From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign

Tales From A Homeless Shelter

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:32:00 +0000

Editor's Note: This article was written by Ryan J. Dowd - Executive Director of Hesed House, a Comprehensive Homeless Resource Center.

Hesed House: I don't need food stamps.

It was this time of year several years ago. The air was crisp, the sun was bright (but not particularly warm), the wind was brisk and the leaves on the ground were still pretty—not the soggy brown clumps that they would become in a few weeks. I had to go to the local “food stamp office” to get something signed for a grant Hesed House had recently secured. I found the office easily enough and went inside, heading for the receptionist.

The woman at the front desk was typing away dutifully, absorbed in her work. Not wanting to disrupt this hard worker, I quietly waited a few feet back, hoping she would see me at a convenient breaking point. I wasn’t in any hurry, and the day was going well.

After a minute or so, she did look up and I smiled at her. When I opened my mouth to tell her who I needed to see to get the document signed, she spoke first. Actually, “spoke” doesn’t really describe it.

It was a yell, maybe a scream. Her face contorted and spit flew in every direction. “CAN’T YOU READ!?!? THE SIGN SAYS THAT WE DON’T TAKE FOOD STAMP APPLICATIONS UNTIL 2 P.M. YOU LEAVE NOW AND COME BACK IN 20 MINUTES!!!” Picture “Gollum” from The Lord of the Rings getting angry—but wearing khakis and a nice blouse—and you’ll have an idea what I experienced.

I explained that I wasn’t there to apply for food stamps. I explained that I was the Executive Director of Hesed House there to get an official document signed. Her face instantly changed to all sweetness and hospitality. “Oh, yes sir. Right this way. Would you like a glass of water while you wait?” Within two minutes I met with the person I needed, had my signature and left.

As I drove back to Hesed House, I thought about the encounter. What if I had lost my job, struggled to pay my rent and put food on the table for my family? What if I had overcome my sense of pride and built up the courage to apply for food stamps? What if today was already the worst day of my life because I had to apply for food stamps for the first time?

I would have had to work with this woman. If I wanted to feed my family, I would not have had a choice. There are no natural consequences for treating poor people poorly. Poor people cannot yell back (not if they need food badly). Poor people cannot boycott (again, not if they need the food). Poor people cannot go to a different food stamp office (that isn’t allowed). Poor people can file a complaint, but an office that tolerates this behavior is not likely to take the complaint seriously—and they then risk retaliation, which puts the food stamps in jeopardy.

It is very easy to treat poor people poorly, because there is nothing they can do about it. I am glad that I had that experience with that receptionist several years ago. I knew instantly how Hesed House had to treat people, and not treat people. I am most proud of Hesed House when we treat homeless individuals and families like Bill Gates, and most disappointed when our hospitality (or lack thereof) reminds people who need us that they do, in fact, need us.

I don’t want to get all moralistic and preachy on you, but the next time you are talking to someone who has absolutely no power over you—the cashier at Taco Bell, the panhandler on the street, the janitor at your kid’s school—go out of your way to treat that person with all the dignity that their humanity requires. You may be the only one to do so that day.

FINAL NOTE: Out of respect for the wonderful individuals currently working to help individuals get their food stamps, I feel obligated to add that this particular office underwent massive changes a few years ago, and I doubt the particular individual I spoke to is still there.

Peace,

Ryan Ryan J. Dowd, Atty.,
MPA Executive Director

Illinois Poverty News Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:11:00 +0000

From December 7th to December 18th

An "Affront" to Reality - Progress Illinois, 12/7/09

Overflow Shelter In Need of Supplies, Director Says - The State Journal-Register, 12/7/09

Homeless Hit Hard by H1N1 - The Chicago Tribune, 12/8/09

Organization Hopes to Open Adult Dental Clinic Next Year - The News Gazette, 12/10/09

The State Budget Deficit and the Absence of Political Will - Progress Illinois, 12/11/09

State $200 Million Behind in Payments to Agencies Providing Care to Thousand of Older Illinoisians - The Sun Herarld, 12/11/09

City Cites Progress In Public Housing Overhaul - The Chicago Tribune, 12/13/09

Budget Woes Fray Public County Health System - The New York Times, 12/13/09

Elite Sober Houses of Living Help Addicts Clean Up - The Southtown Star, 12/14/09

Calls Needed ASAP to Senator Durbin on National Housing Trust Fund

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Schenkelberg) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:53:00 +0000

From the National Low-Income Housing Coalition & Housing Action Illinois

Last Chance to Pass NHTF Funding in 2009

Funding for the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) could be imminent. Senate and House offices needed to hear from you about the importance of ensuring capitalization of the NHTF at $1 billion and providing project-based voucher funding for most of the NHTF units.

Illinois Senator Richard Durbin is a key decision maker regarding NHTF funding. Please call Senator Durbin and tell his staff that you support including NHTF funding in the FY10 Department of Defense appropriations bill.

We estimate that investing $1 billion in the National Housing Trust Fund would create over 15,000 construction jobs and 3,800 permanent jobs.

We also estimate that $43 million would go to Illinois based on an analysis of HUD's recently announced funding formula, creating 649 construction jobs and 163 permanent jobs.

You can use this toll-free call-in number, 877-210-5351, for the congressional switchboard. You can reach Senator Durbin's office directly at 202-224-2152.

More information on the NHTF is available at http://www.nhtf.org.

Status of NHTF Funding

The House and Senate have until December 18 to enact the FY10 Department of Defense appropriations bill.

This is a "must pass" bill. House and Senate housing leaders are in agreement to attach the NHTF funding proposal.

This is it!

Congress will adjourn for 2009 after it enacts the FY10 defense spending bill. There will not be another opportunity to enact NHTF funding until sometime later in 2010.

If you can make one call to Senator Durbin, we believe we can secure NHTF funding and move forward in 2010 to allocate these precious resources for the production and preservation of homes affordable to extremely low income households in early 2010.

Please let Bob Palmer at Housing Action Illinois know if you make a call and/or have comments/questions.

Do Puerto Ricans have Human Rights?

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Schenkelberg) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:03:00 +0000

Rey Lopez Calderon writes on his fantastic blog, Cockroach People, about the unique circumstance of Puerto Ricans relative to international human rights. He asks:

...what if Puerto Ricans wanted to add more human rights protection to their residents, protection that many in the United States do not enjoy thanks to our government’s nasty little habit of refusing to sign any treaties that might offer economic and social rights...?

Head to his blog to read the whole thing. He raises some fascinating and troubling aspects of where the line between legal and human rights begin and end and what that means to people's everyday lives.

Can We End Discrimination without Ending Segregation?

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Schenkelberg) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:52:00 +0000

As part of our effort to mark Human Rights Day, Megan Cottrell wrote an important piece bringing home the theme for Human Rights Day 2009 - ending discrimination. Megan writes:

“Discrimination lies at the root of many of the world’s most pressing human rights problems. No country is immune from this scourge. Eliminating discrimination is a duty of the highest order,” said Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

But what’s the root of discrimination? Can we end discrimination without ending racial segregation? Is it possible?

Go read her whole piece and add your thoughts on this long-standing issue in Chicago and beyond.

Addressing Poverty in Illinois on Human Rights Day

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Schenkelberg) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:51:00 +0000

On this International Human Rights Day, the 61st anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are reminded that the struggle for human rights is as present in our own communities as it is around the globe. Hundreds of thousands of individuals and families in Illinois are facing unacceptable hardship. Hunger. Homelessness. Extreme Poverty.

Right now there are at least 680,000 individuals in our state living in extreme poverty – well over three times as many people as live in Illinois' second largest city. These are individuals working to get by on $11,025 a year or less for a family of four. The vast majority of these individuals were experiencing extreme poverty before our current recession took hold. They were and are facing tremendous barriers between themselves and real opportunity in their lives. Human Rights Day reminds us that we, as a community, have a responsibility uphold the tenets of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and our own Constitution by ensuring that everyone has their dignity affirmed and can fully participate in society.

The State of Illinois recently expressed its commitment to advance the principles of human rights outlined in our state constitution by establishing a Commission on the Elimination of Poverty. The Commission, which began its work in October, will create a strategic plan consistent with international human rights standards that will cut in half the number of people in extreme people in Illinois by 2015. This is an ambitious, yet achievable goal. With stakeholders from around Illinois engaged in the planning process, we will develop measurable policy and budget recommendations that will allow us to work collectively to help hundreds of thousands of individuals in our state realize their human rights.

Let us work together this Human Rights Day and everyday to ensure that the infrastructure of opportunity is in place for all residents of our great state.

Rev. Dr. Sid L. Mohn

President – Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights
Co-Chair – Commission on the Elimination of Poverty

Your Task This Human Rights Day? Admit You Are Biased.

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:00:00 +0000

It is International Human Rights Day today and this year's theme is focusing on ending discrimination "on the basis of race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, disability, property, birth or other status." This is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Discrimination still exists on many levels - whether it is wage disparities between men and women, hiring practices differing among ethnic lines, or profiling based on religious views. Yet, a majority of people are not in positions of power in which we conceivably could combat individual acts of discrimination.

When, during an e-mail chain, I noted that it was Human Right's day, a friend of mine responded:

I love human rights, all of them - every single one.. (However) I think it's comical how many "do something good, you bastard" days there are. Not saying we shouldn't have them. They're great - raise money or sweat equity. Volunteerism great for the soul, spirit, karma, whatever. It is funny though. Human Rights Day, baby! What am I supposed to do????

This is a great question.

The arduous task of fighting for human rights can also seem nebulous by its very nature. No one is going to say they don't support human rights, but at the same time not many people really know how to support it. It is not realistic for me to confront my bosses if I suspect discriminatory biases play a role in the hiring process at work (which, thankfully they do not!). It is not realistic for me to think that if I just try hard enough, I can end wage disparities along gender and ethnic lines all by myself. It just isn't that simple. This is not to say that these issues aren't worth fighting for, because they most certainly are. It is a long, slow process to combat discriminatory perceptions of different groups, something that cannot be done in one short day.

But today is Human Rights Day, so what can you do today to help advance human rights?

Here is one this you can do:

Admit you are biased.

Don't believe me? Thanks to Project Implicit, you can see for yourself by taking their Implicit Association Tests. Take the test and feel free to post the results in the comment section, whether you think they are good or bad.

For example, I took the Project Implicit race test and it was found that I have a slight preference for African Americans over European Americans. Considering I was born and raised in Vermont, a state that is 98.5% white, I found this result to be interesting, to say the least. Do I feel this way simply because I didn't grow up around African Americans? Is it white guilt? Am I simply overcompensating so as to not seem racist? Whatever the reason, being aware of my own prejudices is a step in the right direction in combating discrimination in society at large, even if I don't have an explanation for my own bias'.

To be biased is to be be human. Everybody has to make sense of the world. We do this by organizing thoughts into "schemas", which are organized frameworks for understanding. If "X" happens, we need to know what is the "Y" that caused it. This mental structure is how we make sense of the world. It is this inquisitive nature that makes us human.

The result of this schematic thinking plays out everyday. If I see someone wearing a Cubs hat, for example, I will judge them on my own preconceived notions of how Cubs fans behave and act. If I hear someone gushing over how good the new Twilight movie is, I am going to judge them.

This process is instinctual and unconscious.

Does this make it right? Of course not.

Both of these may be ridiculous examples, but they highlight an important issue. Formulating an opinion on someone based on limited knowledge or past-experience with a perceived similar person is not only ill-conceived, but can set a dangerous precedent. Not every Cub fan is the same, just as not every Twilight fan is the same.

So to honor Human Rights Day, a good place to start is to think about your own prejudices.

Do you judge people based on where they live?
How much money they make?
Their education level?
How much they weigh?
The music they listen to?
Their religious affiliation?
Their political ideologies?
Their skin color?
The way they talk?
The way they dress?

People will always make judgments of others based on a limited amount of evidence that places them into nice, neat boxes that determine what type of people they are. Again, this is human nature. Being aware of how prejudices influence our perceptions of others, and how accurate these prejudices really are, can go a long way in ending discrimination.

To respond to my friend: Today, take a look at your own bias' and prejudices and think about what information was utilized in formulating them. If you do that, you will have done something good.

Here are Three Things You Can do to Mark this Human Rights Day

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Schenkelberg) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:56:00 +0000

On December 10, 1948, members of the United Nations signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Each year, we honor this event by recognizing the importance of human rights throughout the globe and right here in Illinois. Here are three things you can do to help mark the day:

1) Act: Ask your friends, relatives, faith community, organization, and others to join the From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign. To realize human rights in Illinois, we need as many voices as possible to join the movement. With their endorsement added to yours, we can end poverty in our state.

2) Share: If you use Twitter or Facebook, tweet or update your status with, "Its International Human Rights Day. What do human rights mean to you? #HR2009"

By doing this, you help raise awareness about this important day and help others reflect on the true meaning of human rights.

3) Read: All day, we will be adding post to our blog written by Campaign staff and friends of the Campaign about different aspects of human rights. Take some time to read the posts and add your comments.

You should also read the International Human Rights Day letter Heartland Alliance's President, Sid Mohn wrote for the day.

Thanks for all you do to help realize human rights in Illinois.

If Food Stamps Have Overcome Social Stigma, Why Hasn't TANF?

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:30:00 +0000

As the recession relentlessly marches on and its economic impact infiltrate households across ethnic, socioeconomic and regional lines, more people have resorted to safety net programs to sustain their families. The New York Times reports that now one in eight Americans, and 25% of all children, access food stamps. Food stamp usage has increased so rapidly, to such a wide array of people, that as a result it has become de-stigmatized.

Where once food stamp usage was scorned as a crutch that sustains those who were too lazy or unwilling to work to support themselves, participation in this program is now seen as a concession of a nationwide economic failure that has harmed families through no fault of their own. The increased food stamp usage reflects a growing need. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has found that

In 2008, there were 17.1 million households, representing 49.1 million people, living in food insecure households in the United States. In Illinois, 11.1 percent of households experienced food insecurity in the time period of 2006-2008. Nationally, the rate of food insecure households rose from 11.1 percent in 2007 to 14.6 percent in 2008.

Megan Cottrell, in response to this uptick in food stamp participation, sees this as a cause for celebration, not wailing:

The rise in food stamps means that a lot of people need help. But it also means a lot of people are getting help – and getting efficient, effective help.

Now that so many people have been impacted financially, it is easier to justify the need for public assistance. It is unfortunate that it took an economic collapse of epic proportions to increase public awareness of the social benefits of food stamps. However, this moment in time provides an opportunity to realign public perception of all public assistance, not just food stamps. Because unfortunately, programs similar to food stamps that directly combat poverty are not seeing the same increased rates of usage.

A report by the Women's Legal Defense and Education fund found that during the recession, the number of families who utilize Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) has decreased relative to the number of poor children and families eligible for benefits:

Poor children’s rate of TANF participation was even lower in 2008 than in 2007, with the number of children receiving TANF in December 2008 equal to only 23% of the number of poor children in 2008. Though the number of child TANF recipients increased by 3.8% from December 2007 to December 2008, the increase in child poverty was far greater. The number of poor children increased by 5.6% from 2007 to 2008, and the number of extremely poor children by 8.8% from 2007 to 2008

This failure in increasing the number of TANF recipients to match rising needs has resulted in only one out of seven "newly" poor children eligible for aid actually receiving it. That is four times as many eligible poor children as those who are are actually benefiting from TANF. In Illinois, that number is even worse, as not even 1 out of every 10 eligible families utilize TANF. That makes Illinois the 38th most effective state at administering TANF, hardly a ranking that deserves praise.

On the opposite end of this spectrum though, is the rate of food stamp usage in Illinois. Illinois has the eighth best participation rate among families who are eligible for food stamps. In addition, the state ranks sixth in the nation in the number of families receiving food stamps.
No other state distributes food stamps to such a high percentage of families on such a large scale.

Clearly, Illinois is capable of successfully administering federal programs that alleviate poverty, so why don't they?

It must be noted that comparing utilization of food stamps and TANF is not really apples to apples. The rules for TANF are much more strict - there are time limits and the eligibility is more limited. In addition, there has been much better outreach and use of technology to enroll people in food stamps, but not TANF. All of these factors can serve as barriers to increasing the participation rate within these programs.

These difference come in large part from the welfare reform of 1996. The drastic changes to our safety net that occurred that year dismantled the infrastructure needed during an economic downturn. As Peter Edelman and Barbara Ehrenreich state in yesterday's Washington Post:

So when the Great Recession came along, the government safety net for families with children was in tatters. The United States was no more prepared for massive unemployment than New Orleans had been prepared for its levees to fail.

Yet, the stigma of these services cannot be ignored, especially given the nature of TANF. TANF is an in-kind benefit that most closely resembles the "welfare" that hark backs to the mid 1990's. Detractors of social safety net programs cited the "welfare queen" accessing services that fostered dependency, which ultimately had a hand in Clinton "ending welfare as we know it" as noted in 1996. The stigma's attached to services in 1996 still hold true today.

As we have reported before, safety net programs, like TANF benefits, are directly correlated in pulling families out of poverty, yet they can only do so when they utilized.

If the fear of stigmatization is a barrier to accessing services, then increased food stamp participation should be seen as an opportunity. An opportunity to educate and emphasize the benefits of all public programs. Because, when it comes down to it, the difference between TANF and Food stamps is negligible. One is meant for food while the other is for the other necessities of life - shelter, transportation, clothing, etc. Should access to food be emphasized over access to housing? Or transportation to get to a job? Or quality child care and education for your children?

Tolstoy once said "no conditions of life to which a man cannot get accustomed, especially if he sees them accepted by everyone around him." The same idea can be applied to TANF. Promoting eligible families to access these services would lead to more people utilizing them. This, in turn, would lead to more people utilizing them, until eventually, the stigma of these services would simply fade away.

Recent state legislation will go a long to helping this stigma fade, but more work needs to be done. So if you, or someone you know, is considering applying for TANF benefits please do not hesitate to do so. It only takes one person to set a precedent of diminishing the relevance of a social stigma. If you need financial assistance, you can be that person.

Beth's Story: The Reality of Homelessness (video)

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Schenkelberg) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:00:00 +0000

One of the fundamental principles of human rights is that everyone is a human worthy of respect. Part of that respect is getting beyond statistics and stereotypes and recognizing those facing hardship are people with names and stories. This acknowledgment is an important part to recognizing how we improve systems to make them work for everyone, but, more importantly, it is a critical part of affirming the dignity of all people.

At Take Part, as part of their advocacy connected to the movie the Soloist, they produced a short animated piece that beautifully illustrates this point. Take a moment to watch. More importantly, think about Beth's story the next time you meet someone experiencing homelessness.

Beth's Story from TakePart on Vimeo.

Illinois Poverty News Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:26:00 +0000

From December 1st to December 7th

Food Stamp Rise not a Tragedy; It's a Victory - One Story Up, 12/1/09

United Way, Labor Groups Teaming Up to Give Out Food - The News Gazette, 12/1/09

Medical Costs Soar For Laid Off Workers - The News Press, 12/1/09

More Trouble for the Unemployed as COBRA Subsidies Expire - Progress Illinois, 12/1/09

Service Agencies Hard Hit By State Money Crisis - Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, 12/2/09

Budget 'Crisis' May Force Sweeping Cuts to Staff - The Forest Park Review, 12/2/09

UIC Study Explains Racial Residential Segregation in Chicago - The Chicagoist, 12/3/09

Does Chicago's North Side need more gentrification? Lathrop Residents say "no " - One Story Up, 12/3/09

Suburban Homeless Population Grows; Shelter Crunch Worsens - Chicago Tribune, 12/4/09

Dugan Named To State Poverty Commission - The Daily Journal, 12/4/09

Chicago's Changing Face of HIV - Medill Reports Chicago, 12/6/09

Help us Use Social Media to Mark Human Rights Day

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Schenkelberg) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Next Thursday, December 10, is International Human Rights Day.

We wanted to reach out to those of you that care about human rights in Illinois to encourage you to do a blog post/tweet/status update about human rights in Illinois on that day. The official U.N. theme this year is ending discrimination, so posts and the like around that aspect of human rights would be good, but we think anything that relates human rights to what is happening here in Illinois would be great.

The From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign will be doing a few posts that day centered on the campaign and other things and try to get folks to tweet "What do human rights mean to you?" So, here is what we are specifically asking you to do.

1) Encourage other bloggers/social media types/facebook friends in Illinois to do something to mark the day. As we all know, the more the merrier in the world of social media.

2) Tweet and Re-Tweet "Its International Human Rights Day - What do human rights mean to you?"

3) Write something on your blog and let us know about it so we can link to it on our blog.

Let us know if you are going to join in. Thanks for helping realize human rights in Illinois

Call Today & Tell Our Elected Official You Want Affordable Housing for the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Schenkelberg) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:18:00 +0000

From our friends at the National Low-Income Housing Coalition:

Please Call Congress December 1 or 2 for National Housing Trust Fund (NHFT) Money!

Let's Get NHTF Money Before Congress Adjourns for Holidays

Please call your representative and both of your senators Today (Dec. 1) or Tomorrow.

Tell them you want at least $1 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund before Congress adjourns later in December. Urge them to support any bill moving through the House or Senate that contains money for the NHTF.

Let them know that providing money for the NHTF will create needed jobs. A $1 billion investment in the NHTF at $100,000 per unit of housing will create 15,100 construction jobs and 3,800 jobs in ongoing operations. Also, the NHTF will support local economies as low income families can afford to spend more money on goods and services when they are not spending half or more of their income on housing.

Our goal is to create an early-December blizzard of phone calls from all over in a compressed period of time to demonstrate strong and urgent support for an initial infusion of money for the NHTF. Please pass this message on to your networks.

877-210-5351 is the toll free number for the congressional switchboard. Ask to be connected to the housing staffer for your representative's and senators' offices.

The Impact of Illinois' Budget Crisis on Families in Rural Areas

noreply@blogger.com (Nadeen Israel) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:15:00 +0000

We at the From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign have been involved with advocacy efforts around the Illinois State budget deficit for many months now, and through various blog entries and other advocacy work, have attempted to translate what the loss of these dollars and cents to human service providers has meant to the families they serve. This entry is dedicated to rural areas specifically, and how cuts to the few service agencies and organizations working in these areas have impacted the families that reside there.

First, we'll start with a brief framing of the reality our nation is facing today. At this point, almost everyone in the United States can claim having been adversely affected by the current economic climate; however, while some families have had to make due without taking a vacation or eating out as much over the past two years, millions of others are struggling to meet their basic needs. Americans who would have classified themselves as middle-class in 2007 have now moved into the ranks of the working poor or low-income status because of the loss of a home, a job, or a medical illness.

While the Federal government has been working hard at targeting this latter group (the middle-class) in order to get them spending again and reinvigorate the economy, those Americans who were experiencing poverty even before the effects of the recession took place are finding themselves left out of the conversation more and more. Not only that, the state funding provided to human service agencies that are a vital source for help for millions of these impoverished Americans has been slashed due to state governments' budget deficits. This is the scenario that the State of Illinois finds itself in today.

While social service agencies across Illinois have reported varying amounts of cuts to their FY2010 budgets (anywhere from 10% to 70%), budget cuts to those organizations located in rural areas (southern and western Illinois) have had a particularly devastating impact on the poor families residing there. Part of the reason for this is because in rural areas, there are few agencies that provide services to the poor in the first place, therefore, when those few agencies (many of which get most, if not all, of their operating budget from state grants) experience cuts in their budgets, they are forced to reduce services, eliminate programs, or close their doors. In addition, while many of these agencies have experienced an increase in demand for their services over the past two years (due to the recession), they are forced to serve less and less people because of cuts to their budgets (assuming they were fortunate enough to be able to keep their doors open).

Professor Scott Allard from the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration's work highlights the growing mismatch between where social service agencies are located and where a majority of impoverished individuals live, and illustrates the spatial mismatch that currently exists. This mismatch is further amplified in rural areas when human service agencies' budgets are cut and they are forced to eliminate programs and/or reduce services. This, in turn, translates to thousands of poor families in rural areas who are in desperate need for help are finding less and less of it available to them in their communities today.

An example that can help illustrate this point is a Health Department in Southern Illinois. While speaking with the Executive Director there, I learned that this Health Department, through their five-year plan, had identified Domestic Violence as an area that they needed to emphasize and specifically target in their community through the services they provided.

Based on their county's five-year plan, they implemented 24/7 Domestic Violence services along with a court advocacy program. However, the round of budget cuts that were passed down from the State of Illinois for FY2010 cut their 24/7 Domestic Violence services program by 60% in addition to the Court Advocacy program also taking a 60% cut to its budget. This health department is where victims of domestic violence turned to when they needed help, and considering that the Department identified Domestic Violence as a major issue in their community, the question then becomes:

What do these victims of Domestic Violence do when they find the courage to seek help and can't find it?

To make matters worse, the FY2011 budget deficit is now closer to $13 billion which officials have already warned will mean further cuts to human service providers' budgets. While many legislators will convey to the public that these cuts are unavoidable and must be enacted in order to balance our state's budget, we at the From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign know that there is another way: By raising additional revenue through an income tax increase.

You can, RIGHT NOW, make a difference in the lives of millions of poor families in Illinois by supporting the work the Responsible Budget Coalition is already doing and reaching out to your representative to let them know that you support an increase in revenue through an income tax increase. If you would like to find out who your representative is or become involved in the work of the Responsible Budget Coalition, click here and here.

TAKE ONE MINUTE out of your day and ACT NOW! Thousands of poor rural Illinois families are depending on you!

Illinois Poverty News Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:26:00 +0000

From November 24th to November 31st

Catholic Church Gives Pilsen Group $500,000 For Housing Effort - Chicago Tribune, 11/24/09

Group Pushes To Up Wages for NU Food Service, Janitorial Employees - The Daily Northwestern, 11/24/09

Plan To Cut Poverty in Illinois Needs to Include a Way to Pay for It - Medill Reports, 11/24/09

Senate to Probe School Discipline Gap - Peoria Journal-Star, 11/26/09

Group Sees That Among Suburban Residents, More are Hungry - The Daily Herald, 11/27/09

Donations Lag Behind Need for Springfield Non Profits - The News-Leader, 11/28/09

Champaign Exploring Options To Help Homeless in Area - The News-Gazette, 11/28/09

Exercise Your Human Right to Take a Break

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Schenkelberg) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:02:00 +0000

My natural instinct is to list several stats on the reality of hunger and poverty as we enter a day associated with food and excess.

But I won't.

You and I both know there are people in need the day before and after Thanksgiving. We, as well as many others, write about it regularly. We offer analysis of legislation, comments on new reports, stories about those facing hardship. Each piece reinforcing the message that there is work to be done.

So, I am going to ask folks to do something slightly out of step tomorrow - take a break.

There is an often overlooked article in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

Article 24. Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Many of you will be working because you need to. Many of you will be offering your time to make sure everyone has a holiday filled with dignity. These are good and noble things.

My hope, though, is you can take a moment for yourself. To step back, look around you, and reflect on what you have in your life and to truly give thank for those people and things, so that on November 27 and all the days after you are ready to continue to do this work we all know needs to be done.

Thank you for reading this piece. Thank you for following and being part of the From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign's work. Thank you making human rights a reality for everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Illinois Poverty News Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:31:00 +0000

From November 17th to November 23rd

Study: Tax Increase Only Solution to State's Widening Budget Crisis - Decatur Tribune, 11/17/09

State Not Paying Bills: Social Services In Doubt - The Geneva Sun, 11/18/09

Finding A Way To Pay - Progress Illinois, 11/20/09

Food Pantry "A Blessing" in Hard Times - Chicago Tribune, 11/20/09

Illinois Launches Health Care Quality Data Site - Fierce Health Care, 11/20/09

Homeless Awareness Event Aids Veterans - The Herald Review, 11/22/09

Food Pantries See Increased Demand - The Commercial-News, 11/22/09

Homeless Problem Escalates as Available Shelters Shrink - The News-Gazette, 11/23/09

Election Remains Big Obstacle to Budget Fix - Chicago Public Radio, 11/23/09

Illinois' Tax Structure Places Excess Burden On The Poor

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:39:00 +0000

As the effects of the recession continue to impact the economic stability of just about every state across the country; budgets, and consequently tax rates, have become incendiary topics of debate. Adding fuel to this fire, A recently released report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy provides a state-by-state breakdown of how sales, property, and income tax rates are dispersed among the poor, the middle-class and the upper-class. The study found that a majority of states have policies that tax the low and middle class more so than high-income families:

The average state and local tax rate on the best-off one percent of families is 6.4 percent before accounting for the tax savings from federal itemized deductions. After the federal offset, the effective tax rate on the best off one percent is a mere 5.2 percent.

The average tax rate on families in the middle 20 percent of the income spectrum is 9.7 percent before the federal offset and 9.4 percent after-almost twice the effective rate that the richest people pay.

The average tax rate on the poorest 20 percent of families is the highest of all. At 10.9 percent, it is more than double the effective rate on the very wealthy.

In essence, it boils down to this: the poorer you are, the larger the share of your income must be delegated to paying taxes. If a large proportion of income goes solely to paying taxes, that reduces the amount of money families can spend on other daily necessities.

That means less money to rent a house in a neighborhood with lower crime rates.

That means less money to buy food to keep your children healthy.

That means less money for transportation to get to jobs.

That means less money for health care to ensure you are healthy enough to work.

The list goes on and on. Yet there is great variance in how states differ when enacting tax policy that puts an unfair burden on the poor. Unfortunately, Illinois ranks in the "Top Ten Most Regressive Tax Systems" in the nation. As the report highlights:

The most regressive states generally either do not levy an income tax, or levy the tax at a flat rate;

These states typically have an especially high reliance on regressive sales and excise taxes;

These states usually do not allow targeted low-income tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit; these tax credits are especially effective in reducing state tax unfairness.

As a result of these regressive tax policies, low-income families pay almost six times as much of their income to taxes as their wealthy counterparts.

The idea of "pulling one up by their bootstraps" is a mentality that has been embedded in the social fabric of this country. Ideally, if a person works hard enough, no matter their skin color, gender or anything else, they will be able to achieve economic mobility and provide a quality life for their family. Yet, given how state tax structures unfairly burden the poor, combined with increasing unemployment, foreclosures and health care costs, too many people have had their boot straps stolen.

The Responsible Budget Coalition believes that by addressing Illinois regressive tax systems, we can all do better. The coalitions goal is to raise the state income tax to five percent, while increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit to offset the additional burden for low-income families. The additional revenue created by the tax hike would fill social service budget gaps caused by the state deficit, and help families who have been impacted by the recession.

Tales From A Homeless Shelter

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:26:00 +0000

Editor's Note: This article was written by Ryan J. Dowd - Executive Director of Hesed House, a Comprehensive Homeless Resource Center.

Hesed House: Homeless Baby Crying

Being the Executive Director of Illinois’ second largest homeless shelter can feel quite “ordinary” and “business-like” some days. I spend a good part of every day at my desk talking on the phone and typing at my computer. I go to meetings, look at budgets and address staff questions. It can all feel very “normal.”

But then I hear a baby crying…

You see, my office is next to one of the dorm rooms in Hesed House’s Transitional Living Community and that dorm room is currently home to a family with a newborn baby. The walls are thin and from time to time, I hear their baby crying.

And the normalcy is shattered…

I am reminded that newborn babies live in homeless shelters. I am reminded that this year over 100 children will call Hesed House home. I am reminded that children go to school every day fearful that their classmates will find out where they live. I am reminded that America is already seeing a wave of homeless adults who were homeless as children, and that if we all don’t do a better job today we are setting the stage for a more homeless tomorrow. I am reminded that homelessness of the magnitude and type that we see in America today simply did not exist when I was born—we have created it in my lifetime. Literally.

And the task ahead seems so daunting…

The walls at Hesed House are not thin enough for me to hear the young mother in the dorm room next to my office comfort her baby, but I know she does it. The baby’s cries grow quieter—to a whimper—like someone is holding him and patting his back.

And I try to return to my work, but…

My thoughts turn to the community that has created Hesed House. And the thousands of volunteers and donors who give up their time and resources to care for their neighbors in need. And the dozens of staff at Hesed House who work long hours for low pay helping families to get back into their own homes. And the hundreds of nonprofits around the country experimenting with new and innovative ways to end homelessness one person—one family—at a time.

And soon the baby stops crying…

I can see a future without homelessness. I am not being a naïve idealist. It is only in the last three decades that we have witnessed homelessness of the type and magnitude that exists today. If we can create the modern phenomenon of homelessness, can we not uncreate it? You—and your counterparts across the country—are already beginning the difficult process of creating a different world. You are voting differently and hiring differently and giving differently. You won’t settle for a world where homeless babies live in the local shelter.

And I return to my work knowing that I will have the opportunity to be a part of the day that the baby next door and his family move out of Hesed House into their own home… his first.

Peace,
Ryan
Ryan J. Dowd, Atty., MPA
Executive Director

Hesed House is a movement of those concerned for the dignity, survival and reclamation of homeless, hungry and hopeless people. For more information on this organization, please visit their website: http://www.hesedhouse.org/index.html

Illinois Poverty News Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:33:00 +0000

From November 10th to November 16th

Free Workshop on Fighting Foreclosure at ICC - Peoria-Journal Star, 11/10/09

State Panels Goal: Eliminate Poverty - NBC Chicago, 11/11/09

10 States Face Financial Peril - CNN, 11/11/09

Africans in Chicago Demand More Money for Refugees , Ethopian Review, 11/12/09

Study Criticizes Top-Down Coverage of Living Wage Debate - Progress Illinois, 11/13/09

Judy Guenseth: Illinois Tax Codes Burden Poor - The Register- Mail, 11/14/09

Chicago Public Schools Look To Advocacy Group for Curbing Teen Violence - The Chicago Tribune, 11/15/09

Illinois Poverty News Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:21:00 +0000

From November 2nd to November 9th

Community Crisis - The Chicago Tribune, 11/2/09

State Income Taxes Pushing Many Working-Poor Families Deeper Into Poverty - Reuters, 11/4/09

Illinois Residence Can Apply For Energy Assistance - The Quad-City Times, 11/4/09

1,500 Suburban Kids to Sleep Outside As a "Wake-Up Call" for Homelessness - Reuters, 11/5/09

Englewood Shelter Struggles to Survive Without Funding - Medill Reports Chicago, 11/5/09

For CHA "Transformation" Success Still Elusive - Chicago Gazette, 11/6/09

Budget Crisis Creeps Into Schools - Progress Illinois, 11/6/09

Program Gives Teens More Than Shelter - Chicago Tribune, 11/8/09

Illinois Poverty News Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:23:00 +0000

From October 26th to November 2nd

Supplies Tight at Local Food Pantries - The State Journal-Register, 10/26/09

Unemployment May Be the Political Story of 2010 - The Wall Street Journal, 10/26/09

State Budget Crisis Nowhere Near Over - The Times-Herald, 10/27/09

Health Care Round Up - Progress Illinois, 10/27/09

5000 Protest Bank Power, Abuses, as Showdown Escalates - Working In These Times, 10/27/09

Teachers Cite Poverty, Not Violence As the Key Issue In Schools - Medill Reports, 10/27/09

City to Spend Extra $1.4 Million on Homeless in New Daley Budget - Chicago Tribune, 10/28/09

UN Investigates Whether Chicago Housing Violates Human Rights - Medill Reports, 10/28/09

Homeless Citizens: Champaign Lacks Needed Resources - The Daily Illini, 10/29/09

Homeless Students: Increasingly, Families Taking Shelter Anywhere They Can - Chicago Tribune, 10/29/09

Homeless Students: We Have Everything We Need - The Chicago Tribune, 10/29/09

New State Law Goes Into Effect to Protect Renters by Foreclosure - E-News Park Forest, 10/29/09

Illinois School Test Scores: Income-based Gap Proves Hard to Close - The Chicago Tribune, 10/30/09

Aid System Frustrates Refugees - The Chicago Tribune, 10/31/09

Illinois' Poverty Commission is Up and Running - Details from the First Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Schenkelberg) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:17:00 +0000

Close to 40 individuals from across Illinois gathered yesterday in Springfield to launch the Commission on the Elimination of Poverty. As w e have written about before, the Commission was established by law in 2008, and is now finally beginning its work. Members of the commission from as far south as Cairo and as far north as Zion came to Springfield to begin the difficult, but critical task of crafting a Poverty Elimination Strategy for Illinois that will cut extreme poverty in half by 2015.

The meeting focused laying out the task before the body and on organizing the work of the Commission moving forward. The Social I MPACT Research Center of Heartland Alliance's Director, Amy Rynell, presented a detailed look at who is experiencing extreme poverty in Illinois. This information, and more like it as the commission moves forward, will drive the recommendations.

In addition to a look a the data, the Commission held a conversation around how they will employ international human rights standards in their work. As you may recall, the Commission's statute dictates that all the work of the commission must be consistent with international human rights standards. The Commission's co-chairs, Dr. Toni Irving of the Office of Governor Pat Quinn and Rev. Dr. Sid Mohn of Heartland Alliance, walked the Commission members through some of the guiding principles - progressive realization, engagement of impacted populations, affirmation of dignity - that will shape how the Commission does its work.

In addition to these broader conversations, the Commission formed three Working Committees:

Living with Dignity - Solutions for those that are not expected or are not able to work. (Children, Seniors, Individuals with Severe Disabilities)
Committee Chair - Dwight Lucas - East Central Illinois Community Action Agency

Making Work Accessible - Solutions for those detached from the workforce.
Committee Chair - Al Riddley - Illinois Coalition for Community Services

Making Work Pay - Solutions for those engaged in work, but still living in extreme poverty.
Committee Chair - Maria Whelan - Illinois Action for Children

These committees will begin meeting in the coming weeks and will engage commission members and non-commission members alike in their deliberations. In addition, they will a co-chair will be identified for each one.

The Commission is planning on issuing its final Poverty Elimination Strategy in mid-August 2010. Between now and then, there will be a series of Working Committee meetings and public hearings (to begin in 2010). The Commission stressed the importance of engaging the broader public, especially those that are experiencing extreme poverty, in the process.

The From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign will work diligently to make sure that those engaged in the Campaign are involved in all aspects of the process. Those interested in helping strategize on how to ensure that engagement should plan on joining the From Poverty to Opportunity Campaign's next meeting on November 11 at 3 p.m. Contact us for more information on how to join.

Illinois Poverty News Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:37:00 +0000

From October 20th to October 26th

Layoff Notices for Bus Drivers, other CTA Workers - The Chicago Sun Times, 10/20/09

Chicago Housing Authority and Operation Warm to Give Away 10,000 Coats to Chicago's Public Housing Kids - Chicago Now, 10/21/09

Elgin Salvation Army Closing Due to Slump In Sales - CBS 2 Chicago, 10/21/09

Poll Shows Illinoisans Want Big Budget Cuts But Oppose Trimming in Many Areas - The Journal Gazette Times-Courier, 10/21/09

Voters Want Cut in Budget, Not Services - The Daily Egyptian, 10/21/09

Refugee Teens Make Film About Their Confrontations With Violence in Chicago - The Chicago Tribune, 10/23/09

Cook County Health, Hospitals Issue Layoff Notices - Chicago Sun Times, 10/25/09

Paxton Among 30 DCFS Offices Set to Close - The News-Gazette, 10/25/09

Illinois Poverty News Weekly

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Klein) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:54:00 +0000

From October 11th to October 18th

Pantry's Supplies Wanes Amid Rising Need - The Naperville Sun, 10/11/09

Job Fair Sponsors Hope to Improve Unemployment Rate - The Northwest Indiana Times, 10/13/09

Grant to Benefit DuPage County Food Pantry - My Suburban Life, 10/13/09

Postal Authorities Discuss Plan for Main Post Office - Chicago Sun Times, 10/13/09

Deputies Protest Planned County Budget Cuts - The State Journal-Register, 10/14/09

State Government Faces $900 Million Budget Shortfall - ABC 7 Chicago, 10/16/09

Foreclosure Rescue Scam Artists Still At Work In Chicago - Medill Chicago Reports, 10/16/09

Illinois Unemployment Rate Rises to 10.5 Percent - The Examiner, 10/17/09