| getting ready for the Nehemiah Action |
|
| |
Speak out for those who cannot speak,
for the rights of all the destitute.
Speak out, judge righteously,
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
[Proverbs 31:8-9, NSRV]
We are called to speak out for those whose voices have been silenced or ignored. One of the ways we can do that in our community is through IMPACT (Interfaith Movement Promoting Action by Congregations Together), where our strength in numbers is our voice for change and commitment.
IMPACT is currently in the research phase for the 2 issues (health care & affordable housing) to be brought to the Nehemiah Action on March 10th. Again, the facts being discovered during the research process are often startling, especially considering the wealth in this region.
The health care research group is focusing on adult dental care and trying to find an institution that will take the lead and responsibility to provide this care. A few key stats discovered:
- Virginia is 1 of 8 states where Medicaid does not cover dental care for adults.
- The Charlottesville Free Clinic has taken the lead on emergency dental care. There are currently 240 people on the waiting list.
- The Community Dental Program is a volunteer dentist initiative focusing on meeting restorative dental care and has a waiting list of 650 people.
- Many on waiting lists are referred to the ER to get antibiotics to stave off infection.
The affordable housing research group has been following up on efforts begun last year to focus attention on providing housing opportunities for families earning under 30% AMI (Area Median Income). Some new stats discovered:
- New poverty report on Albemarle County states that about 20% (nearly 17,000 individuals) live in lower income households, UVA students do not have a material affect on the extent of poverty in the County and 27% of children age 5 and under are living below 200% poverty.
- Children that became homeless in Albemarle County went from 84 in the school year 2003/2004 to 320 this past school year.
- Children that became homeless in the City of Charlottesville went from 125 in the school year 2003/2004 to 240 this past school year.
Please join us and some 1800 other voices to "speak out" against social injustice in our community on March 10 at 6:15pm at U-Hall. More information can be found at impactcville.blogspot.com or contact me. |
|
Subscribe to this blog
back to top
