We put our energy into action at the 46th!
At our recent general meeting focused on Homelessness and Gentrification, we heard from community organizers about their programs and how we can help.
Kristine from ROOTS reminded us to thank our State delegation (Rep. Jessyn Farrell, Senator David Frockt and Rep. Gerry Pollet) for supporting the continuance of the Document Recording Fee (HB 1640), which directly funds affordable housing. Kristine also urged us to ask our delegation to help get HB1867 out of committee and passed. This bill would allow young people more than one chance to get support by extending foster care.
Krista Cossalter from Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets explained how the shelter she serves provides case management and chuckled that she spent time memorizing the legislative issues that Kristine had mentioned. Ha! She was also able to shed light on SHB 1855 which, if passed would allow foster, homeless, and at risk children to obtain their GED even if their circumstance have forced them to move from high school to high school, each with different graduation requirements.
Bypolar, serving The Block, spoke about the Survival Program that brings food to people who don't have access to vehicles. He also described the Department of Justice’s National Weed and Seed Program in the 90s designed to uproot the poor, place them in the heartflow zone of Rainier, and transplant wealthier people into more Central parts of Seattle, explaining that "this is still happening today with the attempted illegal eviction of Omari Tahir at the Umojafest Peace Center, a center that historically has been for black people." He encouraged 46th LD members to follow this topic in the press and take responsibility for our actions.
Following the recent meeting, we asked members to give us feedback about the program. Andy Galipeau said "I was surprised by the ages served by the [ROOTS] Youth Homeless Shelters extending into the 20s, the existence of the low access barriers youth homeless shelter Peace for the Streets from Kids from the Streets and of course the specific incident regarding Umoja." The surprise at the existence of a low barrier shelter that allows "pets, partners, and people that use drugs off premise" was echoed by Layla Rowen. Chair of the 46th LD Program Committee Alan Zelt told us "I learned that the presenters were very committed people, with lots of love." Alan is right, and the 46th showed that it is also committed and full of love as well.
At the meeting, our LD leadership asked members for a meaningful donation of time, money, or items. Community organizers collected the names of more than 20 volunteers for various positions including delivering food to those experiencing food shortages and are without a vehicle, collecting and sorting donations, and working with youth and adults. The 46th District Democrats also donated four bags of toothbrushes and body wash which will go to immediate use in ROOTS. Cash was also directly donated to the groups.
If you wish to get involved, or do more, you can reach the groups here:
http://www.rootsinfo.org/get-involved/donate/donations/
Email The Block: [email protected]
Stay tuned for more.