not even figure out where his apartment building, which had a swimming pool (set in the ground) was even located in gulfport, that's how far gone it was

if a family was in the apt building, who would be left to file a missing person report, everyone would be gone

i am convinced there are many missing we will never know of in mississippi because there would be no way to recover the bodies

[pitohui]

89. and the sooner demolished the better

it's three years on, and the huge surplus of empty housing is now a genuine source of blight that is holding us back, as well as a place for the criminal activity that is, quite literally, killing so many of us

we do not need slum housing or more projects here, we need support to save neighborhoods not "projects"

there are areas (such as california) where there is truly no housing for working people to be had, in my neighborhood alone i can point to multiple empty houses now that can't be sold or rented because there are no loans available for lower income/lower middle class buyers -- the houses are here, hell, we would like to sell OUR house and leave the state, but we can't -- plenty of housing units, NO money is the problem now

we don't need MORE low income housing so that we can completely kill the neighborhoods that do exist, we need to start being real about getting rid of stuff that isn't suitable for human habitation

[NanceGreggs]

3. KICK!!!

:kick: & REC'D!!!

[quidam56]

4. It's a SIN what we are doing to America and our World

At the expense of our future. Appalachia can't stand any more of Presidebt Bush's prosperity ! http://www.wisecountyissues.com

[dajoki]

14. Not only Appalachia, its the entire country n/t

[JeffR]

5. Kick!

:kick:

[KamaAina]

6. Here's housing that comes from an unusual but abundant resource -- empty shipping containers!

About to become even more abundant, I should think, in the wreckage of the Bush/Paulson economy...

http://www.pfnc.net

PFNC stands for "Por Fin Nuestra Casa." Translated in English this simply means "Finally, a home of our own." These words are the foundation of PFNC, whose goal is to provide housing to those who most desperately need it around the globe.

PFNC utilizes surplus shipping containers resulting from the United States' consistent trade deficit. These containers serve as the building block of PFNC housing, but go through an extensive conversion process to make them a home. PFNC offers an affordable housing solution that is scalable and fully portable. Each PFNC unit includes 1st world amenities for a price of less than $10,000 (US)*

[JeffR]

7. These would seem to be a big improvement over FEMA trailers, at least.

Very interesting website. Thanks for the link!

[tosh]

15. Those of us who "lurk" around in the world of modern and/or

sustainable architecture are aware of the really cool housing that can be made of shipping containers. With very small investments, they can be made into really NICE, desirable, and efficient dwellings. An advantage is that they can be easily expanded by adding more containers to accomodate larger families/growing spacial needs.

There are a number of people working on these within the U.S. already, but they are not getting "mainstream" attention.

I will try to come back later with some pics and stories examples.

[pitohui]

91. they are not practical because of building codes

very few states remain that have county by county codes, most have a state wide "universal" code which would mean the shipping container could not be used for legal housing anywhere in that state

which means, build your home in such a container, and you could end up being bulldozed just like any person who builds a tarpaper shack (which also costs less than $10K)

our problem isn't a lack of ingenuity on the part of the american people, plenty of people know how to build cheap homes, the problem is they don't conform to code and so if you build them, you are subject to the uncertainty of at any time your home (and possessions therein) could be summarily destroyed

not a real practical solution in my book

we used to have the ability to build such in the hammond area but post katrina there was a universal code put in, the claim was to make homes hurricane proof, the real reason of course just to pour money in the pockets of the contractors who own the damn state -- but in any case, life in a shipping container is just not going to happen or who would work?

[moggie]

22. There's a "container city" here in London

Trinity Buoy Wharf. It looks very nice: links here:

http://www.zen17279.zen.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/container-city.html
http://www.containercity.com/

[Naturyl]

8. K&R

[HCE SuiGeneris]

9. "You've already recommended that thread."

[Blue_In_AK]

10. K & R for the homeless,

a serious problem here where a homeless street person freezea to death almost every year.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

11. k and r

it is about time to fix this mess

[tosh]

12. K&R - for all to see.

Thanks to all who worked on this post. Excellent!

[dajoki]

13. Thank you for posting this JeffR...

Such an important issue and so little coverage anywhere. I have not even heard poverty discussed during the campaign by either candidate, however I have great hope that Obama will at least make an effort to do something about it.

There are the "new" homeless and the "old" homeless. Many of the middle class are now falling into poverty and homelessness, maybe that's what it will take for the media and the government to take notice and do something. At least a return to the one for one replacement of destroyed housing, it won't be enough, but it will be a start.

K&R

[H2O Man]

16. Nominated.

Very impressive work. Thank you.

[Turborama]

17. Thanks to everyone for their great work. K & 20th R

[JeffR]

18. Kick. Please help if you can.

Thanks!

[girl_interrupted]

20. K&R

[maryf]

19. Thank you! K&R

This information is invaluable! How many more homeless do there have to be in order for people to pay attention? More housing is needed now!

[maryf]

24. PS forgot to mention

The form is so easy, I just cut and pasted info, and filled in some comments, easy to do. Thanks for the opportunity, Jeff!!

[Time for change]

23. I hope the Obama administration will give this the attention it deserves

Thank you for this information.

[bobbolink]

25. Thanks JeffR!! I hope everyone is writing to the Transition Team about HOUSING

LOW-Income Housing, that is, not the "housing crisis" that's in the papers.

There are so many facts here to pick and choose from and the form is easy.

I haven't read that anyone has filled in the form, so I'm hoping that is what you're doing! Without your pressure on this, we can talk and talk, but nothing will change.

Thanks again, JeffR! :pals:

[JeffR]

26. Hey, there!

No need to thank me.:pals:

[maryf]

28. Hey Bobbolink, see my ps post!

You are so right it was a cinch to fill out the form! This administration will hopefully take some good hard looks at the low income housing issue!

[TBF]

27. Critically important issue; my pleasure to K&R - n/t

[maryf]

29. Hey TBF, did you fill out the form?

Might as well take advantage of an easy way to let the new admin hear our voice about this most important issue!!

[TBF]

36. Yes, Obama has gotten my two cents through that form amongst

other forms. After making calls and walking neighborhoods for the man back during the primaries I did my part. Now it's his turn to act.

[maryf]

62. You got that right!

Gotta keep his feet to the fire...to make sure he helps others keep their feet warm!!

[bobbolink]

80. Thank you!! "Now it's his turn to act. " Absolutely! And we must PUSH him!

I really do appreciate it... this is the most under-supported issue, and it's very painful to be on the receiving end of not getting the support.

I hope you can help us to turn this lack of support around!

:yourock:

[saltpoint]

30. A very strong kick and rec on this one.

Thank you, JeffR.

[JeffR]

31. My last kick for the day.

But I'll be back.

[Ichingcarpenter]

33. Sending this off... kick and nominated n/t

[bertman]

32. This week I discovered that there are two homeless men living in their mini-pickup trucks

in a commercial parking area behind our office. And this is in a town that has a very substantial outreach to the homeless as well as an excellent shelter.

Recommend highly.

[bobbolink]

35. "shelter" is NOT HOUSING.

That's the whole point of this.... Low-Income Housing is a necessity, and it's time to take it seriously!

[bertman]

43. You're absolutely right. Shelter is not housing. But my point was that these men were living

in their vehicles even in a place that has a well-run shelter program.

I might also add that our town is known for being very "homeless tolerant" so the shelters may be maxed out.

I agree that there need to be more low-income housing units built, but here's a sticking point for me: there are so many government-dependent people out there who feel the government should provide them with everything, that I am inclined to be very skeptical that we should provide housing for every person who is born. I realize that this flies in the face of what many on DU feel, but I personally am acquainted with five or six people who are able to work yet use a "disability" to get government to subsidize them.

As someone who has always worked hard and tried to provide for myself and my family I am incensed when I see able-bodied people who are scamming the government at the taxpayers' expense. When there are so many people who are truly in need of help it is a shame that we are wasting money on the abusers of the system.

If we're going to expand our social services I would also like to see us expand the ranks of the people who are charged with investigating and exposing abuse of the system. I have a gut feeling that is a low priority, but maybe someone can enlighten me.

[bobbolink]

46. You're right... the shelters are probably either "maxed out"...

or so restrictive that people feel like they are suffocating there.

"there are so many government-dependent people out there who feel the government should provide them with everything, "

Very good RW talking point.

:(

So many RW talking points follow, that I haven't the stomach to continue.

I hope that someday you UNDERSTAND what it's like to be in our shoes, and UNDERSTAND how you hurt people with your judgments.

bye now..

[pitohui]

92. well some of the claims made are just bizarre

most of the supposedly "able-bodied" people i know who think they are "scamming" actually have a severe mental illness and have never been able to work, they can't keep a job more than a few days, some people are just...broken -- i don't particularly resent them getting a check from the gov't, i resent it more when they try to rip off me or their other friends or their family members, it becomes a crab in the bucket situation where the healthy people can't function if they're being dragged down by the addict or the otherwise mentally ill person


however, some of the claims made about low income housing seem to be scams that are aimed at putting money in someone's pockets, i assume the contractor who would be building the slum -- excuse me, low income -- housing

there is no shortage of housing in new orleans at the moment, i am truly becoming afraid because my lower middle class neighborhood is suddenly filled with empty houses -- houses that were fixed after katrina (every house in my neighborhood has a new roof, every one!) but which are now abandoned apparently because of the economic crisis

i was looking at the courthouse to protest my property tax assessment (which i did successfully) and i was scared to learn that many of the empty houses are "upside down" -- the person can never sell the house for enough to cover their note, but they have to follow their job, so they're fucked

a short distance from me, a house recently "exploded" and it isn't because of the dicey gas service, there is no gas service there, the drug labs and the hopelessness are coming

we have lots and lots of empty housing here, not very expensive, and building more "low income" units to compete with it will only guarantee that more people are financially fucked and that a new area of hopelessness and poverty will be created

it's like when the ladies were protesting the closure of the st. bernard housing project -- one of the most dangerous places to live on earth and no sane person would live there, you wouldn't want your mom to live there, getting out of there is comparable to escaping from a war zone -- you have to ask yourself -- who profits by paying these ladies to go out there and protest and pretend that they want to live there? some contractor wants a contract, it's business as usual

we have so many empty houses, we need to save the neighborhoods we have, not create even more pockets of misery

ok, sorry, rant over

i realize there are MANY areas of the country where there is literally no place to live, such as southern california, but this is not the case in new orleans -- we have a much smaller population, the essential work of the city such as the port, refineries, etc. is being done with the population we have, it makes ZERO sense to artificially expand the population and put old people, handicapped people, etc. in harm's way of the storms, let them stay where they have landed safely and lived these past three years

[bobbolink]

34. Here's what I wrote to the Transition Team ----

The U.S. gave $700 billion to the banks and other corporations as a "bailout". SEVEN HUNDRED BILLION.

Yet, for 30 years now we've been told that there isn't enough money to provide low-income housing for everyone who needs it. The richest country in the world, but we have millions of people homeless.... Obviously if we can find the SEVEN HUNDRED BILLION for corporations, then we Can find the money for poor people. It's a matter of will... and priority. It's just not something we care deeply enough about.

Rep. Barney Frank, in his proposal for The National Housing Trust Fund Bill, said that there are 9 million people in need of low-income housing, and 6 million available units. This is a national scandal!


Over the last 30 years, annual tax expenditures for home owner subsidies have grown from less than $40 billion to over $120 billion per year. Every year since 1981, tax benefits for home ownership have been greater than HUD's entire budget and have dwarfed direct expenditures for programs that benefit low-income renters. Those benefiting the most from this tax program may actually be banks and real estate corporations that make their largest profit margins on high-end housing. The Western Regional Advocacy Project http://wraphome.org/index.php

SEVEN HUNDRED BILLION. While housing subsidies for middle- and upper-class people dwarfs the amount needed for homeless people to be housed.

SHAME!!

This MUST be a top priority in the Obama administration!

[TBF]

37. So many homeless and pathetic health care. We are ready for the change

now Mr. President. (1)Subsidized Housing (2) Universal Healthcare (3) Jobs (4) Education (5) Infrastructure

In order to do this, cut defense. Raise taxes on those earning more than 250K/yr. No more tax subsidies for sending jobs abroad.

There is much more but if he can get started on the above we will see vast improvement.

[bobbolink]

47. Is that what you wrote??? If so, THANKS!

If not, please do!

[TBF]

49. Yes, that is what I wrote. Today I found his video about creating jobs

and replied to that one as well. My thoughts today were on Medicare and how we could take away the age limits in order to have an immediate plan in place that could cover many people. Obviously they could phase in other programs, or streamline it, modernize it etc... but at least we'd have a basic coverage for folks. We don't just need jobs, we need jobs above the poverty level and health care that is independent of jobs (which is a win-win because companies are having a hard time competing against other nations where the health care is covered by gov't and thus doesn't have to be worked into product prices).

Take a look at the top of the Fortune 500 and it tells the tale. Insurance companies, private healthcare corps., and pharmaceuticals are all quite profitable. No wonder they are fighting universal health care.

[bobbolink]

50. In the meantime, we desperately need housing, and NOBODY is focusing on that.

The other things that you mention, not to negate them, but they have LOTS of support.

Housing doesn't.

Thank you for writing this!! I hope you will pass the info on to others, and suggest they do the same!


:applause:

[SammyWinstonJack]

59. !

:thumbsup:

[undeterred]

39. kick!!

:kick:

[earth mom]

40. K & R! nt

[Kaleko]

41. Most definitely kicking this one.

[saltpoint]

42. Kick.

These computers on our home desks can be put to proper use if we log on and have them do things like inspire others to bring constructive pressure to bear upon Obama's transition team to hold poverty and its attendant issues as a national imperative.

Excellent post.

[JeffR]

44. Kicking again.

:kick:

[The Straight Story]

51. kick (nt)

[concerned canadian]

52. K&R

When Barack Obama worked as community organizer, wasn't helping low income people get housing a priority initiative?

Helping no income people get a place they can call home, and begin the process of reclaiming their dignity, is going to be

(I'll bet)a high priority of the Obama administration.

[saltpoint]

53. A kick for the week of Thanksgiving in our country.

As with most weeks in the United States, some have more to be thankful for than others, and if several DUers could be enjoined in the OP's proposal, people who have less might be held far more prominently.

Bringing respectful pressure to bear on Obama's transition team lifts many boats.

[saltpoint]

54. Kick. Many of us woke up this morning with a roof over our heads,

food in the refrigerator, and a dwelling of one sort or another. Also likely with places to go and people to see.

Any number of others, including veterans, did not wake up to any such of these things, but to their absence.

[saltpoint]

55. At half-time today in your favorite football matchup, or tonight while

Andy Rooney is droning on about cereal boxes or something else, why not jot off a quick e-letter to the Obama transition team to ask that poverty be considered as a policy imperative for the new administration, as high on the list as it can be placed and as soon as possible?

It isn't asking a lot of time but it potentially could do a world of good.

Contact Obama's transition team at:

http://www.change.gov/page/s/contact


:dem: :patriot:

[saltpoint]

56. A kick at roughly 4:00 Eastern because it is an abomination that Sarah

Palin should have the money she was given to buy extraordinarily fancy clothes when so many do not have money enough for basic shoes and coats.

The site to contact is:

http://www.change.gov/page/s/contact

[Born_A_Truman]

57. Cal-Earth

http://www.calearth.org/

From emergency shelters



United Nations Visit

In July of 2001 a visit from the United Nations headed by the Director of UNDP Emergency Response Division with his team from New York, participated in a Cal-Earth workshop for these Emergency Shelters; they slept in one to experience their quality. Their very positive response was recorded by Reuters World News Agency.


to homes

[saltpoint]

58. Amazing.

There are so many options and good ideas out there. We need to harness them and bring them into public policy and public access.

I love your post.

[Born_A_Truman]

60. They do amazing things with burlap tubes & earth

I would love to build one here on our property. They are certified for earthquakes too.

[saltpoint]

61. And they look so functional and are so down-to-scale.

Even the more elaborate one in the photo.

I'm thrilled to see these.

[maryf]

63. Another kick!! nt

[saltpoint]

64. Kick.

[saltpoint]

65. It is early Monday morning, November 24th.

Winter is moving in in many parts of the country.

It snowed here and there last night.

Some of us have warm coffee and breakfast on the table.

But not everyone.

Kick.

[maryf]

68. And the holidays are coming too...

Many of the public places the homeless can go to, like libraries, are closed on holidays like Thanksgiving, and its worse on Christmas...how much harder does that make the holidays?

[bobbolink]

72. It makes the holidays just lovely.

Just think... we could have our own homes, and have a nice holiday snooze.

:hi:

[maryf]

74. I'll truly give thanks

When all the homeless can stretch out on a couch after stuffing themselves on Thanksgiving! Especially some very good folks I know!! :pals:

[saltpoint]

73. Excellent point, maryf. The very places that could provide some warmth

are closed on the holidays.

When you ask, "How much harder does that make the holidays?" you are asking the exactly right question.

[maryf]

75. The topic

provided the platform for some much needed questions and discussion, thanks!

[defendandprotect]

66. This should be a STICKY ...something we do regularly ....

on EVERY issue --

Homelessness is the place to begin ... and Federal assistance --

They are Reagan's first creations --

GOP -- a disgusting disease --!!!

[bobbolink]

69. Thank you! Yes, low-income housing should be in our vision at all times....

Any ideas on how to accomplish that?

As you can see, it's just not in our field of vision!

[defendandprotect]

77. No ...and yes ....

No ... I was suggesting that you continue this format regularly to prompt those of us

who may forget to send our opinions to Obama camp -- on ANY subject ... as the come up.


Yes ...I think you did a fantastic job of reminding us about homelessness --

I read a lot of your post -- not all of it -- and great info.

Image that we could forget homelessness--!! That's what 2 wars and torture do to

us, I guess.


So -- we should ALL try to renew interest in this cause and keep it a regular topic at DU.

And, hopefully Obama will have reports and info on it to pick up.

I'll try ...

[mentalslavery]

67. Excellent points here

One of the fundamental changes we can make is the implementation of solar and wind energy to affordable housing and units for the homeless. The potential with these new forms of energy is that they could eliminate energy bills, provide job training and jobs for poor populations via installation projects, reduce the speed of global warming, and provide a model for other communities around the nation and globe!!!! If we can hire and train the poor and homeless to install solar panels and wind energy in their local communities we create a situation in which previously disenfranchised become more invested in their local communities. Not only do these communities improve financially and ecologically, but the inhabitants receive job training for a growing job sector. A program that integrates some of these points will lift millions out of poverty. Most poor are dependents. Employing parents lifts the dependents out of poverty indirectly and provides a greater chance of inter generational social mobility.

[bobbolink]

70. That's an idea.... but then it would only apply to those young and strong enough

for construction jobs.

What about people like me... too old and too physically weak to do that?

We're just out in the cold?

[mentalslavery]

87. No, we are putting the panels on your roof too!

The principle is that people control energy resources so that we are subjected to the bs oil market strangle hold.

[Breeze54]

71. Great Post, JeffR!! -- I'm on it!

Error: you can only recommend threads which were started in the past 24 hours

:dem:

[upi402]

76. they are corporatists

don't have high hopes of much change, but keep on trying - never give up.

[bobbolink]

79. It only takes a minute of your time.... isn't that worth it?

Really, just labeling and walking on ... forgetting about the people who so desperately NEED housing.... is that really what you want to do?

Is that "progressive"?

Could you please spare 1 or 2 minutes to write two sentences to the Obama team?

I don't see how that is asking so very much.

[saltpoint]

78. I predict FEMA will play a heightened role in addressing poverty

in the U.S.

It is statistically just one slice but it is a crucial slice. Presidents Carter and Clinton understood the role of government in rescue and support. Needless to say, that impulse and understanding are very weak signals in the current administration.

FEMA chief Michael Brown, a horse attorney, stood on one side of a CNN split-screen coverage of Hurricane Katrina cataloging the "many things" FEMA was doing to assist Gulf Coast and New Orleans victims of the storm, while on the other side of the split screen CNN's news crew was running live shots of dead bodies floating down Canal Street and people on rooftops, desperately waving to news-crew helicopters.

That is a huge disconnect, to say the very least.

Obama knows what it takes to try and build up a community and I believe he will not hire fixers and idiots into his administration's rescue arm.

Again -- FEMA is a statistically small slice of the big pie but a very crucial one.

[saltpoint]

81. "Sire, he lives a good league hence..."

Says King Wenceslas' page about the peasant gathering wood in the wilderness.

But of course the poor do not usually live all that far away. They are quite present in nearly any major U.S. city.

Consider the OP's suggestion. It is for the best of causes.

[saltpoint]

82. A kick for the late hour of Tuesday of the Thanksgiving week.

[saltpoint]

83. Day before Thanksgiving. This kick is not for the Dallas Cowboys.

It isn't for the Detroit Lions.

It isn't for the big parade in New York with all the floats.

[bobbolink]

84. This is easy to do on your day off-- a few minutes to pick on aspect, fill in the form

and hit "Send".

Very easy.

We will be thankful for your efforts!

[saltpoint]

85. If you are inclined to contact the transitionteam, send a copy also to your Reps

and U.S. Senators.

We want as many influential folks as possible with this topic on their lips.

We want the staff of as many influential folks as possible with this topic on their lips, too.

[saltpoint]

86. From Lincoln to Obama there are common themes.

We can each of us fill in the response to that, in terms of our own choosing, based on what we think is most apparent and most important.

Kick.

[saltpoint]

88. "And perhaps we give a little to the poor if the generosity should seize us..."

- - - -

"We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations

And perhaps we give a little to the poor
In the generosity should seize us
But if anyone of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus..."

-- Jackson Browne, from "The Rebel Jesus"

- - - -

[maryf]

96. Thanks Old Crusoe!

Hope plenty read this, poverty doesn't know holidays...

[saltpoint]

97. Hi, maryf. I'm nodding in strong agreement to your comment that

poverty knows no holidays.

If anything, poverty is more visible than ever on holidays.

[maryf]

113. Visibility due to the fact

So few places are open...must be so hard to be homeless on Christmas...no room at the inn...

[bobbolink]

121. It's more visible... that's true.

BUT.. the emphasis is on CHARITY rather than JUSTICE.

That charity lasts for a couple of days, and then it's gone, and the poverty is just as debilitating as ever!

[depakid]

93. Once again, Portland, Oregon seems to buck the trend...and lead the nation

'Plan B' on affordable housing


Daniel Zook nearly lost his life in a car accident, and two years ago he lost his job. He lived with friends, in a shelter and on the street before landing an apartment at The Jeffrey through a government housing program.
----------------

Midway through its aggressive 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness, Portland has hit a major speed bump: Subsidized housing projects that no longer pencil out in the struggling financial markets.

Yet despite timid lenders, diminishing returns on federal tax credits and some builders' outright delays, the city's housing experts are moving forward with key initiatives that will at least keep them in the game.

Those responsible for affordable housing are tapping into new sources of state and federal money, inviting new players to the table, seeking helpful legislation in Salem and Washington, D.C., and looking at new ways to save money.

A prime example: the city's planned Resource Access Center -- a day center and 90-bed men's transitional shelter that city leaders see as a cornerstone of Portland's housing program. While serving the homeless by connecting them to available services and providing showers and a place to do laundry, the building will include retail space and 152 affordable apartments.

Construction of the center in Old Town/Chinatown near Union Station is set to begin next fall. But the credit crunch has created a gap in financing for the $47 million project, even with a $28 million cash infusion from the Portland Development Commission, the city's urban renewal agency.

But City Commissioner Nick Fish, who leads the city's affordable housing efforts, said the project is so important to the long-term goal of tackling chronic homelessness he now hopes to build the same thing for less money.

"We have to be creative and strategic," Fish said. "I am charged with leading a very ambitious agenda, but the times require that we rethink a number of projects."

Instead of a wood-frame construction on a full city block, he has asked to see plans for a concrete building on half a block. Building up instead of out, with concrete instead of wood, could save about $3 million, Fish said. And the remaining half block -- worth roughly $2 million -- would be available for sale or for another housing project.

"I've challenged my team to come up with a plan B -- one that's more cost-effective while still being faithful to the vision," Fish said. "As we do this across the board, these may end up becoming better projects."

Portland's determined strategy has gained national attention. Nan Roman, president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness in Washington, D.C., said her group touts Portland's plan to build permanent housing as an example of what can be accomplished.

More: http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2008/11/portland_looks_for_plan_b_on_a.html

[saltpoint]

94. Good for Portland, and thank you for shining a light on

some SERIOUS community organizing.

[depakid]

95. Thank you Old Crusoe

For doubling up and having a go- letting us know with words (almost) unspoken as to what's so cool.

[KoKo]

98. Thanks for posting this... K&R

:kick:

[PatSeg]

99. Big Kick

for this important issue!

[saltpoint]

100. I'll second that. As for the 4 grown-ups in your photo there --

There's good news and there's good news.

The good news is that they are wildly capable and dedicated folks.

And the good news is that they are going to running our government for 4 to 8 years.

:hi:

[PatSeg]

102. Isn't it wonderful?

Four intelligent, competent, compassionate people - good looking even! Its like a dream.

[saltpoint]

103. It is. The last 8 years have beena REAL long slog.

I need a bit of uplift from capable grown-ups, and it looks as if the Wells Fargo Wagon has just pulled up to the station.

Happy December, blue warrior.

[PatSeg]

104. I had really forgotten what it was like

to have competence and intelligence in the White House. Even the worst administrations had their fair share of knowledgeable, capable people, until the last eight years. It was as if they purposely sought the least qualified people to serve in various positions. The few qualified people got pushed out. Strangest thing I've ever seen.

[saltpoint]

105. IMO that is an exact read of the Bush administration.

We had total hacks like Alberto Gonzales urging Bush to ignore international prohibitions on torture.

We had marginal incompetents like Harriet Miers floated as Supreme Court Justice nominees.

We got served up horse lawyers for FEMA directors.

And right on down the whole macabre list.

The books that are written which evaluate Dubya's years in office are going to be lively to read. His presidency was a rock-bottom presidency.

[bobbolink]

107. the caveat is that the low-income housing crisis didn't start with BUSHWA... or even Bush 1!

This has been going on for over 30 years, and with Democratic party complicity.

UNLESS people are willing to PUSH Obama, it will continue more.. with more death and suffering.

As you've said over and over.. it only takes a few minutes.... I'm not really clear why there isn't more enthusiasm about writing to the Transition Team about more Low-Income Housing!

[saltpoint]

108. Hi, bobbolink, and good morning to you.

Yes, and yes, and yes -- we can bring pressure to bear on that transition team and follow it up with letters and phone contact after the Inaugural.

We are not asking for diamond cellos. We're asking for basic necessities for the dignity of all.

With Obama, I feel we have a far greater chance. Under Dubya, well, you know the story there.

I've contacted a lot of county-level friends in the Democratic Party. They've been willing to sign on to this project. They aren't "lime-light" Democratics, but mostly not very famous folks who work hard for city and county-level Democrats, some for a long time.

They seem to be more open to the idea, and more motivated after Obama's national win.

[bobbolink]

110. Thanks soooo much for pushing this locally!

That is wonderful news to me!

I've felt so alone with this, and I still get lots of rejection about doing something so simple, and it just makes me sooo discouraged.

To know you've been pushing this where you are makes the day for me!

:pals:

[saltpoint]

111. I have JeffR to thank. I'll say JeffR and those he is working with on

this project.

And of course, you've been on this issue wth insight and grace for a long time. So it is a project that has some awfully good affiliations on DU.

[PatSeg]

109. And the hacks hired more hacks

Couldn't have anyone smarter than them, threatening their jobs - i.e. Monica Goodling. If this was fictional, it would be an outrageous comedy.

Yeah, there will be many books. I can just see the soon-to-be unemployed desperate to get their tell-alls books out on the shelf first. Then the right wing hacks will go on TV and say, "I've said all along.....blah, blah, blah.", as if no one heard them praise Bush and his policies.

It will be very interesting.

[saltpoint]

112. Public service needs to mean serving the public, providing for

the wider circle.

There just wasn't any chance of this under Dubya and Cheney. Just now, you and I have slammed the personnel of Dubya's 8 years of governing, and if anything, we've gone easy on them. They were likey far worse than anything we've said!

A president who stood more or less idly by while the Gulf Coast flooded and people were abandoned is not a president who is concerned about poverty, about hunger, about homelessness, and about jobs and housing. Bush never had to fight for those basic dignities. He seems to me as far removed from them as urgent issues as he could possibly be.

He's a man of no poetry and no compassion.

Obama's job has been made harder because Dubya's performance was so bad. But I'm sticking with our guy and his vice president, their wives, and our broader majorities in the new Congress.

As long as we are willing to communicate these issues and concerns to the Obama-Biden team, I feel our chances of being listened to are active and current.

And I haven't felt that way for 8 damn years.

[PatSeg]

115. What scares me,

is I believe they WERE far worse than we've imagined and that we've only seen the surface sins. The deeper truths could be beyond my imagination.

[saltpoint]

116. The elvin consul tells me that you are right. But the visible

transgressions of the Bush administration are already so bad that it's discouraging to think about what else went on that we don't have evidence for.

We certainly got a whiff of what these people were about with Abu Ghraib. And another strong intake with the abandonment of our fellow citizens in New Orleans.

I see Michelle and Jill in your picture, and they appear to be such accomplished, resonant adults, easily equal to their husbands' accomplishments, and now preparing to be global figures who will step off airplanes in Bolivia and Tokyo and South Africa, and I think of Laura Bush, and wonder what in God's name could possibly be going through her head in this transition period between her husband's spectacularly failed term and the coming of a new era.

[PatSeg]

118. The Obamas and Bidens

are going to transform our image across the world - beautiful, intelligent, competent, rationale people. This will even surpass the world's adoration of the Kennedy's. Each one is a superstar who can shine alone as well as in a group.

Laura is a great mystery to me. She clearly is intelligent and I have to wonder what she really thinks of her husband's policies. I'm quite sure we'll never know, but as a woman, I can visualize what goes on behind closed doors. I can picture her putting some distance between herself and him, having done her time as the dutiful, smiling wife. I think she's ready for HER time.

[saltpoint]

119. It would be remarkable for her to pursue her own goals and leave

the jabbering chimp chomping pretzels and guzzling the hard stuff back at the ranch in Crawford, or in Dallas, or wherever they're headed for.

She has shown a lot of loyalty to the man and I'm not sure he has ever deserved it. She can walk out of that building no less tall, really, than she walked in, where her husband stole his way through the door and will have to crawl out under the cover of night.

I have no idea why people marry the people they marry. But they do it without ringing me up for input!

And I wouldn't have any idea in hell what to tell them anyway.

So I hope Laura Bush takes your counsel and finds her own way into the rest of her life. There's more hope for her, I think, than for her husband.

[PatSeg]

120. Well, I just watched Laura on Meet The Press

and she does appear to be more independent. She was very focused and informed about Afghanistan. I think she's found her project and with her husband on the way out, she can be more hands-on. Good for her.

Marriage? I am hardly an expert. I can't tell you why I married the people I married, but it sure seemed like a good idea at the time! That is one area where advice is rarely welcomed, even when solicited.

I'm not a great fan of Laura's, but I have a feeling she may be an impressive ex-first lady and I am rooting for her! I cannot wholly support her because I feel she has been an enabler to her husband whose disastrous presidency has caused so much devastation for so many.

[lonestarnot]

101. K & R with a request for jobs in the request.

[bobbolink]

106. With all due respect, "jobs" is what all the talk is about... what all the effort is always

directed to.

"JObs" has NOT solved the lack of housing problem in over 30 years, now... it's time to switch a few gears.

I hope that you were willing to read some of the facts, and realize that "creating jobs" WON"T change those facts.

NOR will it change for those of us who can't work. What about us??? If you can't work, then just suck it up?

I repeat.. the emphasis HAS BEEN on jobs.. that is nothing new at all.

[bobbolink]

114. another request to send those emails to the Transition Team!

And pass this on to everyone you know!

LOW-INCOME HOUSING IS A MUST!

[maryf]

117. Absolutely...

Our voice is our right, and they are asking for it...make yourself heard here!!! Low income housing is a critical need...

[bobbolink]

122. Have you sent your emails yet?

:kick: