25th Annual Homeless Memorial March & Service

The 25th Annual Homeless 2009

Memorial March and Service

Thursday, Dec 17

To honor those members of our community who died in 2009 while experiencing homelessness.

Last year’s service honored a record 131 homeless and formerly homeless people, as well as homeless advocates, who died in Minnesota in 2008.

On any night in Minnesota, there are at least 1,000 people out on the street. The average life expectancy in America is 77 years. The life expectancy of a person who is homeless is 47 years.

The schedule for the event includes:

5 pm | March and Silent Vigil
Hennepin County Government Center
3rd Avenue South and 5th Street South
The march will follow 5th Street west to Nicollet Avenue and proceed south to 28th Street.

6:30 pm | Service of Remembrance
Simpson United Methodist Church
2740 1st Avenue South, Minneapolis

Speaker: Monica Nilsson, Director of Outreach - St. Stephen’s Human Services and longtime advocate for the homeless community.

Music will include: Native Drummers from the Ain Dah Yung Center; Saleha Erdman on cello.

7:30 p.m.
Community Meal
Simpson Shelter (basement of Simpson Church)

Sponsored by Simpson Housing Services, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless and the Shelter Providers Action Association.

Parking and Shuttles
Parking is available at the Kmart parking lot located at
10 West Lake Street, Minneapolis

Shuttle Buses will depart from Kmart, at the corner of Lake Street & First Avenue at 4:20 pm.

For more information contact:
Eric Johnson
612.455.0858
email: ejohnson@simpsonhousing.org

The 2008 service, held Thursday, Dec. 18, honored a record 131 homeless and formerly homeless people, as well as homeless advocates, who died in Minnesota in 2008.

Greg Horan was one of the people memorialized at the event.

Greg was homeless for a time in his life. He was an editor for The Way Life Is: Street Views from Downtown St. Paul, a free newsletter that was produced by “street writers” and volunteers, all of whom, like Greg, had known the pain and indignity of trying to survive as a homeless person on the streets of downtown St. Paul.

Read A Lonely Walk Toward Morning by Greg Horan, from the newsletter.
<a href="http://www.simpsonhousing.org/memorial/greghoran.html

 

That Devil Wasn’t No Friend: A Book Review

(p. 336), “He had taken that young girl’s innocence and, through the years, modeled it to fit him perfectly…”

(p. 163), “She wasn’t that same cornered, lonely girl who needed him to show her what I was for a man to love a woman… It was her innocence, her uncertainty about herself that entranced him. But those traits were slowly diminishing in Kristine and she was beginning to see what he’d seen all along: that she was a desirable woman with the power to win any man’s heart.”

I found this fiction novel by chance in the library, and absolutely love the sassy, street talkin’ titles of Mason’s books. Mason writes fiction novels about the loves, struggles and personal insights in the lives of five Black characters.

“That Devil’s No Friend of Mine” explores the relationships of five people, whose lives are connected through the death of a powerful intimidating figure, Bishop Fontaine.

Throughout life, Bishop bullied, manipulated and overpowered these people, but at the same time he was a sort of anchor that held back their own demons, struggles and self doubts. – When their lives became controlled by Bishop, they didn’t have to face themselves or deal with their problems; they also were not able to grasp life, in all its joys and complexities. After Bishop dies, and his grip is finally broken, each character faces revelation, pain and a new beginning—some teetering on the edge of destruction, others on the verge of freedom.

I could relate to the character Kristine and her dealings with a much older man, Lamar, who took advantage of her, and manipulated so that she had no other identity or purpose in life than to be his woman. —Though he professed to love her, in reality Kristine was only a possession, and used as a security for this man who was too frightened to face the real world. Kristine was a vulnerable young girl dominated by her father (Bishop), who dictated every aspect of her life when his business partner, Lamar, began to lust after her and seduced Kristine as a teenager. This wasn’t a “relationship”—it was a much older man taking advantage of a young, inexperienced girl who had never ventured past her front door. Lamar is not able to have meaningful relationships with other adults, and is emotionally distant to his wife. Lamar is repulsed by his wife, and finds young Kristine sexually attractive in part because she was so needy and willing to believe whatever he tells her. Kristine grows older, and is molded to fit Lamar’s life perfectly—she is quiet, unassuming and serving. Only after her father’s death does Kristine begin to break away, and forge her own life. When Lamar senses he is losing her, his insecurities begin to show in dangerous, obsessive behavior. Kristine fights to start her life over, and heal from the past…but her chance at love could also mean destroying the only life she has known, and finally, asserting her identity as a woman, not the child Lamar has become so fixated on.

The relationship between Kristine and Lamar reminds me a lot of what I endured with my ex, and my struggle to break free after years of abuse. One of the hardest things I had to face was the lies I told myself, the manipulation that had choked me—all of which prevented me from seeing the truth, and being able to break away.

There is a lot of attention paid to keeping young children safe—but I believe we must also focus on our teenagers. A teen’s need for growth and independence also leaves them vulnerable to predators. Though we must also encourage, and allow room for our teens to begin their own lives—we should be careful not to push them away, and teach them discernment and healthy boundaries. Not an easy job! But I have learned from my life, that even a headstrong, fiercely independent teenager is not invincible. Those closest to you are often those who hurt you the most. The guidance and discipline you give to a child, is a tool for them to develop their identity in a safe, supportive environment while also nurturing their ability to reason, judge and accept consequences. That teenager may resist, yell and cause a ruckus but don’t let go because what you are teaching could save them from a lot of trouble in life. Even more, it will give them an opportunity to really come into their own.

“The Devil’s No Friend of Mine” also explores various aspects of abuse—both male and female, and through the characters, shows how identity and self-worth can be degraded through sustained intimidation and violence. It is a look at redemption, and coming to grips with sick secrets. It is a book about avoidance and blame, and taking responsibility. I really enjoyed this book for its complexity, surprises and gritty portrayal of life and love.

Lynn Mari, 2009.

“That Devil’s No Friend of Mine”, J.D. Mason. St. Martin’s Press, 2009. New York: New York.

 

Richfield (MN) HRA Accepting Section 8 Applications

The Richfield HRA is Accepting Applications for Section 8 Rent Assistance

The Section 8 Program is a federally funded rent assistance program designed to provide affordable rental housing for low-income families.

To receive an application for the Section 8 Program, you must apply in person at Veteran’s Memorial Park (Art Center Building) located at 6335 Portland Ave. From those completed applications received, Richfield HRA will randomly draw 500 applications to be placed on the waiting list.
Hours to pick up an application are:
October 8, 2009 – 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
October 9, 2009 – 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m

Income limits to be eligible
for the program:
Household Size
Very Low Income
1: $29,350
2: $33,550
3: $37,750
4: $41,950
5: $44,300
6: $48,650
7: $52,000
8: $55,350

http://www.cityofrichfield.org/CD/docs/Section_8_ad_2009.pdf

_______________________

UPDATE: 10/27/2009 CARVER COUNTY IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING

<a href="http://www.hra.carver.mn.us

Public Housing

Residents of Public Housing pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income for rent. This is a project-based program, which means that if a resident moves out of one of our Public Housing units, they cannot take the rent assistance with them. The rental assistance stays with the unit.

Our scattered-site program is unique in that it gives our residents the opportunity to experience living in a single-family home, an apartment, a townhome or a duplex. Our residents are responsible for upkeep of the lawn and shoveling snow in the winter. In addition, our residents of this program are responsible for paying their own gas and electric bills.

Applications

The Carver County CDA is accepting applications for our Scattered Site Public Housing Program for 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedrooms.
The approximate wait is up to a year or more. It depends on unit size applied for.
Information needed to fill out the application is social security numbers & birthdays for everyone residing in the home.
Anyone 18 years or older must come & sign the application
Applications are taken in person at: Carver County CDA, 705 N Walnut St, Chaska, MN 55318, Mon. thru Fri. from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM or can be mailed out to you.
The single family homes/townhomes/duplexes/apartments are scattered through-out Carver County in the cities of Chaska, Waconia, Victoria, Norwood Young America, Chanhassen, Carver, Cologne and Watertown.
For directions, please see here on our website.
Applications must be completed by the head of household and all other adults of the family 18 years of age or older listed on the application.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for Public Housing, the household gross annual income must be below 80% of the 2008 HUD established income limits for this area. Income limits are listed below.

Family Size 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8
Income Limit $41,700 $47,700 $53,650 $59,600 $64,350 $69,150 $73,900 $78,650

Once you are a resident for the Public Housing Program, the income limits do not apply.

In addition to the income limit:

1) Applicant families must also pass the Carver County CDA’s screening criteria. Management will check criminal history, rental history, and credit history;

2) The Head of Household must be a United States citizen or National and/or have eligible immigration status.

Important Things to Know About This Program

The Security Deposit for all of our units is $500.00 and is due prior to occupancy. All residents are responsible or putting the utilities into their name. Some utility companies do require an additional deposit and/or proof of prior good payment history. The Carver County CDA Public Housing program does not allow household pets.

Please call us at (952) 448-7715 with any additional questions about this program.

The Carver County CDA administers a small Public Housing program in Carver County only. The units are scattered throughout almost all communities in Carver County. Residents of the Public Housing program pay a percentage of their income for rent. The Carver County CDA owns and manages these programs.

The Carver County CDA owns and operates 81 units of Public Housing in Carver County. The scattered-site Public Housing program consists of 50 units that are scattered throughout the county. These units are single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes and apartment style. The other 31 units are Spruce Apartments in Waconia. This property has 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units.

 

Two Wings to Fly: Rumi (Quote)

“God turns you from one feeling to another and teaches by means of opposites, so that you will have two wings to fly, not one.” – Rumi

 

107 Year Old Chinese Woman Bravely Seeks Marriage

Source: © Thomson Reuters 2008.
“Would-be Chinese bride, 107, seeks first husband”, Mon Jan 12, 2009. Reporting by Emma Graham-Harrison; Editing by Nick Macfie and Sugita Katyal. http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE50B19S20090112

A 107 woman named Wang Guiying reports that domestic violence was acceptable, and common in traditional Chinese marriages. Wang grew up in a world where men commonly beat and degraded women, and vividly recalls an incident where she discovered her aunt crying in a woodshed after being attacked by her husband.
Wang said: “”All the married people around there lived like that. Getting married was too frightening..”
Wang grew up at a time where marriages were often arranged between older men and young girls, and a woman had no say in choosing her partner. If a woman was murdered, no questions would be asked. Wang feared men, and avoided getting married because she did not want to be abused. She lived alone and worked as a farmer until she was 74 years old, when taken in by relatives. That Wang has remained single for so long, survived by running her own farm and now is taking an active role in selecting a husband is extraordinary.

Traditional Chinese society viewed women as inferior, they had few rights and exercised little authority in the home, they were subject to the demands of their husband or other male relative. It was common for men to have more than one wife, or to take concubines. A woman’s status was further minimized by her place in the marriage—first wives were at the top of the hierarchy, concubines at the bottom. Wives that bore sons were also favored. In Wang’s era, foot binding forced was a routinely practiced. Foot binding involved wrapping the feet of Chinese girls with tightly woven cloth, often breaking the bones in the process, to make their appearance more pleasing for their husbands. Women were often left crippled after having their feet bound for many years, and endured life long pain. Foot binding is no longer practiced in Chine. However, discrimination against women in China still exists. Female babies may be aborted in hopes of obtaining a son or alternately, female children are abandoned. There have also been progress in improving the lives of women in China, by granting them rights previously denied, and allowing them more opportunities in employment and education.

Wang fears that she is becoming a burden on relatives, and perhaps is a bit lonely, as she has changed her mind and recently decided to look for a husband. Local officials are assisting in the search for a husband, and are considering candidates from local nursing homes.

I pray that Wang finds the love she has so long been denied, and that her marriage is a very happy one.

Additional Sources:

Behind the Spectacle: Women’s Human Rights in China, Marcy Bloom on August 19, 2008: http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/node/7926

“Chinese Cinderella” and “Falling Leaves”. by Adeline Yen Mah.
I read both and highly recommend, Mah writes memoirs about growing up in China during the 40’s and how she survived abuse, and being an unwanted daughter–and grows up to succeed despite everything against her.
http://www.adelineyenmah.com

China: Women’s Issues & Communities: http://newton.uor.edu/Departments&Programs/AsianStudiesDept/china-women.html

US: Clinton Remarks Undermine Rights Reform in China, Human Rights Watch
February 20, 2009: http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/02/20/us-clinton-remarks-undermine-rights-reform-china

Women’s rights activist detained in China: Amnesty International
14 January 2009: http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGNAU200901148963

 

If Not We, Then Who? (MN Event 1/21/09)

If Not We Then Who

You’re Invited:

Join other leaders from business, government, and communities of faith as Minnesota Commits to End Poverty by 2020

If Not We, Then Who?

Show Up. Add your support to the historic vision and significant recommendations proposed by the Legislative Commission to End Poverty by 2020.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2009
3:00—4:00 P.M.

LANDMARK CENTER
75 West 5th Street, St. Paul

Stand Up for people experiencing poverty.

Sign Up. Add your name and support to a movement that will put an end to poverty in Minnesota.

Speak Up. Tell the story in your place of worship and in your community.

If Not We, Then Who? If Not Now, Then When?

Ending poverty is possible when we show up, stand up, sign up, and speak up

http://mnwithoutpoverty.org

 

Refuse to Fall Down (Quote), Clarissa Pinkola Estes

“Refuse to fall down.

If you cannot refuse to fall down, refuse to stay down, lift your heart toward heaven like a hungry beggar, ask that it be filled and it will be filled.

You may be pushed down.

You may be kept from rising.

But no one can keep you from lifting your heart toward heaven-only you.

It is in the middle of misery that so much becomes clear.

The one who says nothing good came of this is not yet listening.”

– Clarissa Pinkola Estes

I read “Women Who Run With Wolves” as a teenager, and it deepened my perspectives in so many ways…not to mention gave me a few chuckles by provoking memories of my own adventures with the “wolves”! I really admire Clarissa Pinkola Estes–she is wise, is a gifted storyteller, and is charmingly “down home”.

Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés’s blog:
http://ncrcafe.org/blog/6987

 

MSNBC Makes Abuse a Joke

MSNBC makes a joke of domestic violence in an incident where a Florida woman was hit in the face and nearly killed by her boyfriend.

I saw the article (reported on 11/18/2008) reported on MSNBC.com titled “Cops: Man uses sandwich to assault girlfriend
Authorities aren’t saying if the weapon he wielded was a club sandwich” . The article was listed on the front page of MSNBC under “Weird News”. Other news sources have reported the incident, noting the strangeness of the assault but not going to the extent MSNBC has by mocking the attack, and its severity.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27793459/from/ET/

The article details an incident where a 19 year old woman, Brittany Gonzales, from Port St. Lucie, Florida
was driving on Interstate 95 when an arguement erupted with her boyfriend, Emmanuelle Rodriguez, 19. Also in the car was their baby son, seven months old. The boyfriend became angry then allegedly hit Brittany in the arm and the face with a sandwich. Apparently the incident is funny, as MSNBC reports: “Police haven’t said what type of sandwich was involved.” Brittany’s glasses were knocked off due to the force of the blows. Keep in mind that Emmanuelle was sitting in the seat next to Brittany, so to hit her to the extent that her glasses were knocked off meant that he struck hard. I’m only speculating but it’s possible the sandwich absorbed some of the force. Had Emmanuele hit Brittany in the head with an open hand or closed fist, he could have knocked her unconscious, caused contusions or broken bones.

Brittany who was driving anywhere from 60-70 mph on the Interstate, nearly lost control of the car because she could not see after her glasses were knocked off. It is also reported, “…the man then allegedly ripped off the rear-view mirror and used it to shatter the windshield.” The baby in the back seat was reported to be sleeping and was not hurt. Brittany exited the freeway and then asked Emmanuelle to get out of the car, which he did. He was later arrested.

MSNBC concludes the article by making jokes about the sandwich, referring to it as a “club sandwich”. The reporting of the incident by MSNBC is not only insensitive but deplorable. Making jokes about abuse–and minimizing the seriousness of the assault is not funny. This kind of attitude that implies “it’s not that bad” and suggests you can merely shrug off the incident is exactly what prevents battered women from coming forward and getting help.

Emmanuelle Rodriguez was charged and freed on $7500 bail. The most dangerous time for battered women is when they leave or attempt to leave the abuser; violence often escalates during this time. Women who do not get help or support may return to the abuse, or be killed. Now that Mr. Rodrigues on bail, he is roaming the streets and poses a very real danger to Brittany and her son–and anyone who may be trying to help them. I hope Brittany gets help from the police and a battered women’s shelter. It is imperitive that she set up a safety plan.

I want Brittany to know that she deserves to be treated with love and respect. It is not okay for anyone to hurt her–or laugh at her struggles. I am very sorry that people think its funny that Brittany was assaulted, I cannot magine how terrified she must have felt. Brittany, you are very brave to go to the police. I know it’s very hard to talk about painful things, especially when someone you love is hurting you. I know it’s not easy to leave the situation–your whole life will change, and you will need to make alot of sacrifices. But it’s worth it. You will be safe, you will heal and most of all you are giving your son a better life. There are people who care, and who want to help. Don’t be afraid to ask. There are women who have survived abuse and will understand, you are not alone. Have hope, things will get better. I will keep you in my prayers, and wish the best for you and your son.

Let’s think about this for a moment…

5.3 million women are abused each year, 1,232 women killed from abuse. We know the names of some of these women: Laci and Connor Peterson, Nicole Brown Simpson, Loretta Lynn, and Robin Givens.

In 2001, more than half a million American women were victims of violent acts committed by their partners–men they were in relationships with.

In the United States alone, 324,000 pregnant women are abused by their partners. Homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women.

Children, like the seven month old child mentioned above, exposed to domestic violence typically fall into three categories (and/or a combination of all three):

* Witnessing a violent event
* Being a victim of a violent event
* Experiencing the aftermath of violence

Domestic violence is extremely traumatic for children. Children may used as a tool for the perpetrator to abuse or exact revenge on the victim (their mother). Children may be hurt when caught between fighting parents. A child may be hurt trying to protect the mother. And often, these children are at a higher risk of becoming a victim of child abuse or neglect. These children may suffer psychological or physical harm from being exposed to violence–often the scars are lifelong.

Abusers are often repeat offenders–they will abuse and terrorize their families time and time again.

Victims of abuse often do not come forward because they fear retaliation from perpetrators–or they will not be believed. Some fear they will be mocked, as MSNBC has done.

I don’t think this is funny. MSNBC should apologize for their insensitive, deplorable reporting of this story.

Quotes:

“Children who are exposed to domestic violence are more likely to exhibit behavioral and physical health problems including depression, anxiety, and violence towards peers. They are also more likely to attempt suicide, abuse drugs and alcohol, run away from home, engage in teenage prostitution, and commit sexual assault crimes.” — Family Violence Prevention Fund

Child Welfare Information Gateway, “Possible Symptoms in Children Exposed to Domestic Violence “

Sleeplessness, fears of going to sleep, nightmares, dreams of danger;
Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches;
Hypervigilance to danger or being hurt;
Fighting with others, hurting other children or animals;
Temper tantrums or defiant behavior;
Withdrawal from people or typical activities;
Listlessness, depression, low energy;
Feelings of loneliness and isolation;
Current or subsequent substance abuse;
Suicide attempts or engaging in dangerous behavior;
Poor school performance;
Difficulties concentrating and paying attention;
Fears of being separated from the nonabusing parent;
Feeling that his or her best is not good enough;
Taking on adult or parental responsibilities;
Excessive worrying;
Bed-wetting or regression to earlier developmental stages;
Dissociation;
Identifying with or mirroring behaviors of the abuser.
Additional Information:

WFTV.com “Fla. Man Accused Of Sandwich Assault
Police: 19-Year-Old Woman Struck In Face While Driving”
http://www.wftv.com/nationalnews/18017024/detail.html

National Domestic Violence Hotline: “Help is available to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states.”
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224
http://www.ndvh.org/

Child Welfare Information Gateway, “Children’s Exposure to Domestic Violence”:
http://www.enotalone.com/article/9996.html

End Abuse, “Domestic Violence is a Serious, Widespread Social Problem in America: The Facts”:
http://endabuse.org/resources/facts/

Family Violence Prevention Fund, “The Facts on Children and Domestic Violence”:
http://endabuse.org/resources/facts/Children.pdf

Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse: Barbara J. Hart’s Collected Writings (When Batterers Kill, Children and Domestic Violence, Intervention, Legacy Advocacy and More)
http://www.mincava.umn.edu/documents/hart/hart.html

Resistance, Reluctance, and Readiness in Perpetrators of Abuse Against Women and Children by Katreena L. Scott and Colin L King
http://tva.sagepub.com/cgi/content/refs/8/4/401

 

Ending Youth Homelessness (A MN w/o Poverty Event)

Movement of Hope:
Ending Homelessness for Minnesota’s Kids

On any given night, 1300 youth 21 and under are homeless.
We know that Minnesota can do better!

People of faith and conscience are uniting statewide – and in the West Metro – to end homelessness for all of Minnesota’s kids.

We need you to make this vision a reality!

Please join Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, in partnership with local congregations, community organizations and your elected officials(invited) to

Celebrate what we are doing together as we share in a community meal
Learn from local experts and people experiencing homelessness
Take action to end youth homelessness in our community and across the state

June 18th , 5:30-7:30 pm (light supper provided)

St. Stephen Lutheran Church

8400 France Avenue South

Bloomington, MN

Please join us – Everyone is Welcome!

Please share this invitation with those in your life who want to create a better world for all our kids including: youth leaders, community members, pastors, young people, elected officials, people of faith, and your friends and family!

(Please RSVP to Kate Reuer by June 9th. Email kate.reuer@lssmn.org or call 651-969-2285)

www.centerforchanginglives.org

www.mnwithoutpoverty.org

 

Cut the Toll of Violence: Gathering for a More Peaceful World (MN)

Category: Event
Place: Minnesota

Description: Cut the Toll of Violence, Peace Wants a Piece of the Pie
Mother’s Day Convocation for a More Peaceful World

with Congressman Keith Ellison, Sami Rasouli and Reverend Victoria Safford

When: Saturday, May 10, 2008
Time: 10 am
Place: White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church
328 Maple Street
Mahtomedi, Minnesota 55115

This is a free, public event sponsored by Do Peace Minnesota.
Info at: (651) 426-9940

About the Peace Alliance: “Participate in an historic citizen lobbying effort to create a U.S. Department of Peace. There is currently a bill before the U.S. House of Representatives (HR 808). This landmark measure will augment our current problem-solving options, providing practical, nonviolent solutions to the problems of domestic and international conflict.

Domestically, the Department of Peace will develop policies and allocate resources to effectively reduce the levels of domestic and gang violence, child abuse, and various other forms of societal discord. Internationally, the Department will advise the President and Congress on the most sophisticated ideas and techniques regarding peace-creation among nations.”

http://www.thepeacealliance.org