Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Grants Hacienda $75,000 for Native Plant Nursery

On Thursday March 31, the City of Portland is holding a budget forum to evaluate community priorities for City funding at the Mt. Scott Community Center in SE Portland. Affordable Housing NOW! is asking for housing advocates and supporters to come and participate in the Forum to ensure that the City Council understands that housing is a funding priority for Portland.

2004 Budget Advocacy Resulted in $11 Million for Greatest Housing Needs

Last year, thanks to the advocacy from members of Affordable Housing NOW! and other housing advocates, the City of Portland allocated $11 Million to address the housing needs of the lowest income members of our community.  $11 Million was a great victory, but it is just the beginning in terms of addressing the housing need in our City.

In 2004, Affordable Housing NOW! and other housing advocates in the community had identified a goal of $30 Million from the City as short-term, stop gap funding measure while we work towards a substantial, long term funding source for the housing needs of the Metro region.  In the best case scenario, we would still need an additional $19 million from the City to meet our short-term goal.  In light of the Federal cuts, winning this additional $19 million becomes even more essential.

What YOU Can Do: Come testify in support of housing on March 31

You can play a huge role in helping to win needed funding for housing by coming to the City’s Budget Forum next Thursday, March 31. Affordable Housing NOW needs you to help make the case for housing. Let City Council know why you believe that housing funding needs to be priority for the City.

Below are some basic talking points and background information about he Budget Forum. If you have questions, contact Michael Anderson at (503) 335-9884 or mike@cdnportland.org

Talking Points:

Because this a Budget Forum, there will not be formal testimony.  Also, much of the public input is gathered from small group discussion among citizens. Therefore, be prepared to talk from a personal standpoint about why housing is important to you.  The overarching message is simple: We need more funding for housing.

Below are some talking points to frame your input, and some talking points specific to this budget request.  Pick one frame and one or two specific points to wrap around your personal statement of why housing is important to you.

Housing Frames:

(1) Hardworking people should be able to afford housing and still have enough money for groceries and other basic necessities

(2) Children deserve an opportunity to succeed in school and life, which is tied to having a stable home

(3) Housing gives people an opportunity to build better lives. To succeed you need a place to call home

(4) Its only fair that everyone has a safe, decent place to live

Specific Talking Points:

(5) If we are serious about ending homelessness in 10 years, we need to dedicate more resources to housing.  The lack of housing that people can afford is a big reason for homelessness.

(6) The federal cuts to housing mean we have to take action locally.  Section 8 tenants just got a 17% rent raise, and the City’s housing bureau got over a million in cuts from the Feds.  We need the City to step in and make sure people do not fall through the cracks.

(7) Investing in housing is a long term strategy for the well being of Portland.  Children do better in school with stable housing, people are better able to maintain employment, seniors and people with disabilities are more likely to succeed living independently when they can afford their housing.  

(8) Affordable Housing NOW! is asking City Council to meet a goal of $30 Million for affordable housing to meet the immediate, short term housing needs.  Last year, the City found $11 Million, which was good progress.  But we need the other $19 Million.

Budget Forum info:

City of Portland Community Budget Forum 

Date: Thursday March 31, 2005

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: MT SCOTT COMMUNITY CENTER, 5530 SE 72nd

The March 31 Budget Forum is the second of two public meetings held by the City in which Portlander’s are invited to share their priorities for how to best use City funding. The Forums are low key, and friendly for public input.

The Budget Forums are usually attended by the Mayor, the members of the City Council and their staff, as well as the Bureau Directors from the City. At the Budget Forum, City staff explain the budget process, current budget expenditures and the pending decisions/cuts needed for the upcoming budget.  After the presentation, there are opportunities for public input to the group as a whole, and in small groups.

Affordable Housing NOW! is a movement of affordable housing advocates and tenants whose goals are to secure new resources for affordable housing for the Portland Metro area by building a movement large enough to make funding for affordable housing for low income people a political priority in the Metro area. To learn more about Affordable Housing NOW!, go to: http://www.cdnportland.org/ahn.html

Affordable Housing NOW General Meeting Wednesday March 30

Please join Affordable Housing NOW! next Wednesday March 30 from 6:30-8:00 for fun evening meeting.  Come hear our proposed strategic plan and help us identify the next steps in AHN’s pursuit of new resources for housing for low income people in the Metro region.

The meeting will be held at offices of the Community Alliance of Tenants (2710 NE 14^th Avenue) from 6:30-8:00 pm.

In addition to the presentation of the strategic plan and next steps, AHN will launch several new working committees in which members can become involved.  There will be committees on strategy and research for potential revenue initiatives, membership development and recruitment, and media advocacy.

This is only the fourth General Meeting AHN has held in our two and half years, so we want you there!

Questions?  Contact Michael Anderson at (503) 335-9884 or mike@cdnportland.org

Affordable Housing NOW! is a movement of affordable housing advocates and tenants whose goals are to secure new resources for affordable housing for the Portland Metro area by building a movement large enough to make funding for affordable housing for low income people a political priority in the Metro area. To learn more about Affordable Housing NOW!, go to: http://www.cdnportland.org/ahn.html

Federal Update: House, Senate Pass Irresponsible FY06 Budget Resolutions; Senator Gordon Smith Leads Courageous Stand on Medicaid

The House and Senate passed separate versions of the fiscal year 2006 (FY06) budget resolution last week that would allow for additional tax cuts, mostly targeting wealthy families, while cutting back on spending for programs that serve middle- and low-income America. A split within the GOP ranks may spell trouble for reconciling the two budget resolutions, and, as with the current year, would mean Congress would operate without a budget blueprint.

LISC Summary of Housing Items: Senate, House Budgets Reject Some CD Funding Cuts

The House and Senate have approved budget resolutions that assume rejection of some or all of the $2 billion in funding cuts for community development that the Bush Administration proposes. However, the budget resolution sets only broad guidelines and is not binding. It is only the first step in a process that will take most of the year to resolve. As previously reported, the Administration proposes termination of 18 federal community development programs (see list below) now providing a combined $5.7 billion, replacing them with a single new $3.7 billion Commerce Department program -- a $2 billion cut.

LISC and others lauched grass-roots advocacy with significant early success. Thanks to the many of you who contacted members of Congress:

In the Senate, 58 Senators wrote in opposition to the proposal. Senators Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) and Norm Coleman (R-MN) offered amendments to restore the full $2 billion. First the Senate rejected the Sarbanes amendment, which would have cut tax loopholes to cover the difference, 49-51. Then, the Senate approved Coleman's amendment to add back $2 billion while cutting all other federal programs across the board, by 68-31.

In the House, 181 members led by Reps. Christopher Shays (R-CT) and Barney Frank (D-MA) the Budget Committee wrote in opposition to the proposal. The Budget Committee recommended an additional $1.1 billion, enough to restore more than half of the proposed cuts. The full House approved this level. The House and Senate will now try to work out their differences on their budget. Then the Appropriations Committees in the House and Senate will begin to consider specific funding levels for each program. It is unclear whether the House and Senate will move forward with replacing the 18 programs with a new Commerce Department program, although there is strong sentiment in Congress against it. We will keep you informed.

Note: The Administration's proposal would terminate these 18 programs. HUD: Community Development Block Grants ($4.11 billion); CDBG set-asides ($302 million); Section 4 community capacity building grants ($30 million); Rural Housing and Economic Development grants ($24 million); Brownfields ($24 million); Section 108 loan guarantees ($6 million); Urban Empowerment Zones ($10 million). Treasury: CDFI grants; Bank Enterprise Awards; and CDFI Native Initiatives ($55 million). USDA: Rural Business Enterprise Grants ($40 million); Economic Impact Grants ($21 million); Rural EZs/ECs ($12 million); Rural Business Opportunity Grants ($3 million). HHS: Community Services Block Grant ($727 million); Urban and Rural Community and Economic Development ($33 million); Rural Community Facilities ($7 million). Commerce: Economic Development Administration ($255 million).

Senator Gordon Smith Leads Courageous Stand on Medicaid

Oregon Senator Gordon Smith courageously broke ranks with his Republican colleagues, and successfully amended the Senate proposed budget to preserve the Medicaid program. Smith teamed with fellow Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) to offer an amendment to strike the reconciliation instructions in the budget to cut $15 billion from the Medicaid program. The skepticism of many senators about cuts to the Medicaid program and a very harsh backlash from governors around the nation has helped reduce support for these cuts. The amendment passed 52–48 and will be a major point of conflict with the House during the conference. 

Please take a few minutes a call Senator Smith’s office and thank him for standing up for low income Oregonians.  It is very important that we give the Senator support from his home state, because he is under a lot of pressure nationally for his stand on Medicaid.

Senator Smith’s office can be reached at 1-888-818-6641 or (503) 326-3386.

To read more analysis on the Senate and House Budget Proposals, go to: http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/2736/1/327

Hacienda CDC has received the first major award for its Native Plant Nursery project and Environmental Economy Program, a one-year/$75,000 grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. 

The Hacienda Native Plant Nursery is Hacienda CDC’s first environmental job and business creation opportunity.  Planned as program division, the Nursery will initially employ 7 residents, selling native plant material and services to general contractors, subcontractors, governments, and property owners.  These plants and services will be used in Portland-area wetland restoration projects, streamside re-vegetation projects, and stormwater management projects.  In the future, Nursery employees will have a right to profit sharing and, ultimately, the chance to own a share of the Nursery business.

“Environmental jobs and businesses are key economic opportunity areas for the Latino community,” said Alan Hipólito, Hacienda CDC’s Sustainable Development Director.  “We want this project to draw tighter connections between environmental protection and economic opportunity for the resident community, and to establish a seat at the sustainable development table for the Latino community and other environmental justice communities.”

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development published new rent and income limits for the HOME program on March 11, 2005.  The new limits are effective March 31, 2005.

To view the new HOME rent limits, click here.

To view the new HOME income limits, click here.

Oregon Follow the Money: Support Voter Owned Elections

What city issues do you care about? What kind of City Council would you like to see make decisions on those concerns?  Does it seem like big money campaign contributors win more often on your issues than community interests?

What can you do about it?  Let the Portland City Council know that you support Voter Owned Elections for Portland. On April 7 the City Council will vote on enacting Voter Owned Elections, so your quick action calling for a "yes" vote is needed now.

Voter Owned Elections is fair and sensible campaign finance reform that is changing "business as usual" in Maine and Arizona politics. Politicians in those states are listening to voters and keeping their campaign promises.

Candidates demonstrate community support by collecting large numbers of $5 contributions, qualifying for public funding to run for office. Strict rules limit spending and ensure that candidates use the money to reach voters. All of Portland benefits with a wider and more diverse choice of candidates, campaigns that focus on voters rather than fundraising, and City Hall decisions based on community concerns rather than special interest contributors.

Tell our City Council to take the lead and made Portland the first city in the United States to enact Voter Owned Elections. Send an email to Council members and sign on as an individual endorser.

Need more information? Go in depth at the Voter Owned Elections web page.

East County One Stop and Mercy Corps Northwest are pleased to announce a new training for creating and strengthening local market vendor businesses. This will be helpful for farmers, artisans, craftspeople, specialty food sellers, etc.

This 10-session workshop series is designed to help entrepreneurs start or expand vendor businesses for any market. Participants will learn how to:

- Design a successful vendor businesses to make money

- Determine the best markets for your business

- Find customers through market research and marketing techniques

- Use best practices in retail: eye-catching booth layout, creative merchandising, customer service

- Discover financing sources and business development support

- Build a strong business from experienced vendors

Details:

TIME: April 4-May 4, 2005, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm

LOCATION: At Mercy Corps Northwest, 2069 NE Hoyt St. Portland, OR 97232

COST: $45.00 for all 10 sessions ($5.00 for individual workshops)

REGISTRATION: Register today! Deadline for registration: Tues. Mar. 29th. To register, call: (503) 661-3981 or (503) 236-1580 ext. 204, or email: jpasco@1stop.org or pcoleman@mercycorpsnw.org

The Enterprise Foundation's Network Advisory Board seeking nominations for the Jim & Patty Rouse Awards for Excellence in Community Revitalization.

The Enterprise Foundation encourages you to apply for this recognition for your organization if you are involved in community revitalization. An award of $5,000 (in unrestricted funds) will be presented to two members of The Enterprise Foundation Network who develop and provide housing to low and very low-income people and who also have worked to restore the fabric of the community and create a sense of place, with particular emphasis on life opportunities for residents.

Your organization must be a member of the Enterprise Network, must be financially sound, and must have a proven track record of housing development, community planning and other community services.

More information and the application, which must be postmarked by April 8, are online. Go to www.enterprisefoundation.org/rouseawards. The rewards of winning go beyond the money. The winner also receives publicity (always a boon to our work), some well deserved recognition and a free registration to the Enterprise Network Conference this November in Washington, D.C.

Eclectic Group of Movers and Shakers Team Up for REACH April 8 Fundraiser

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when politicians, the press and music celebrities go out together, you can find out on April 8^th at the Melody Ballroom, when REACH Community Development holds its Sixth Annual All-Star Trivia fundraiser.  Pink Martini’s Thomas Lauderdale, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams, The Oregonian’s Political Cartoonist Jack Ohman, Metro President David Bragdon, Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey, The Retrofits’ Jake Oken-Berg, Portland’s favorite man in a dress Poison Waters, and others will keep host Byron Beck of the Willamette Week on his toes, as they match wits to claim superior knowledge of Portland trivia. The College Bowl team format will spark nostalgia for contestants and the audience alike.  Other highlights include raffle tickets for three fabulous gift packages and Thomas Lauderdale performing before the contest begins.

Join in the fun at the 6^th Annual All-Star Trivia & Raffle Fundraiser for REACH Community Development, Inc,  on Friday, April 8, 2005 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m., at the Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder in Portland. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and no host bar provided.

Tickets are $40 in advance / $50 at the door.  Tables of 8 are $280.  Raffle Tickets $10. To reserve your tickets now, contact Scott Michael Shlaes at 503-231-0682 ext. 131 or sshlaes@reachcdc.com

All the proceeds go to REACH Community Development.  Signature Sponsors Andersen Construction, The Enterprise Foundation and The Enterprise Social Investment Corporation have underwritten the event.

Since 1982, REACH has developed 988 units of affordable housing, created innovative community revitalization plans and developed programs that promote self-sufficiency for low-income tenants.  REACH Community Development is a private, non-profit community development corporation based in Southeast Portland whose mission is to develop and maintain a permanent resource of affordable housing, promote healthy neighborhoods, and provide opportunities for low-income people through partnerships and community involvement.

YUM! Home Sweet Home, A Chocolate Celebration to benefit NHA, April 14

Please save the date and join us on the evening of April 14th!

What:         Home Sweet Home, A Chocolate Celebration to benefit Northwest Housing Alternatives

When:         Thursday April 14th, 7 to 9 pm

Where:         Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison, Portland

Why:         Taste chocolate & help take a bite out of the high cost of housing

On April 14th, a few hundred people will gather at Home Sweet Home, Northwest Housing Alternatives' chocolate event.  Along with chocolate tasting, we will celebrate recent accomplishments and look ahead to building more affordable housing for Oregonians with low incomes.

Guests will sample chocolate truffles, chocolate cakes, chocolate gelato, other chocolate desserts -- and even chocolate beer!  Many of the fine participating merchants will have chocolate treats for sale, too.

Tickets are available for $30.  To purchase or for more information, please call Kate Kealy at 503-654-1007 extension 109.

Northwest Housing Alternatives' mission is to house those most in need. We build and rehabilitate homes for Oregonians with low incomes, including seniors, families, and people with special needs.  We also operate the Annie Ross House shelter for homeless families with children.