Safe Neighborhoods
Community march to demand more street lighting

December 21, 2009 | 760 KFMB

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (CBS 8) -- While many families are celebrating the holiday season at joyous events, parents, children and leaders in one local community held a candlelight march in Logan Heights Thursday night to fight crime, responding to recent gang violence, vandalism and a lack of safe havens for children.

Immigration Reform
LAPD to keep its policy on immigration checks

December 21, 2009 | L.A. Times

L.A. Voice

On the plaza of Dolores Mission Church, long a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, a Roman Catholic priest asked the question that has hovered in the minds of so many of the city's migrants since Charlie Beck was appointed Los Angeles police chief. Flanked by parishioners holding flickering votive candles in the cool evening air, Father Scott Santarosa asked Beck whether he could assure community members that they will not be asked about their immigration status if they report a crime.

Health Care Access
Faith community in East Bay rallies to help distressed homeowners

December 19, 2009 | Contra Costa Times

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

As political pressure builds in Washington for the banking industry to do more to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure, the call in eastern Contra Costa County is coming from church-based advocacy groups - and it's getting louder.

Health Care Access
Health clinic nears reality in Oakley

December 19, 2009 | Contra Costa Times

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

The quest to provide more access for Oakley residents began four years ago with members from St. Anthony Catholic Church. Several members of the church's youth group, including Marquez and Flores, noticed that some parishioners lacked health care and began looking for ways to address the problem.

Housing Opportunities
Wall Street, Main Street & the Churches

December 16, 2009 | National Catholic Reporter

PICO National Network

Much coverage was lavished on the President's meeting with top bankers on Monday. But, another White House meeting might have been more enlightening. A group of prominent clergy met with members of the White House economic team.

Faith Leaders Defend Families Facing Foreclosure

December 15, 2009 | The Christian Post

Faith leaders met with the White House Monday to call for reform in regulating the expected multi-billion dollar bonuses to bank executives this month as millions of families, whose tax dollars kept banks alive, face losing their homes.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
First the bank took my job...

December 14, 2009 | Washington Post

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), PICO National Network

With unemployment fast becoming the primary driver of the foreclosure crisis, and the employment situation looking bleak into 2011, the federal government must act immediately and aggressively to keep millions of struggling families in their homes.

Housing Opportunities
East Bay priest fights foreclosure crisis

December 14, 2009 | ABC 7 News

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

In the community of Antioch, a Catholic church has joined a battle against banks that are foreclosing on homeowners. The local priest saying he felt compelled by what he saw happening in his parish.

Safe Neighborhoods, Youth Development
Raising Awareness About Cyberbullying

December 12, 2009 | KCBS

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

Hundreds turned out for a rally in San Jose Friday in an attempt to bring attention to the problem of cyberbullying. This comes one year after a Del Mar High School girl tried to take her own life.

Safe Neighborhoods, Youth Development
Teen's family tries to raise awareness of cyberbullying

December 12, 2009 | San Jose Mercury News

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

What pushed her over the edge - careless gossip, scurrilous rumors or cyberbullying? No one knows for sure. But her parents are convinced she was a victim of cyberbullying, and along with Cambrian Park United Methodist Church and People Acting in Community Together have launched "The Amanda Network Anti-bullying campaign."

School Improvement
West End group focuses on improving New Iberia schools

December 11, 2009 | The Advertiser

Congregations Organizing People for Equality (COPE)

NEW IBERIA - Five principals of schools located in the city's impoverished West End offered solutions to poor academic performance at a community meeting Thursday night. The meeting was held by Congregations Organizing People for Equality.

Housing Opportunities
Homeowners demand help for loan modifications

December 11, 2009 | ABC 7 News

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

PICO affiliate CCISCO Contra Costa County held protests outside Bank of America and Wells Fargo branches in San Francisco on December 11, 2009 to demand face-to-face meetings with senior bank representatives to negotiate loan modifications for families in Contra Costa County, CA.

School Improvement
BOCA Supports REALM Public Charter School

December 10, 2009 | Berkeley Daily Planet

Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA)

The Berkeley Unified School District has the largest racial achievement gaps of any school district in the State of California. While Berkeley schools have worked exceptionally well for a segment of the population, catapulting many students on to top tier colleges where they excel as leaders throughout their lives, many others don't make it past the tenth grade.

Housing Opportunities
Groups to push aid to jobless homeowners

December 10, 2009 | Wall Street Journal

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), PICO National Network

Faith-based community groups belonging to the PICO National Network and some allied organizations will be meeting with White\xe2\x80\x84House\xe2\x80\x84National\xe2\x80\x84Economic\xe2\x80\x84Council staff to advocate for federal loans or grants to help jobless\xe2\x80\x84homeowners make their mortgage payments.

Economic Security
LTE: Community Jobs

December 9, 2009 | Oakland Tribune

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

ON THE day the Obama administration hosted a jobs summit focused on tax cuts for businesses and state fiscal relief, one more unemployed Oakland father, a leader in his community and congregation, collects recycling to support his family.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Editorial: Government needs to abandon 'carrot' approach to foreclosure crisis

December 4, 2009 | San Jose Mercury News

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

This afternoon a crowd will gather in downtown San Jose to protest Bank of America's shameful record of modifying mortgages, one more sign of growing public anger over the foreclosure crisis. The financial giant has more troubled mortgages than anyone else - along with the lowest percentage, by far, of successful modifications.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Camden City residents push for demolition of \xe2\x80\x98imminent hazards'

December 3, 2009 | Catholic Star Herald

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

CAMDEN - The City Council approved the demolition of 23 abandoned homes last week that were considered "imminent hazards" and awarded the project to Hargrove Demolition of Cramer Hill.

Health Care Access
Report Demonstrates Need To Control Health Care Costs

December 3, 2009 | New Jersey Today

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

"I don't want to have to bury any more parishioners who died before their time only because they could not afford to pay for health insurance," said Reverend Heyward Wiggins III, Pastor of Camden Bible Tabernacle and member of Camden Churches Organized for People. "It's time we really made health care accessible for everyone."

Safe Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Revitalization
Camden's Crisis: Ungovernable?

November 26, 2009 | Economist

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

ROSA RAMIREZ is an active member of Camden Churches Organised for People (CCOP), a large and powerful civic group in Camden, New Jersey. She complains that rubbish is not collected. She worries about drug dealers hanging out on street corners and in the city's many abandoned buildings. But when her daughter, who lives in the suburbs, begs her to leave, Ms Ramirez replies, "How can I leave? Camden needs me." It does. Not enough people care about this city of 79,000 people that lies in the shadow of Philadelphia.

Health Care Access, Neighborhood Revitalization
South Burlington clinic access advances

November 24, 2009 | Burlington Free Press

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

Efforts to secure public transit for patients with orthopedic, pain management, physical therapy and cardiac rehab appointments in South Burlington advanced Monday. Planners agreed to pursue funding for a phone-in ride request system, extending bus service to clinics on Tilley Drive, said the Rev. Debbie Ingram, the executive director of Burlington-based nonprofit Vermont Interfaith Action.

Economic Security, Safe Neighborhoods
Community Violence: Richmond Community Unites to End Violence and Demand Green Jobs

November 22, 2009 | Oakland Local

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

"I brought a picture of my brother, Clyde Ralph Smith, to show you tonight. I wanted you to see what kind of man he was," said Gwendolyn Goodbeer at the Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) event "A Voice for the Village" at the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Richmond last Thursday evening, November 19th. "My brother was 64 and weighed 160 pounds... He walked with a cane. He was no threat to anyone."

Economic Security
Latinos, blacks take harder hit amid recession

November 21, 2009 | Boston Globe

Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

"We're in such a state that we need to think about emergency measures to prevent us from sinking below the surface. People are seeing the infrastructure of their lives being undermined because of the recession,'' said Lewis Finfer, executive director of the Massachusetts Communities Action Network.

Safe Neighborhoods, Youth Development, Civic Participation
Helping people help themselves

November 19, 2009 | San Diego Union Tribune

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

For the past 30 years, SDOP's model of community organizing, emphasizing a self-help approach, has trained thousands of ordinary citizens to do extraordinary things. SDOP's volunteer leaders have led efforts to address public safety, education reform, the lack of affordable housing, health care reform and now youth opportunity.

Health Care Access
Washington prayer vigil rallies Senate support for affordable heath-care reform

November 19, 2009 | Episcopal Life Online

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT), Metro Organizations for People (MOP), PICO National Network, Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

Shortly before Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid held a press conference Nov. 19 to celebrate the long-awaited health reform legislation unveiled Nov. 18, pastors and lay leaders from states with senators whose votes are seen as crucial to the outcome of reform gathered outside the Capitol Building to pray for continued progress on legislation to extend affordable coverage to families.

School Improvement
Uphill Battle To Reform Public School Food

November 18, 2009 | Empire Report

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

And it's this kind of systemic change that advocates like Jesus Rodriguez, a community organizer with Oakland Community Organizations, a large faith- and community-based group, are hoping to see. Recently OCO joined forces with Oakland School Food Alliance, another parent and community organization, to figure out how to bring more fresh, healthy food to kids throughout the district. "One of the main goals of this project is to have real cooking in every school," he says.

Housing Opportunities
Home loan protests in Antioch draw Bank of America to negotiating table

November 9, 2009 | The Catholic Voice

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

Local Bank of America representatives have agreed to meet with leaders of an interfaith advocacy group that has been pressuring the lender to conduct good-faith negotiations with families who face foreclosure of their homes.

Health Care Access
Hundreds in SF Show Support For Health Care Reform

November 8, 2009 | CBS 5

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

Hundreds of San Franciscans made it very clear they wanted health care reform, and showed their support for the bill, which just passed through the House of Representatives.

Health Care Access
Metro Group Prepares for Health Care Battle in U.S. Senate

November 8, 2009 | NBC Kansas City

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

KANSAS CITY, Mo.- Health care reform supporters are celebrating Saturday night's victory in the U.S. House of Representatives, but now the planning begins to win another victory in the U.S. Senate. The Rev. Wallace Hartsfield, Sr., longtime Kansas City, Mo. minister, traveled to Washington with the organization, Communities Creating Opportunities.

Housing Opportunities
Bus tour highlights effects of foreclosure crisis in Brockton

November 2, 2009 | New England Cable News

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

Brockton, Mass. - People here say they feel helpless and trapped. There have been more than 1500 foreclosures here in the past five years - some of it questionable lending practices - and there was anger tonight against banks. Most people are looking to find a way out.

Housing Opportunities
Brockton foreclosure crisis helps spark national solutions

November 2, 2009 | Enterprise News

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

BROCKTON - Nylton Andrade says he never had much hope that the government would help homeowners like himself who face foreclosure. But after a bus with officials from the Federal Reserve stopped by his Moraine Street home Sunday afternoon, Andrade said he's more optimistic.

Housing Opportunities
Brockton offers lesson in foreclosures; US officials tour city, see crisis up close

November 2, 2009 | Boston Globe

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA)

BROCKTON - Stepping onto a bus in front of his house on Moraine Street yesterday afternoon, Nylton Andrade held up a frame that held three photos matted over the words "Home Sweet Home.''

Health Care Access
Kirehe: Building and healing together as a community

November 1, 2009 | New Times: Rwanda's First Daily

Congregations Rebuilding Community in Rwanda

Tucked far away in a small hidden part of Kirehe District near the Burundi and Tanzania borders is a community of serious minded, hardworking people, who are more knowledgeable about the aims and importance of Vision 2020 Umurenge to Rwandans than their proud compatriots in urban Kigali. These are the people of Mumeya, a village found in Rwantonde, Gatore Sector. This is the story of how the Mumeya community decided to interpret Vision 2020 and their part in its fulfillment.

Housing Opportunities
Fed to hold foreclosure meeting in Brockton

November 1, 2009 | Boston Herald

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

Hundreds of pained Brockton residents will press federal officials tonight to help beleaguered homeowners in the City of Champions, which has been pummeled by the mortgage foreclosure crisis.

Civic Participation
City rally highlights importance of voting

October 30, 2009 | Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Another rally designed to energize registered voters will be held today at 4 p.m. in front of City Hall -- this one led by about 50 teenagers affiliated with Camden Churches Organized for People. The nonpartisan organization has hosted a mayoral forum and public meetings with the Democratic and Republican candidates for governor over the past two months.

Housing Opportunities, Neighborhood Revitalization
New Jersey Receives Two National Awards for Housing Initiatives

October 26, 2009 | New Jersey Real Estate Rama

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

New Jersey received the 2009 COSCDA Sterling Achievement Award for the Camden Home Improvement Program (CHIP), a citywide program that provides low and moderate-income Camden homeowners who earn below 80 percent of the area median income with up to $20,000 in forgivable loans to make essential life safety home improvements. The program began in 2006 with the support of Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), Concerned Black Clergy, the Camden Community Development Association (CCDA), and other community-based organizations.

Health Care Access
Keep the ball rolling

October 23, 2009 | Time Argus

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

As a member of Vermont Interfaith Action, part of the PICO National Network, an alliance of 1,000 congregations nationwide, I have been actively involved in the national health care debate for more than half a year. My education has mainly come from the conversations I have had with friends, family members, fellow parishioners at Christ Church Episcopal in Montpelier, and fellow volunteer advocates from around the country.

Health Care Access
LOCAL VIEW: Affordability protections key to health care reform

October 22, 2009 | North County Times

Faith Works North San Diego County

In April 2008, Karen lost her brother, who died suddenly of a heart attack while caring for their diabetic mother and working full time as a paralegal. It wasn't until after his death that his children told Karen that their father had not taken his heart medication for more than a month because he couldn't afford it. The firm for which he was working didn't provide health care benefits, and he could not afford to buy private insurance and raise four kids.

Civic Participation
San Bernardino mayoral candidates debate again

October 21, 2009 | Contra Costa Times

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

SAN BERNARDINO - The city's three mayoral candidates finished Wednesday's political double header with a debate at First Congregational United Church for Christ. The forum, hosted by Inland Congregations United for Change, offered another chance for office seekers to review the events of the past 3 and one half years and prospects for the next four.

Health Care Access
Poll: 1 in 4 Adults Say Family Member Lost Health Coverage

October 21, 2009 | The Christian Post

PICO National Network

Faith leaders from across the country gathered Tuesday to tell lawmakers working on health care reform bills that the current Senate version is unacceptable. Clergy leaders noted that in some states the current reform bill would force low-income families to pay twice as much as under other legislations. And in calling for premiums and out-of-pocket costs, the bill would make health care unaffordable for these families.

Housing Opportunities
Jackson returns to Antioch with message of unity

October 21, 2009 | Contra Costa Times

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

Entering to a thundering chant of "si se puede," Jackson spoke to an enthusiastic crowd of 400 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church's Dominican Hall during a scheduled meeting of the Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization.

Health Care Access
Birmingham pastor lobbies for health care

October 21, 2009 | Birmingham Daily News

Birmingham Faith In Action

The pastor of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham on Tuesday joined religious and labor leaders from around the country lobbying Congress to make health care affordable for all.

Health Care Access
Editorial: The Moral Mandate for Affordable Health Care for All

October 21, 2009 | Washington Post On Faith Blog

PICO National Network

As a hospital chaplain, I'm heartened to see affordability get the attention it deserves. Over the years I have met countless families who struggle and falter under the weight of medical bills and health insurance costs that increase far faster than their income.

Health Care Access
B.R. minister joins others pushing for health care in D.C.

October 21, 2009 | Baton Rouge Advocate

Working Interfaith Network (WIN)

WASHINGTON - A Baton Rouge minister was in Washington on Tuesday as part of a national campaign calling for health-care aid to low- and middle-income families.

Health Care Access
Health Care Day of Action overtakes Congress

October 20, 2009 | CBS News

PICO National Network

Faith groups like PICO National Network and Faithful Reform in Health Care joined in the day of action with rallies, religious services and other events in an effort to put particular emphasis on making coverage more affordable for lower-income families.

Health Care Access
Health care decision hinges on effect on small businesses, Sen. Mary Landrieu says

October 20, 2009 | Times Picayune

The Micah Project

Lenetra Jefferson and Paula Arceneaux, both leaders of New Orleans faith-based groups supporting health care overhaul, said people showing up at town hall meetings to oppose President Barack Obama's proposals probably haven't experienced trying to get health bills paid by reluctant insurance carriers or faced the loss of coverage because of a pre-existing condition or after developing an illness -- actions barred under the reform bills.

Health Care Access
On Capitol Hill, religious leaders take stand for working families

October 20, 2009 | Episcopal News Service

PICO National Network

Clergy and faith leaders from throughout the United States gathered on Capitol Hill Oct. 20 to pray and proclaim the moral case for health-care reform legislation that would make coverage affordable to working-class and low-income families.

Health Care Access
'Repent' over health care lapses, pastors say

October 20, 2009 | Religion News Service

PICO National Network

Organizers, who include PICO National Network, Faithful Reform in Health Care, Interfaith Worker Justice, Catholics United and the African Methodist Episcopal Church, said religious leaders from a number of key political states, including Maine, North Dakota, andFlorida, attended events dedicated to health care reform.

Health Care Access
Colorado Faith Leaders: Make Health Coverage More Affordable

October 20, 2009 | Denver Daily News

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

Local faith leaders are joining faith leaders from around the country in Washington today to proclaim the "moral case" for improving health reform legislation currently being considered by Congress.

School Improvement
Editorial: Sacramento community attendance centers reduce truancy, crime

October 16, 2009 | Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT)

When kids skip school, it costs the larger community...But communities do not have to accept truancy without a fight. Sacramento Area Congregations Together, a community-based organization, has shown that turnaround is possible.

Housing Opportunities
Brooklynites, Others to Meet with Federal Reserve

October 14, 2009 | Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU), Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA)

Brooklyn Congregations United is one of several community organizations from across the city that will meet with officials from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to discuss the foreclosure problem.

School Improvement, Neighborhood Revitalization
Christie blasts city schools

October 13, 2009 | Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

"The failing schools must change or they must go extinct because we can't continue to fail your children," he said a meeting sponsored by the nonpartisan Camden Churches Organized for People. About 100 people turned out for the session at Sword of the Spirit Church.

Immigration Reform
Procession and rally in L.A. demands restoration of immigration broken system

October 13, 2009 | Examiner.com

L.A. Voice

Immigrant families, faith, civic and community leaders held a procession and rallied this Tuesday in Los Angeles in support of family unity and immigration reform legislation.

Immigration Reform
Immigration reform rally held outside county building

October 13, 2009 | Daily News

L.A. Voice

"People of faith across America wonder how long our communities will have to suffer under the current broken immigration system," Jared Rivera, executive director for L.A. Voice-PICO, said in a statement.

Health Care Access
La. gives \xe2\x80\x98testimonies'for healthcare reform

October 12, 2009 | The Louisiana Weekly

Congregations Organizing People for Equality (COPE), Faith United Empowering Leadership (FUEL), Louisiana Interfaith Together (LIFT), Working Interfaith Network (WIN)

Household of Faith Family Worship Church in New Orleans east holds services regularly, but Wednesday evening, the congregation heard a different type of testimony. The video and photo exhibit "Bearing Witness: A Pilgrimage for Health Reform" made its stop in the Crescent City, to connect faces to the many voices of families and individuals calling for reform that includes adequate and affordable health care for all citizens

Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement, Neighborhood Revitalization
A Community Covenant Agreement

October 7, 2009 | City of Flint Blog

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

Mayor Dayne Walling signed the community covenant agreement tonight. It is believed to be the first time ever a Flint mayor has signed an agreement with the community. A few dozen people packed Damascus Holy Life church in Flint to witness the signing. The Covenant covers three areas of community engagement: neighborhood revitalization, neighborhood safety and education reform.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Camden mayor candidates urge freedom from state rule

September 29, 2009 | Philadephia Inquirer

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

As the crowd gathered in the pews of St. Anthony of Padua Church before a mayoral forum in Camden last night, a melody from the parish's band brought audience members to their feet, clapping to the rhythm. "This little light of mine," they sang, "I'm gonna let it shine."

Neighborhood Revitalization
Camden candidates outline mayoral goals

September 29, 2009 | Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Mayoral candidates Angel Cordero, Roberto Feliz, Dana Redd and Mujiba Salaam Parker discussed leadership, neighborhood services, economic development and public safety as themes of the forum held by Camden Churches Organized for People.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Access to "satellite" clinics remains tough

September 29, 2009 | Burlington Free Press

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

A collaborative effort to remedy the transportation challenges faced by Chittenden County's less-fortunate charted modest progress Monday at a work session, hosted by the nonprofit Vermont Interfaith Action at St. Paul's Cathedral.

Health Care Access
Praying for politics

September 28, 2009 | The Hill

Congregations for Community Action (CCA), PICO National Network

"People think prayer and politics don't go together, but these are our lives," said Everson, the executive director at Congregations for Community Action in her hometown. She helped coordinate a healthcare prayer vigil in August that ended in a visit to Rep. Bill Posey's (R-Fla.) office. "Others might go out and protest or throw things, but we're going to pray. This is what we know how to do."

Immigration Reform
S.F. Interfaith call to reform immigration laws

September 27, 2009 | San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

On Saturday, Byrne joined interfaith leaders, city officials and dozens of community members to reach out to other immigrants and call for the reform of immigration laws. At an afternoon prayer service at St. Mary's Cathedral, Byrne and two of her now-grown daughters spoke to the mostly Latino audience of more than 100 people about their struggles and ultimate successes, and how community support played a huge role.

Immigration Reform
Orange County Sheriff not looking to enforce immigration law

September 23, 2009 | Orlando Sentinel

Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS)

The Orange County Sheriff's Office is not interested in pursuing illegal immigrants because of their status, Sheriff Jerry Demings told a crowd of 300 people - most of them immigrants - gathered Monday night for an "immigration dialogue."

Health Care Access
Video: Oakland pastor at Capitol Hill Rally for Affordability

September 17, 2009 | KTVU

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO), PICO National Network

On September 16, faith leaders from PICO - together with Community Catalyst - flooded Capitol Hill with lobby visits, phone calls and a rally for healthcare reform.

Health Care Access
Video: CBS coverage of Capitol Hill Rally for Affordability

September 17, 2009 | CBS News

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO), PICO National Network

CBS's Joel Roberts reports from a rally for affordable healthcare on Capitol Hill featuring Rev. Dr. George Cummings, a pastor and PICO National Network leader from Oakland, CA.

Health Care Access
Growth seen in kid-insurance programs

September 17, 2009 | Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

PICO National Network

Television spots urging "people of faith" to call their members of Congress in support of health-care legislation began airing Tuesday in six states, including Arkansas.

Health Care Access
Video: Christian Broadcasting Network covers PICO's Affordability Rally on Capitol Hill

September 16, 2009 | Christian Broadcasting Network

PICO National Network

Watch video from the Christian Broadcasting Network's coverage of PICO and Community Catalyst's Capitol Hill Rally for Health Care Affordability.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Corzine hears pleas to boost aid for Camden

September 16, 2009 | Philadelphia Inquirer

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Gov. Corzine sat with his hands clasped last night as a Camden minister asked hundreds of city residents to stand if their homes or churches were next to abandoned buildings.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Corzine defends Camden oversight

September 16, 2009 | Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Hundreds of residents, politicians, city officials and church leaders gathered at St. Joseph's Pro-Cathedral Church to hear the governor speak at a meeting arranged by Camden Churches Organized for People.

Health Care Access
Vt. Interfaith Action hosting health care call-in

September 15, 2009 | Burlington Free Press

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

Clergy from Vermont Interfaith Ac\xc2\xadtion are urging a call-in to\xc2\xadday to Vermont's congres\xc2\xadsional delegation in support of health care reform.

Health Care Access
Health care forum sheds \xe2\x80\x98light' on reform debate

September 8, 2009 | Florida Catholic

Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS)

Unlike many health care meetings taking place across the nation, the tone of the "Interfaith Prayer and Action on Healthcare Reform" meeting held Aug. 20, was purposefully prayerful, nonpolitical and meant to bring a theological and personal focus to the health care debate.

Housing Opportunities
Brockton man one of many caught in web of predatory lending

September 8, 2009 | Enterprise News

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

Surrounded by the comforts of home, Haitian immigrant Jonas St. Pierre sat in the living room of the Lansdowne Street home he bought in 2005 and wondered when he would really enjoy them.

Immigration Reform
Chanting 'Si se puede,' hundreds march in Sacramento for immigration reform

September 6, 2009 | Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT)

Under signs stating "Protect our families" and "We contribute to America," several hundred people marched Saturday through downtown Sacramento, urging President Barack Obama to make good on his campaign promise of comprehensive immigration reform.

Health Care Access
CNN video: Faces on the need for reform

September 3, 2009 | CNN

Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS), PICO National Network

Watch this CNN segment featuring real life stories from PICO leaders from FOCUS in Orlando, FL about the difficulties of getting good health care and the need for reform this year.

Safe Neighborhoods, Immigration Reform
Opinion: Police Chief right to assure immigrants

September 2, 2009 | Camden Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

When immigrants are afraid to report crimes, the entire community suffers. In nature, sharks, lions and other predators feast on those unprotected by the herd. The same thing happens in our society. It's happening in Camden.

Safe Neighborhoods, Immigration Reform
City chief: "We are here to protect you"

September 1, 2009 | Camden Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Health Care Access
Faithful cite moral call for health reform in Aurora

August 31, 2009 | Denver Post

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

The health-care-reform issue moved from the town halls to the church steeple Sunday, as Aurora Catholics urged passage as a "moral imperative."

Safe Neighborhoods, Immigration Reform
Police to address fears

August 31, 2009 | Camden Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Seeking to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the immigrant community, Camden Police Chief Scott Thomson and Camden Churches Organized for People will meet tonight to talk about crime prevention and victims' rights.

Housing Opportunities, Neighborhood Revitalization
'Ugliest house' still stands tall

August 28, 2009 | Camden Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Cramer Hill resident Zoraida Gonzalez-Torres can't remember the last time someone lived in the burned-out rowhouse at 923 N. 27th St., just a few blocks from her home. She guessed the two-story building has been vacant for at least 12 years. Last October, the city designated it an imminent hazard that should be demolished within 48 hours.

Immigration Reform
Hundreds gather in Santa Ana for immigration vigil

August 28, 2009 | Orange County Register

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO)

A sister coping with her brother's deportation. A son who paid off his father's debt by working here illegally. A university student who arrived in the U.S. as a toddler but faces unemployment after his schooling ends. These are the voices heard tonight at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where more than 500 people gathered for a prayer candlelight vigil.

Health Care Access
'We should seek justice for our brothers and sisters'

August 28, 2009 | The Tidings - Los Angeles,CA

L.A. Voice

Dolores Mission parishioners joined by those from other churches endured the muggy Sunday afternoon weather Aug. 23 to march nearly two miles from their church in Boyle Heights to the downtown Los Angeles office of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal Allard on Temple Street.

Health Care Access
Hundreds pack health care forum featuring Rep. Susan Davis

August 27, 2009 | SDNN - San Diego,CA

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

The San Diego Organizing Project doesn't want the health care debate to be about broad ideological conflict or even dollars and cents. They want it to be about flesh and blood. They had uninsured people line up and have their picture taken. They called the drive the "pictures of health care".

Immigration Reform
Hundreds expected to attend immigration reform vigil

August 26, 2009 | OCRegister - Santa Ana,CA

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO)

Activists are expecting more than 600 people to attend an immigration reform mass and prayer vigil Friday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Santa Ana.

School Improvement
Outgoing Framingham priest urges parish to support school

August 23, 2009 | MetroWest Daily News - Framingham,MA

MetroWest Interfaith Congregations Acting for Hope (MICAH)

With less than four weeks remaining before the Rev. Joseph Pranzo leaves St. Tarcisius, the pastor made several pleas at his tearful farwell party for the school he called his treasure and the parish he referred to as his family.

Health Care Access
Pelosi holds town hall with faith leaders

August 21, 2009 | KGO-TV - San Francisco,CA,USA

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

These ministers, rabbis and other clergy were brought together by the San Francisco Interfaith Council and the San Francisco Organizing Project

Neighborhood Revitalization
Brockton business leaders join effort to bring supermarket to south side

August 21, 2009 | Enterprise News - Brockton,MA

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

Six months after Shaw's closed its south side market, city officials and business leaders are still seeking answers to the past and solutions for the future.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Neighborhood revitalization brings national recognition to Brockton Housing Authority

August 21, 2009 | Enterprise News - Brockton,MA

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

The Brockton Housing Authority has been named a winner of a national award for its revitalization of the Pleasant-Prospect neighborhood. "It's the most prestigious award a housing authority can receive," said Director Richard Sergi.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security, Safe Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Revitalization
Community group helps to motivate residents

August 21, 2009 | The Desert Sun - Palm Springs, CA

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Inland Congregations United for Change is helping to unlock the power of communication for many Cathedral City residents. The organization, which has an office in Coachella, consistently shows community members how they can empower themselves, talk to local leaders and take steps to solve an issue or problem that concerns them.

Health Care Access
Pelosi holds town hall with faith leaders

August 20, 2009 | KGO-TV - San Francisco,CA

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

A civilized meeting on health care reform was held in San Francisco on Thursday. The civilized demeanor hasn't always been the case around the country. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, told a small crowd that this is the opportunity of a century and there is no backing down.

Health Care Access
Obama holds one BIG conference call on health care

August 20, 2009 | Florida Catholic

Congregations for Community Action (CCA)

It was an event of scriptural dimensions. At 5 p.m. EDT Aug. 19, what organizers estimated at 140,000 people of faith all across the country responded to a call to advocate for health care reform.

Health Care Access
Optimism about change spurs participants' involvement in health event

August 20, 2009 | Catholic News Service

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), PICO National Network

Two participants in a nationwide teleconference organized by religious organizations that are supporting health care reform said they were optimistic that legislation will pass this year and that they don't believe government funding of abortion will be a part of the bill.

Health Care Access
Group to hold nationwide conference call on health care

August 20, 2009 | The Press-Enterprise

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Inland religious congregations will participate in a nationwide conference call on health care Wednesday that will include President Barack Obama.

Immigration Reform
Comfort in a strange land

August 20, 2009 | Sacramento News & Review - Sacramento,CA

Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT)

During this past Lenten celebration in one local Catholic church, a priest told the story of the Stations of the Cross, which depict Jesus' experience during the Passion as he prepared for his eventual death and resurrection.

Health Care Access
Obama phones in for health reform chat

August 20, 2009 | Stockton Record - Stockton,CA

People and Congregations Together (PACT Stockton), PICO National Network

In a hot upstairs classroom-turned-office at Stockton's large Central United Methodist Church on Wednesday afternoon, 10 people gathered around a table, intently focusing on a small speakerphone as people from throughout the country talked about the need for health care reform.

Health Care Access
Obama Casts Health Effort in Moral Terms

August 19, 2009 | New York Times

PICO National Network

President Obama cast his efforts to overhaul America's health care system in moral terms in a conference call with liberal religious organizations late Wednesday afternoon, saying "these struggles always boil down to a contest between hope and fear."

Local Faith Groups Talk Healthcare with President

August 19, 2009 | News10.net - Sacramento,CA

Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT)

A group of Sacramento-area religious congregations is taking an active role in the healthcare debate. On Wednesday, members of Sacramento Area Congregations Together joined religious groups from across the United States for an open discussion with President Obama on a faith-based approach to healthcare reform.

Youth Development, Immigration Reform
East Bay youths call for passage of DREAM Act

August 19, 2009 | Oakland Tribune

Congregations Organizing for Renewal (COR)

Guadalupe Cruz came to the U.S. with her family at age 1 and, in the 19 years since, has never returned to Mexico. She grew up embracing the food, music and culture of this country and has no memories of living elsewhere. As far as Cruz is concerned, she is an American.

Health Care Access
Catholic advocates get specific on health-care reform

August 17, 2009 | Catholic Courier - Rochester,NY

The only thing certain about proposals for health-care reform is that there are a lot of them. Over the weekend, officials in President Barack Obama's administration added another reform idea, signaling that they might be willing to consider different reform that includes insurance cooperatives rather than the public-insurance plan on which the administration has thus far insisted.

Health Care Access
It's Not Over Until You've Tried This, Mr. President

August 17, 2009 | Huffington Post

PICO National Network

It seems like a grim moment in the struggle to reform health insurance. The lights are growing dim. As health insurance industry stock prices rise, the chance to win this debate for universal coverage and a public option is on life support.

Health Care Access
Health care conference call links president with public

August 17, 2009 | Florida Catholic

Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS), PICO National Network

Catholic Floridians who belong to interfaith groups advocating comprehensive health care for everyone plan to participate in a national conference call and audio webcast with President Barack Obama this week.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
People demand action on predatory lending crisis

August 15, 2009 | The Catholic Key - Kansas City,MO

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

Corporate predatory lending practices are strangling both the poor and the middle class, a consortium of community organizing agencies told federal, state and local officials Aug. 1.

Health Care Access
Annette Clifford: Health care system good for some, not for all

August 14, 2009 | Florida Today

Congregations for Community Action (CCA)

Maybe we need to take this health care reform mess to the top. That's what they did at Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne on Tuesday at a meeting on changes to the nation's health care delivery system being proposed in Congress.

Health Care Access
US religious groups launch campaign for health care reform

August 12, 2009 | ChristianToday

PICO National Network

Religious groups in the US pushing for health care reform have launched a national campaign to counteract the very vocal opposition to President Obama's proposals to revamp the country's health care system.

Health Care Access
Religious groups consider merits, flaws of U.S. health care reform proposals

August 12, 2009 | Catholic News Agency

PICO National Network

Responding to some Americans' displays of vocal opposition to health care legislation, a coalition of religious leaders has launched a national campaign for health care reform, characterizing the matter as a "fundamental religious issue." However, the Catholic Medical Association severely criticizes the proposal.

Health Care Access
Valley residents pray in Modesto for health-care reform

August 12, 2009 | The Modesto Bee

Congregations Building Community (CBC)

About 40 people gathered at Tenth Street Plaza on Tuesday morning to pray for a national health care system. They also prayed for Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, and others in Congress faced with the task of making health insurance affordable for all. The event, sponsored by Congregations Building Community in Modesto, drew people such as Fabiola Garcia, who lost her health insurance five years ago when she resigned from her job as a credit union loan officer when her daughter, Veronica Hall, was born prematurely, weighing 14.9 ounces.

Health Care Access
Interfaith Action rally includes spirited health care discussion

August 12, 2009 | RocNow - Rochester,NY

Calls for national health care reform came during two unrelated events Tuesday in Rochester. In the morning, prayers from members of Interfaith Action for reform became a spirited discussion outside the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building on State Street.

Health Care Access
Interfaith Action rally includes spirited health care discussion

August 12, 2009 | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - Rochester,NY

Calls for national health care reform came during two unrelated events Tuesday in Rochester. In the morning, prayers from members of Interfaith Action for reform became a spirited discussion outside the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building on State Street.

Health Care Access
Faith-based groups show reform support

August 12, 2009 | The Coloradoan - Fort Collins,CO

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

Faith-based proponents of health-care reform kicked off a nationwide effort in Fort Collins on Tuesday with a rally at Library Park. Metro Organizations for People, or MOP, the Denver branch of the PICO National Network, a community of faith-based organizations, led a rally of about 65 people in Library Park before heading to Rep. Betsy Markey's office to plead for immediate health-care reform.

Health Care Access
Faith leaders appeal for health reform

August 12, 2009 | Stockton Record - Stockton,CA

People and Congregations Together (PACT Stockton), PICO National Network

National health care reform took a prayerful turn Tuesday in downtown Stockton. "No more delays. Clear away the rocks and stones of debate," prayed John Harris, an elder at Stockton's White Rose Church of God in Christ. "We need adequate and affordable health care for all."

Health Care Access
The Great Health Reform Debate arrives in the Bay Area

August 12, 2009 | San Jose/ Valley-Mercury News

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), PICO National Network

The passionate debate on health care reform rolled into the Bay Area this week, at times mirroring the public showdowns roiling town halls across the country. While Democratic Congresswomen Zoe Lofgren ran into a hostile crowd on Monday night at a community meeting in Almaden Valley, she found friendlier faces outside her San Jose office on Tuesday, urging her not to waver from her support of the controversial health care effort embroiling the nation.

Health Care Access
Healthcare reform supporters, opponents gather in Hollywood

August 12, 2009 | L.A. Times

L.A. Voice

Clergy and grass-roots faith leaders led a prayer vigil today in Hollywood as part of a national effort to press Congress to reform the healthcare insurance system.

Health Care Access
Health reform candlelight vigil tonight

August 11, 2009 | Forum of Fargo-Moorhead

FARGO \xe2\x80" Proponents of health-care reform will hold a candlelight vigil tonight to "mark the human cost of delaying reforms."

Health Care Access
Religious Groups Take a Stand on Health Care Debate

August 11, 2009 | San Diego News Network

PICO National Network, San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

Religious Americans ready for health care reform are turning up the pressure on lawmakers Tuesday with nationwide rallies asking for change by the end of 2009.

Health Care Access
Health care town hall draws large crowd

August 11, 2009 | North County Times

PICO National Network

The debate over various prescriptions for health care reform came to North County Tuesday, with Rep. Brian Bilbray hosting an occasionally raucous town hall meeting in Rancho Bernardo that was followed by a group of clergy in Vista calling for an end to the often-vitriolic rhetoric attached to the issue.

Health Care Access
Faith leaders join health push

August 11, 2009 | The Tennessean

PICO National Network

Faith leaders from around the country launched a push Monday to portray health-care reform as a moral imperative. Many are featured in an ad that began running Monday on CNN, MSNBC and local Washington, D.C., channels.

Health Care Access
Faith Leaders Rally for Healthcare Reform

August 11, 2009 | The Northern Coloradoan

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

Clergy and faith leaders say this is their hour of need, the eleventh hour as they called it, telling members of congress, specifically Betsy Markey, that now is the time to stand up for families and the presidents health care bill.

Local faith leaders speak out on health care reform

August 11, 2009 | Orlando Sentinel

Calling it a "fundamental issue of human life and dignity," faith leaders from throughout Central Florida met today in Orlando to show their support for health care reform.

Health Care Access
Faith-based group urges congressional leaders to reform health care

August 11, 2009 | The Coloradoan

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), PICO National Network

Faith-based proponents of health care took to the streets today to get the attention of more than 100 congressional representatives around the United States, including Rep. Betsy Markey.

Health Care Access
Faith groups launch campaign in favor of health care reform

August 11, 2009 | CNN

PICO National Network

Religious groups in favor of health care reform have launched a national campaign to offset the loud opposition to President Obama's plan to overhaul the nation's health care system, organizers announced.

Health Care Access
Religious umbrella group to lobby Congress for health care reform

August 11, 2009 | Contra Costa Times - Walnut Creek,CA

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

rea members of a national network of faith-based community organizations on Tuesday vowed to push congressional delegation members on health-care reform. Members of the Inland Congregations for Change called health care for all Americans "a basic right" that needs to be incorporated in comprehensive legislation this fall.

Health Care Access
Religious Progressives Flex New Muscle in Pushing Healthcare

August 11, 2009 | U.S. News & World Report

PICO National Network

With a new television ad out today and a national conference call featuring President Obama scheduled for next week, religious progressives advocating universal healthcare coverage are flexing their organizing muscle in a way not seen since the movement was jolted into action by the 2004 election.

Health Care Access
Religious groups to rally for health care in Camden

August 11, 2009 | Philadelphia Inquirer - Philadelphia,PA

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

A group of health-care activists plans to gather this afternoon outside Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg's Camden office. They're not going to hoist signs or yell slogans. Instead, they'll likely hold hands, bow their heads, and pray.

Health Care Access
Rally planned on health care

August 11, 2009 | Cherry Hill Courier Post - Cherry Hill,NJ

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Clergy and faith leaders from Camden Churches Organized for People will rally today at 3 p.m. outside the office of Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., at One Port Center in Camden to pressure Congress to pass comprehensive health care legislation this year.

Health Care Access
Interfaith Action holds prayer rally in support of health care reform

August 11, 2009 | RocNow - Rochester,NY

Affordable health care was called a civil right and an act of justice this morning as members of Interfaith Action of Rochester held a prayer gathering at the Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building on State Street.

Health Care Access
Health insurance debate on tap throughout state

August 11, 2009 | Boston Herald - Boston,MA

Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

As President Obama heads to New Hampshire this afternoon to push for national health insurance reform, Bay State advocates are meeting today with staff at seven Congressional offices to show their support for a health care overhaul.

Housing Opportunities, Neighborhood Revitalization
Brockton tops in foreclosures in the state

August 11, 2009 | Enterprise News - Brockton,MA

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

The city had the highest rate in the state - 43.77 percent - of housing units in foreclosure at the beginning of July, according to the Massachusetts Housing Partnership and the Federal Reserve.

Health Care Access
Progressive Religious Groups Line Up Behind Obama On Health Care

August 11, 2009 | NPR

PICO National Network

Just hours after the Obama administration launched a website today to battle what it has called "wild rumors" about its health care initiative, a coalition of progressive religious leaders entered the increasingly bitter national argument over the overhaul being debated in Washington.

Health Care Access
Obama Taps Into Religious Network for Health Care

August 10, 2009 | Roll Call

PICO National Network

President Barack Obama plans to tap into a national religious network to advance his health care agenda with a telephone appearance on Aug. 19. A coalition of interfaith religious groups backing health care reform has launched a 40-day campaign targeting 100 Members of Congress with a variety of local faith-based events and landed Obama as the headliner for a telephone call-in event next week.

Health Care Access
Faith Leaders Taking on Health Care

August 10, 2009 | WLTX-Columbia, SC

PICO National Network

Faith leaders from around the country launched a push Monday to portray health care reform as a moral imperative. "This is no way for the most blessed country in the world to treat its most vulnerable citizens," said the Rev. John Hay, pastor of the West Morris Street Free Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Ind. "This is as much a crisis of faith as it is a crisis of health care. We just believe there is a better way for us to meet in the middle on some common ground to make sure everyone can access and afford health care."

Health Care Access
Health care ad features Indy pastor

August 10, 2009 | Indianapolis Star

PICO National Network

An Indianapolis evangelical leader is part of an effort launched by religious leaders today to push for health care reform as a moral imperative. "This is no way for the most blessed country in the world to treat its most vulnerable citizens," said the Rev. John Hay Jr., former senior pastor of West Morris Street Free Methodist Church. "This is as much a crisis of faith as it is a crisis of health care. We just believe there is a better way for us to meet in the middle on some common ground to make sure everyone can access and afford health care."

Health Care Access
LOCAL COPE REP TOUTS HEALTH CARE

August 10, 2009 | The Daily Iberian

Congregations Organizing People for Equality (COPE), PICO National Network

At the end of July, a local teacher got on a plane for the first time in 28 years to fly to Washington and advocate for health care reform.

Health Care Access
Religious Groups Plan 40-Day Campaign to Promote Health-Care Overhaul

August 10, 2009 | The Chronicle of Philanthropy

PICO National Network

A coalition of religious organizations announced today it is sponsoring a 40-day campaign to convince Congress and the public that providing affordable health insurance to all Americans is a moral imperative.

Health Care Access
Religious take health reform to web and pulpit

August 10, 2009 | National Catholic Reporter

PICO National Network

President Barack Obama will be participating in a national call-in and webcast with faith leaders next Wednesday night, August 19. The call is being sponsored by a network of faith-based groups including Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, Faith in Public Life, Sojourners, the National Council of Churches, and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

Health Care Access
Faith Groups to Help Obama on Health Care

August 10, 2009 | CBS News

PICO National Network

Having let his push for comprehensive health care refom become bogged down by confusion over the details of his plan, President Obama this month is turning to the religious community to rally support for the fundamental idea of expanding health care accessibility.

Health Care Access
Faith groups begin media blitz for health-care reform

August 10, 2009 | Associated Baptist Press

PICO National Network

President Obama will participate in a national call-in and audio webcast on health reform with religious leaders Aug. 19. Faith leaders made the announcement Aug. 10 in a conference call with reporters. It is one of several initiatives being rolled out by a coalition of faith-based groups trying to frame health care as a moral issue.

Health Care Access
Faith Community Joins Health Care Debate

August 10, 2009 | The National Journal

PICO National Network

Leaders of religious communities across the country are no longer content leaving health care reform to politicians. Through a call-in event with President Obama, television advertisements, prayer rallies, meetings with members of Congress and sermons, a coalition of faith-based organizations hopes to show that health care reform is a "profoundly moral issue," said Katie Paris, spokeswoman for the group.

Health Care Access
Health reform advocates fight back

August 10, 2009 | Boston Globe

Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

President Obama's allies are ramping up their efforts for healthcare overhaul as the battle moves full bore back into local congressional districts and out of Washington. Opponents of the healthcare bills being pushed by congressional Democrats have been raging at town hall meetings held by members of Congress, protests organized in part by conservative and business groups and cheered on by Republicans.

Health Care Access
Faith Leaders Campaign for Health Care Reform, Release TV Ad

August 10, 2009 | beliefnet

PICO National Network

A coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders has launched a national campaign for health care reform, calling it a "fundamental religious issue," in hopes of countering the vocal opposition exhibited at recent town hall meetings.

Immigration Reform
Immigrants tell their stories of fighting red tape

August 8, 2009 | San Jose Mercury News

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

Emotions were palpable Thursday night at San Jose's St. Patrick Proto-Cathedral, where hundreds of immigration reform advocates listened to testimonies from young, undocumented locals and reassurances from Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, that "the time for comprehensive immigration reform is now."

Health Care Access
Faithful push for action on health-care reform

August 8, 2009 | The Columbus Dispatch

PICO National Network

God wouldn't deny anyone a doctor, affordable medicine or any other medical needs, religious leaders are preaching in the midst of a nationwide debate about health-care reform. Faith groups are lobbying Congress and working to gain support among laypeople for a health-care system that offers affordable coverage to all, though they largely leave the specifics of how that would happen to the legislators.

Health Care Access
Religious Health Care Supporters Launching Campaign

August 7, 2009 | The Washington Post

PICO National Network

In the latest escalation of health care battle, faith leaders supporting the health care reform announced Friday morning that they're launching a major push that will include a TV ad campaign, nationwide prayer events and a "health care sermon weekend," rallies and call-ins to congress.

Health Care Access
Interfaith discussion on health reform gives timeliness top priority

August 4, 2009 | The Catholic Review

PICO National Network

The Rev. Drew Nettinga opened a prayer breakfast July 28 at the U.S. Capitol with a reminder to Congress that he and other people of faith will be vigilant and persistent on the issue of health care reform.

Health Care Access
Going into the August Recess, Health Reform is an Act of Faith

August 4, 2009 | ABC News

PICO National Network

Health Care Access
300 gather to pray for affordable health care

August 4, 2009 | Orange County Register

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO)

Vigil in Garden Grove addresses reform efforts.

Safe Neighborhoods, Youth Development
Advocates say teen center would reduce crime

August 3, 2009 | Mountain View Voice - Mountain View,CA

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

Gang violence and crime in general will be substantially reduced if the city opens a larger and better teen center -- that was the message put forth by a group of youth and their advocates at a community meeting last week.

Health Care Access
Fair healthcare cost focus of prayer vigil

August 3, 2009 | United Press International - USA

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO)

U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif., says measures under consideration in the Congress do not go far enough to achieve universal healthcare.

Health Care Access
Christians Weigh In On Health Care Reform

August 3, 2009 | Huffington Post - New York,NY

PICO National Network

Huffington Post blogger Rob Warmowski asked an important question about health care reform last week: Where are the Christians in this debate?

Health Care Access
Economy threatens health insurance coverage for California children

August 1, 2009 | eMaxHealth - Hickory,NC

PICO National Network

Up to 500 thousand children in California could lose their health insurance money because of California's $24 billion shortfall, including a $1.4 billion cut to Medi-Cal, the state's version of Medicaid.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Community groups ask for more responsible loans, mortgages

August 1, 2009 | Kansas City Star - MO

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

The American Dream shouldn't become a nightmare. So said Stevie Wakes, pastor of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kan. He was among several speakers at a Saturday meeting organized by grassroots community groups asking for more responsible loans, mortgages and other financial products.

Health Care Access
The faith factor

August 1, 2009 | Washington Times

PICO National Network

Look for the signs emblazoned "No recess for reform" and lots of "amens" Tuesday on Capitol Hill.

Health Care Access
Residents discuss health care at forum

July 31, 2009 | The Desert Sun - Palm Springs,CA

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

The national debate over health care made its way to Cathedral City this week, as Coachella Valley families discussed their experiences and medical needs with a lawmaker's representative.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Affordable housing is a social justice issue, speakers say

July 30, 2009 | Catholic Star Herald - Camden,NJ

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Here at St. Mary Parish Hall on Monday evening, July 20, a crowd numbering 100-plus gathered to hear about social justice issues affecting the community and how they could help, in the words of one of the presenters, "build the kingdom of God on Earth." The event, "Building Communities in Camden," is the second in a series of talks sponsored by St. Mary's Social Justice Ministry. The night focused on the current attempts to revitalize Camden City, including creating affordable housing.

Housing Opportunities, Safe Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Revitalization
Ugly House contest draws attention to serious problem

July 30, 2009 | Catholic Star Herald - Camden,NJ

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Pasted on the entrance doors of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Camden July 19 were 13 photos of "ugly" houses of Cramer Hill. Inside were cards with these instructions: "Vote for the Ugliest house in Cramer Hill. Since these houses have been in this condition for weeks, months, years, or in some cases decades, the \xe2\x80\x98winner' will be announced at a Public Award Ceremony Thursday, August 27, the Feast of St. Monica, the Patron Saint of Patience."

Families take case for health care to Rep. Bono Mack

July 29, 2009 | The Desert Sun - Palm Springs,CA

As the debate over health care continued in the House of Representatives, local families gathered Tuesday to hear the latest about the issue and make a plea to Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack that she push for health care reform.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Banks Asked to Ramp Up Loan Help

July 29, 2009 | The Washington Post

PICO National Network, San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

Senior administration officials pressed executives from the nation's largest banks Tuesday to speed help to distressed borrowers after a frustrating start to the government's foreclosure-prevention effort and set a goal of more than doubling the number of homeowners receiving aid by November.

Safe Neighborhoods, Youth Development, Neighborhood Revitalization
Teens step up call for youth center

July 29, 2009 | Mountain View Voice - Mountain View,CA

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

At a meeting Saturday, local youth and community members said their three-year campaign for a new teen center in Mountain View should be close to an end now that the city has bought a church on Escuela Avenue -- the perfect location for their long-sought teen center.

Housing Opportunities, Neighborhood Revitalization
Camden Group Searches For City's Ugliest House

July 29, 2009 | CBS 3 - Philadelphia,PA

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

A church organization is looking for the ugliest house in a Camden neighborhood. Camden Churches Organized for People says its anti-beauty contest is designed to call attention to the persistent problem of abandoned homes in a city that ranks as one of the nation's poorest.

Housing Opportunities, Neighborhood Revitalization
Ugliest-home contest focuses on city eyesores

July 29, 2009 | Cherry Hill Courier Post - Cherry Hill,NJ

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Call it an anti-beauty contest. St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Cramer Hill is asking residents to vote for the neighborhood's ugliest home.

Housing Opportunities, Neighborhood Revitalization
Ugly-house contest aims to draw attention to Camden's vacant-property problem

July 29, 2009 | Philadelphia Daily News

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

It was built by one of South Jersey's founding families and once served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Nowadays the large, brick colonial at 22nd Street and Wayne Avenue in Camden's Cramer Hill section is just plain ugly, a local church group says.

Civic Participation
Activists want law to seal criminal records sooner

July 28, 2009 | Enterprise News - Brockton,MA

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA)

Opponents of the state's practice of making information about someone's criminal past available to the public say the real punishment here doesn't begin until after a convicted offender has served his or her time.

Housing Opportunities
Challenging an eviction threat

July 28, 2009 | Socialist Worker Online - Chicago,IL

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

SAN FRANCISCO--Many of the residents of 2789 Harrison St. have lived there for over 20 years. Allen McCarthy, their new landlord, has owned the property for less than a year--and he wants them out.

Youth Development
Mountain View youth urge city to use church for teen center

July 27, 2009 | San Jose Mercury News

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

After campaigning almost three years for a new Teen Center in Mountain View, a local youth group has its sights set on an Escuela Avenue church.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Ben Bernanke says Fed didn't act quickly enough to stop reckless mortgage lending

July 27, 2009 | Los Angeles Times

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

Reporting from Kansas City, Mo. -- After taking a pounding in Congress over the economic crisis and the multibillion-dollar bailout of ailing financial firms, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke went to Middle America to try to explain the central bank's actions and shore up its bruised image.

Safe Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Revitalization
San Bernardino's plan for an impound lot is in for a fight

July 27, 2009 | The Press-Enterprise, Riverside, CA

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

From tow company operators collecting money for a possible legal fight to vehicle owners who thronged a San Bernardino City Council committee meeting this week, opposition to a city-operated impound yard is growing.

Health Care Access
Pulling Together on Health Care

July 25, 2009 | Washington Post

PICO National Network

Some community organizations and national faith groups are joining forces and setting aside differences to promote congressional action on what they consider a moral imperative.

Civic Participation
Brockton Finance Committee recommends legislation to freeze mayor's salary

July 22, 2009 | Wicked-Local Brockton

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

The Finance Committee this week recommended that a bill to freeze the mayor's salary be sent to the state Legislature. The full City Council will vote on the recommendation on Monday. State lawmakers have to approve a home-rule petition for the city to adopt the salary freeze.

Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement, Youth Development, Neighborhood Revitalization
Flint mayoral candidates Brenda Clack, Dayne Walling talk deadlines at FACT forum

July 20, 2009 | The Flint Journal

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

Tonight's Flint mayoral forum sponsored by Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT) centered around asking each candidate to accomplish certain goals within the first 45-60 days of his or her administration.

Safe Neighborhoods
Flint mayoral candidates talk master plan, public safety

July 20, 2009 | NBC 25-Mid-Michigan

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

Mayoral candidates Dayne Walling and County Commissioner Brenda Clack took on a select set of issues at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Downtown Flint Monday evening.

Health Care Access
Anti-tax protesters rally outside Eshoo's office

July 20, 2009 | Mountain View Voice - Mountain View,CA

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

Carrying American flags, picket signs and at times bugling patriotic songs, members of the anti-tax group called the "Tea Party Patriots" picketed outside U.S. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo's Palo Alto office on Friday as part of a nationwide campaign against health care reform.

Health Care Access
Protesters rally outside office of Anna Eshoo

July 20, 2009 | Palo Alto Weekly News

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

Carrying American flags, picket signs and at times bugling patriotic songs, members of the grassroots group the Tea Party Patriots picketed outside U.S. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo's office Friday as part of a nationwide campaign against health care reform.

Housing Opportunities
Brockton Interfaith group to push for foreclosure protections

July 20, 2009 | Wicked Local Brockton

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

The Brockton Interfaith Community will push for home-rule legislation to stem foreclosures at tonight's finance committee meeting of the City Council.

Safe Neighborhoods
Local programs may be threatened by anti-gang grant cuts

July 19, 2009 | The Metrowest Daily News

MetroWest Interfaith Congregations Acting for Hope (MICAH)

A 50 percent cut in funding for state anti-gang grants could threaten local programs that aim to get kids off the streets and into boxing leagues, mentoring programs, ropes courses and other positive activities.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Fed urged to do more to protect homeowners

July 19, 2009 | The Buffalo News

PICO National Network

Consumer advocates nationwide are calling on lawmakers and regulators, especially the Federal Reserve, to strengthen a pair of decades-old laws governing lending in low-income and minority communities.

Health Care Access, Immigration Reform
Faith group to hold meeting on health care, immigration

July 17, 2009 | Palo Alto Daily News

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

More than 400 people are expected to gather today to urge local elected officials to work toward lowering health care costs and achieving immigration reform.

Health Care Access, Immigration Reform
Faith groups take up immigration, health issues

July 17, 2009 | Palo Alto Weekly

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

Yvette Jimenez-Mota, 17, an American citizen and the daughter of undocumented immigrant parents, says she understands that the United States must protect its borders. "I do agree about border security and people committing crimes and they shouldn't be here," she said.

School Improvement
New Oakland schools superintendent gets started

July 15, 2009 | The Oakland Tribune

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Tony Smith, the new superintendent of Oakland's public schools, scanned the play yard at Glenview Elementary during a tour of its summer program. A black business suit draped over his tall, broad-shouldered frame, he walked up to a group of children sitting on the asphalt and lowered himself to the ground.

Health Care Access
Dent shows he cares about constituents

July 15, 2009 | Allentown-The Morning Times

Congregations United for Neighborhood Action (CUNA)

On behalf of Congregations United for Neighborhood Action, I would like to thank U.S. Rep. Charles Dent for meeting on July 6 with 30 people who gathered at Zion's Liberty Bell Church to discuss comprehensive health care reform.

Youth Development
Stimulus is swell, but youth advocates still worry

July 12, 2009 | The Boston Herald

Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

Despite a burst of federal stimulus funding aimed at salvaging summer jobs, youth advocates remain fearful that other programs designed to keep teenagers safe will suffer from ongoing budget cuts. "The stimulus money is helpful, but it will mostly be done this summer," said Lewis Finfer, director of the Massachusetts Communities Action Network.

Health Care Access
Faith Groups Engage on Reform

July 8, 2009 | The Washington Post

PICO National Network

Members of Jewish, Muslim and Christian denominations gathered yesterday for a "Religious Leaders Health Care Summit" on Capitol Hill hosted by the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, The National Coalition on Health Care and Families USA.

Immigration Reform
San Mateo County clergy helping undocumented families stay together

July 8, 2009 | San Mateo County Times

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA), PICO National Network

vette Jimenez and her five siblings lost their father in December after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested him outside their home and deported him to Mexico. The kids, living in a family shelter with their undocumented mother, are scared she will be taken away, too.

Pastor pushes health plans

July 7, 2009 | South Jersey Courier Post

PICO National Network

A Camden minister spoke out during a national phone-in press conference on Monday to stress the importance of getting more eligible children signed up for federally funded health insurance -- and to urge groups to seek new federal grant money for community outreach.

School Improvement
Faith-based group returns from California

July 7, 2009 | ABC WJRT-TV Mid-Michigan

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

Members of the Flint Area Congregations Together group, or FACT, visited three school districts looking for ideas to bring back to Flint Community Schools.

Safe Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods can affect children's health

July 7, 2009 | Palo Alto Daily News

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

There is no shortage of obstacles when it comes to raising healthy, active children. A healthy diet and exercise is overwhelmed by the Internet, sugary drinks, fast food, and our fast-paced lives. Now, leading pediatricians are pointing a finger at the design of our neighborhoods as another impediment to raising healthy children.

Health Care Access
Religious Leaders Voice Support of Health Overhaul

July 6, 2009 | Congressional Quarterly

PICO National Network

The health care debate extended to Christian radio stations in several key states during the July Fourth congressional recess, as a coalition of community organizing networks and national religious advocacy groups released ads urging senators to support health care overhaul.

Health Care Access
Make care available to those in need

July 5, 2009 | Camden Courier-Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), PICO National Network

This month, as Congress releases preliminary versions of health care reform legislation, families around the country are watching anxiously hoping that reform actually translates into better, more affordable and accessible coverage.

School Improvement
Flint school improvement group sees signs of hope in California

July 4, 2009 | The Flint Journal

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

The members of Flint Area Congregations Together, a grassroots group dedicated to improving Flint's schools, found some encouraging information on their first fact-finding trip: Grassroots efforts can make a difference.

Health Care Access
Health care for all push

July 3, 2009 | Denver Daily News

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

Longmont resident Ira Chernus will soon need to raise $12,000 per year to cover the cost of prescription drugs needed to stabilize the chronic medical conditions experienced by his two young adult children.

Health Care Access
Faithful pitch in on health care

July 3, 2009 | The Denver Post

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), PICO National Network

A national coalition of liberal faith groups is pushing for "affordable health care for all families" through a radio ad campaign this week in Colorado and four other states.

Health Care Access
Bennet engages religious leaders in health-care debate

July 3, 2009 | The Colorado Independent

PICO National Network

As members of Congress return to their states for the July Fourth recess, national health care reform, one of the thorniest of the thorny legislative initiatives lawmakers are grappling with this term, brought U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet to a Thursday night discussion hosted by Rev. Bill Calhoun at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church in Denver.

Health Care Access
Bennet Talking Health Reform At Church

July 2, 2009 | Associated Press

PICO National Network

Sen. Michael Bennet is headed to a Presbyterian church in Denver to talk about health care reform with a pastor pushing for change.

Economic Security, Neighborhood Revitalization
MICAH wins campaign to boost town revenues

July 2, 2009 | Wicked Local Sudbury

MetroWest Interfaith Congregations Acting for Hope (MICAH)

MICAH, the Metropolitan Interfaith Congregations Acting for Hope, a Metrowest community improvement organization, won its campaign to boost town revenues across Metrowest and the state when Governor Deval Patrick signed into law a budget that allows towns to collect property taxes from Verizon telephone poles and allow towns the local option to increase the rooms and meals tax.

Health Care Access
Ad Update: Religious Groups Back Reform, Unions Target Senators' Tax Plans

July 2, 2009 | Medical News Today

PICO National Network

"Labor unions are showing their increasing displeasure over [health reform] financing proposals that target their healthcare benefits by launching attack ads against key lawmakers, causing the Senate's leading advocate of taxing such benefits to seek an end to one especially aggressive campaign," Congress Daily reports.

Health Care Access
Clergy now pushing for health care reform bill

July 2, 2009 | The Herald-Sun, Durham North Carolina

PICO National Network

Pastors are trying to get the word out about the need for affordable health care. Clergy in five states are taking to the radio airwaves now through Saturday in a plea to their senators to pass health care reform.

Health Care Access
Ad Update: Religious Groups Back Reform, Unions Target Senators' Tax Plans

July 1, 2009 | Kaiser Health News

PICO National Network

"Labor unions are showing their increasing displeasure over [health reform] financing proposals that target their healthcare benefits by launching attack ads against key lawmakers, causing the Senate's leading advocate of taxing such benefits to seek an end to one especially aggressive campaign," Congress Daily reports.

ELCA Pastor, Others Speak Out on Health Care Reform

July 1, 2009 | ELCA News Service

During the Fourth of July congressional recess, a faith-based ad campaign will launch nationally to address the need for health care reform. The campaign includes airing radio ads featuring local pastors June 30 to July 4 in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Nebraska and North Carolina, as well as meetings with members of Congress and building a grassroots movement to raise awareness of health care issues.

Health Care Access
Wal-Mart, union back health item In letter to Obama, they say employers should provide workers coverage

July 1, 2009 | Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

PICO National Network

Meanwhile, an array of interest groups are broadcasting commercials aimed at affecting the debate. In Arkansas, a coalition of religious leaders is running a round of radio spots calling for senators to support legislation "that makes quality health-care choices affordable for all families."

Health Care Access
Stockton crowd calls for health reform

July 1, 2009 | Stockton Record

People and Congregations Together (PACT Stockton)

They came to ensure their voices are heard, their words are read, their message is clear: America's health care system is in crisis. On that point, they could all agree.

Health Care Access
HEALTH REFORM: Faith Based Groups: "America Can Do Better"

July 1, 2009 | New America Foundation-The New Health Dialogue Blog

PICO National Network

Industry groups may be holding their ad fireworks until after the Fourth of July, but a coalition of a faith-based groups will take to the airwaves this Independence Day weekend with ads presenting health care reform as a moral and ethical imperative.

Health Care Access
Preaching for health reform

July 1, 2009 | Arkansas Times

PICO National Network

Church leaders, including Episcopal deacon Joyce Hardy of Little Rock, will speak up for health care reform in ads placed on Christian and mainstream radio stations over the Independence Day congressional recess.

Health Care Access
Jesus and Health Care

June 30, 2009 | CBN

PICO National Network

Health Care Access
Faith leaders use radio ad campaign to urge health care reform

June 30, 2009 | Episcopal News Service

PICO National Network

The Ven. Joyce Hardy, archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas and member of the Episcopal Church's Executive Council, has joined other faith leaders in launching a local radio ad campaign in support of the more than 50 million Americans who cannot afford adequate health care.

Health Care Access
For affordable health care

June 30, 2009 | The Raleigh News & Observer

PICO National Network

Faith-based organizations are targeting U.S. Sens. Kay Hagan and Richard Burr during the Fourth of July weekend.

Health Care Access
Liberal pastors push healthcare overhaul

June 30, 2009 | The Boston Globe

PICO National Network

With members of Congress back home this week for the July Fourth recess, left-leaning religious groups today announced a series of radio ads promoting the moral argument for a healthcare overhaul.

Health Care Access
Pastors push affordable health care

June 30, 2009 | Presbyterian news Service

PICO National Network

More than 600 pastors from across the country -- including a score of Presbyterians -- have launched a radio advertising campaign in five key states to advocate for affordable health care for all U.S. families.

Health Care Access
U.S. faith groups push for healthcare reform

June 30, 2009 | Reuters

PICO National Network

A coalition of progressive U.S. faith groups and pastors has launched a push for affordable health care reform, an effort they say is rooted in a "scriptural call to act."

Health Care Access
Pastors push healthcare overhaul

June 30, 2009 | Boston Globe

PICO National Network

With members of Congress back home this week for the July Fourth recess, left-leaning religious groups today announced a series of radio ads promoting the moral argument for a healthcare overhaul.

Health Care Access
A Faith-Based Push For Health Care

June 30, 2009 | The Atlantic

PICO National Network

A coalition of progressively minded faith-based groups is waging a campaign to support health care reform (which launched in May), and it's put out a series of new ads that will air on Christian radio today through July 4, targeting senators in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Nebraska, and North Carolina--states belonging loosely to the Bible belt whose moderate senators often cast swing votes in the upper chamber--as they return home for Congress's July 4 recess.

Health Care Access
Denver pastor pushes health reform

June 30, 2009 | Fox Channel 31-Denver, CO

PICO National Network

A Denver pastor is lobbying for health care reforms and asking Congress to expand access to health care.

Health Care Access
Prophet Isaiah Weighs in for Health Care Reform

June 30, 2009 | Beliefnet

PICO National Network

In 1993, religious groups were an insignificant part of the health care reform debate. This time groups like the Family Research Council are weighing in hard against, while progressive religious folks are working hard to generate grassroots support for health care reform.

Health Care Access
New Ads Use Book of Isaiah and Local Pastors to Sell Healthcare Reform

June 30, 2009 | U.S. News & World Report

PICO National Network

A week after a left-leaning faith group enlisted a Franciscan sister to sell the climate bill on the Indiana radio waves, another progressive faith outfit is using the Bible's Book of Isaiah to sell healthcare reform in other red states.

Health Care Access
Religious Groups' Radio Ads Back Health Overhaul

June 30, 2009 | AP

PICO National Network

Liberal-leaning religious groups are launching radio ads in five states this week in which local pastors urge senators to back efforts to overhaul the nation's health care system.

Health Care Access
Faith groups targeting N.C. senators

June 30, 2009 | The News & Observer-Raleigh. NC

PICO National Network

Faith-based organizations are targeting U.S. Sens. Kay Hagan and Richard Burr during the Fourth of July weekend.

Other Issues
Nancy Ly: U.S. must honor, protect Hmong veterans

June 28, 2009 | The Sacramento Bee

PICO California

Hanging on the wall in the living room of my parents' south Sacramento home is a black-and-white photo of my father dressed in army fatigues. He does not look much older than 19 in the picture, but by the time the photo was taken, my father had already been fighting for the United States in the Vietnam War for several years.

Health Care Access
Health care reform rally set for Tuesday

June 26, 2009 | The Daily Item of Lynn - Boston,MA

Essex County Community Organization (ECCO)

LYNN - Grassroots community organizations in Lynn plan to rally for health care reform Tuesday hoping to spotlight health insurance companies that make huge profits while fighting against change.

School Improvement
Community, Educators Plan City's First Public Charter School

June 25, 2009 | The Berkeley Daily Planet

Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA)

A pastor, a couple of community organizers and a group of parents, educators and students met at The Way Christian Center in Berkeley recently to discuss plans for a new charter school in the city.

Health Care Access
Health care reform rally set for Tuesday

June 25, 2009 | The Daily Item

Essex County Community Organization (ECCO)

Grassroots community organizations in Lynn plan to rally for health care reform Tuesday hoping to spotlight health insurance companies that make huge profits while fighting against change.

School Improvement
Flint Area Congregations Together report from the field of first education research trip

June 23, 2009 | The Flint Journal

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

A group of 15 representatives from Flint Area Congregations Together recently returned from the first of many trips to school districts around the country, and so far group members say they're learning.

School Improvement
Will New Schools Help Achievement?

June 23, 2009 | The Denver Daily News

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

Following the release of an independent report claiming that Denver Public Schools are failing its students, the embattled school system is hoping that 10 new schools will help turn things around. Superintendent Tom Boasberg has acknowledged that the Denver Public School (DPS) system has "a long way to go" towards improving student achievement levels, according to DPS spokesman Alex Sanchez. Sanchez said that the 10 schools that will result from the new school applications could help close the achievement gap.

Economic Security, Immigration Reform
Chasing their DREAMs

June 23, 2009 | The Denver Daily News

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

A seventh-grade Denver charter school student says Congress needs to pass comprehensive immigration reform so that he can follow his dreams.

Economic Security
Council Urges State To Not Take Local Funds

June 23, 2009 | San Diego Channel 10 News

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

The City Council joined Mayor Jerry Sanders Tuesday in urging state legislators to keep their hands off revenues slated for San Diego to offset California's budget shortfall.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security, Neighborhood Revitalization
Brockton council to vote $311.5 million budget with only one cut

June 22, 2009 | Wicked Local Brockton

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

The City Council is set to approve the next budget tonight, cutting just $100,000 from the $311.5 million recommended by the mayor. For the second year in a row, the $100,000 would be cut from the 21st Century Corp. budget of $250,000, if the council follows the recommendation of the Finance Committee, a subcommittee comprised completely of city councilors.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Fed Seeks Feedback in Forums on Crisis, Hears of Lost \xe2\x80\x98Dream'

June 19, 2009 | Bloomberg News

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

The Federal Reserve is seeking public feedback on its unprecedented efforts to end the worst economic crisis in decades, dispatching officials to forums where they are hearing personal tales of financial destruction.

Safe Neighborhoods
Community members demand passing drivers slow down, stop

June 19, 2009 | The Desert Sun-Palm Springs, CA

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Stop signs aren't enough to slow down some drivers in Cathedral City's Dream Homes neighborhood. "What happened to the stop?" Margarita Garcia yelled as a car sped by her Thursday. Garcia was among a group of about five people who stood at a corner of the San Luis Rey and Santa Barbara drives intersection, protesting and rallying drivers to come to a complete stop at the stop signs.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Federal Reserve officials tour foreclosures in Richmond

June 18, 2009 | KALW News

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

Last week, Federal Reserve officials from Washington DC and San Francisco visited the city of Richmond, to see what the economic devastation of the foreclosure crisis really looks like. KALW's Angela Kilduff reports.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Bus service not likely soon for Tilley Drive

June 17, 2009 | Burlington Free Press

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

Bus service is unlikely to reach Fletcher Allen's satellite medical facilities on Tilley Drive in South Burlington anytime soon, panelists agreed Tuesday night at a health-care forum in Burlington. For the foreseeable future, elderly patients and others without transportation options will rely on volunteer drivers and cabs -- or walk a half-mile stretch of Hinesburg Road from the nearest bus stop, a stretch that has no sidewalk.

School Improvement
Study: Denver schools lagging

June 16, 2009 | Denver Post

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

Local education-related agencies on Monday released a report illustrating in stark terms what they see as the trouble with Denver schools. The report draws conclusions they say should be used as a "rallying cry of everybody in Denver" to demand reforms.

School Improvement
Research project will take group across country

June 16, 2009 | WJRT-ABC 12 (Flint, MI)

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

Flint's faith-based community is tackling a new challenge: the city's schools. Members of the Flint Area Congregations Together group, also known as FACT, Monday kicked off a research project that will take them across the country.

Economic Security, Neighborhood Revitalization
BIC unhappy with meeting about closed Shaw's in Brockton

June 12, 2009 | Wicked Local Brockton

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

The Brockton Interfaith Community is not giving up its fight for a supermarket on the city's south side. Shaw's closed its grocery store on the Brockton-West Bridgewater line in February, and the property remains vacant. "For now, we have to band together and do our homework," said Maria Vicente, who found the location convenient.

Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement
Nonprofit group battles teen bullying

June 12, 2009 | San Diego Union-Tribune

Faith Works North San Diego County

When Salvador Meza entered sixth grade at Lincoln Middle School in Oceanside, a teacher told him to use a locker in the section for eighth-graders. One of those eighth-graders made his life miserable through intimidation and daily threats.

Housing Opportunities
Rally Seeks Help for Homeowners

June 12, 2009 | San Diego Union-Tribune

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

Rallying in front of the downtown federal building, a group of community organizations yesterday complained that banks have accepted billions of dollars in federal bailout money without providing meaningful help to people who face foreclosure.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Brockton group presses Shaw's for answers to need for market

June 11, 2009 | The Enterprise-Brockton, MA

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

South Side residents have not given up on a supermarket in their neighborhood. Leaders of Trinity Baptist Church are meeting Friday with a representative of Shaw's Supermarkets, hoping to learn more about efforts to fill the space the company left vacant when the store closed in February and if more transportation can be provided to one of the other Shaw's in the city.

Health Care Access
The Rev. Jerry Brown: Affordability standard important to any health care plan

June 10, 2009 | Contra Costa Times

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

I'M WRITING TO you about health care reform on behalf of CCISCO-Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization. Members of our congregations frequently talk with us about their struggles to afford health care coverage and we feel that it is important to have their voices included in this debate.

Immigration Reform
Fighting for Immigration Reform

June 10, 2009 | ABC-30 KFSN-TV Fresno, CA

Faith in Community

More than a hundred people gathered in Northwest Fresno Sunday night ... all fighting for immigration reform. Sunday's service was organized by Faith in Community ... a group of religious activists. They want the stories of Valley immigrants to be heard all the way in Washington DC.

Housing Opportunities
Affordable Housing Advocates Face Anaheim City Council

June 10, 2009 | Orange County Weekly

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO)

The Anaheim City Council, led by Mayor Curt Pringle, loves to crow about the luxury housing that has and (someday) will continue to pop up within and around the Platinum Triangle, the fabled area near Angel Stadium, Honda Center and the Grove of Anaheim that the city envisions blending "leading-edge business, high-salary employment, world champion entertainment and exciting residential neighborhoods, creating a unique opportunity in the heart of Orange County."

Health Care Access
Critics: Children will bear brunt of state budget cuts

June 4, 2009 | San Diego Union Tribune

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

"More children than can fit into Qualcomm Stadium are about to lose their health coverage," said Gloria Cooper of Antioch Church of God and Christ said outside the Family Health Centers of San Diego, North Park Pediatric Clinic.

Health Care Access
A million California children could lose health care

June 4, 2009 | San Diego News Network

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

Leaders of San Diego Organizing Project, Family Health Centers of San Diego and local churches said if Schwarzenegger's Plan B proposal was approved, nearly one million children could lose health care coverage.

Health Care Access
Opinion: Reform must address costs

June 4, 2009 | Baton Rouge Advocate

PICO National Network, Working Interfaith Network (WIN)

In radio ads airing this week here in Louisiana and across Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Missouri and Nebraska -- states where members of Congress will likely determine the fate of health-care reform -- pastors are reminding our elected officials that making health care affordable is a profound moral issue because every human life is sacred.

Other Issues
Four Florida groups unite in federation for social justice

June 1, 2009 | The Florida Catholic

Affliliated Congregations to Improve our Neighborhoods (ACTION Network), Congregations for Community Action (CCA), Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS), PICO National Network

Florida has four faith-based community groups that work for social justice as part of People Improving Communities Through Organizing, better known as the PICO National Network.

School Improvement
New Bedford schools chief meets with interfaith group

May 28, 2009 | New Bedford Standard Times

United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA)

More than 100 people packed into the basement of Our Lady of Assumption Church for Wednesday's United Interfaith Action Committee meeting that featured a presentation on the school budget by School Superintendent Dr. Portia Bonner, as well as UIA proposals to reduce the dropout rate and increase the number of students going on to higher education.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Forum tackles local issues of bias, hardship

May 28, 2009 | Boston Globe

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

Drums banged. Noisemakers clanked. And hundreds clapped and celebrated as one, promising to stand together to transform this "city of fear" into one of hope.

Health Care Access
Faith-based groups push for health-care reform

May 28, 2009 | Associated Baptist Press

PICO National Network

Ads airing on Christian and mainstream radio stations in several states are attempting to frame health care as a moral issue.

Health Care Access
Dems, GOP to address health care

May 26, 2009 | Politico

PICO National Network

And representing a new voice in the debate, a coalition of progressive faith groups is running a series of radio spots in key congressional districts that feature local pastors talking about the need for a health care fix.

Health Care Access
News ads ramp up battle on health reform

May 25, 2009 | Washington Times

PICO National Network

Interest groups are using Congress' Memorial Day recess to step up their role in the debate over health care reform with new television ads and media campaigns in several states.

Health Care Access
Clergy mobilize for stronger faith-based voice in health care debate

May 23, 2009 | Georgia Bulletin

PICO National Network

Catholic and Protestant clergy are taking to the radio airwaves and to their pulpits in an effort to bring a stronger faith-based voice to the ongoing discussions in Congress on health care reform.

Health Care Access
Local minister part of radio campaign

May 23, 2009 | Baton Rouge Advocate

PICO National Network, Working Interfaith Network (WIN)

The debate over health-care reform is taking on a spiritual tone this weekend with an interfaith radio campaign in several states, including Louisiana.

Health Care Access
Senators: Odds good for health-care accord

May 23, 2009 | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

PICO National Network

In addition, a coalition of religious leaders from seven states, including Arkansas, kicked off a radio advertising campaign stressing the need to make health care affordable and accessible to all Americans.

Economic Security
My Turn: Let's not abandon our Vt. values

May 23, 2009 | Burlington Free Press

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

I've learned a lot (this is an understatement) during my first term as a state legislator. One thing I learned is how enormously complicated and difficult is this thing called the state budget. It turns out that the clergy representing Vermont Interfaith Action who came to talk to the governor this spring were right: A budget is a moral document.

Civic Participation
Black, white East Bay churches meld in worship

May 23, 2009 | San Francisco Chronicle

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

The Rev. George Cummings looked out over his congregation in the Laurel District of Oakland and saw white faces sitting next to black ones. Piedmonters sat next to Oaklanders. One of the most intractable racial divides in America - the self-segregation of churches - was being bridged before his eyes.

Health Care Access
Christian ads urge health care reform

May 22, 2009 | Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

PICO National Network

A faith-based Christian radio ad campaign launching today in seven so-called swing states, including Indiana, is advocating health care changes on moral grounds.

Health Care Access
Christian radio ads pushing universal healthcare harnesses local faith-based influence

May 22, 2009 | U.S. News & World Report

PICO National Network

A coalition of liberal faith groups is up with a new Christian radio ad today promoting universal healthcare coverage.

Health Care Access
Clergy advocate health reform

May 22, 2009 | WorldMag.com Blog

PICO National Network

Obama is urging comprehensive health care reform by the end of the year, and a national network of clergy is doing the same. The group is starting a nationwide campaign to advocate for health care reform, buying radio ads featuring local clergy and airing them in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri and Nebraska.

Health Care Access
Faith-based campaign

May 22, 2009 | Kaiser Network Capitol Hill Watch

PICO National Network

Faith-based groups Faithful America and Cover All Families have launched a campaign on Christian radio stations advocating for health care reform, the Wall Street Journal's "Washington Wire" reports.

Health Care Access
Moral reasons for health care reform

May 22, 2009 | National Catholic Reporter

PICO National Network

The radio ads, which can be found here, will be playing on Christian and mainstream radio station in swing districts. Radio listeners in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri and Nebraska will soon hear that "every person, created in the image of God, is of limitless value."

Health Care Access
Pastors launch national campaign for health care reform

May 22, 2009 | Christian Post

PICO National Network

Local pastors from around the country launched a national campaign Thursday to pressure Congress into quickly finding a way to make health care affordable for every American family.

Health Care Access
Pastors push for health care reform

May 22, 2009 | Tikkun

PICO National Network

The Religious Left is alive and kicking! The latest evidence? A group of pastors and priests have launched a national radio ad campaign calling on the government to ensure affordable health care for all.

Health Care Access
Advocating for Health Care: On the Air and On the Ground

May 21, 2009 | Faith in Public Life Blog

PICO National Network

Ads running on Christian radio feature local clergy in key states--Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri and Nebraska-- complement hundreds of events in local congregations across the country, including public meetings with Members of Congress, and other local and national lobbying efforts.

Health Care Access
Christian Groups launch Ad Campaign Pushing Health Reform

May 21, 2009 | Washington Post

PICO National Network

A coalition of Christian groups are launching a radio ad campaign in southern and Midwestern states calling for bipartisan cooperation in passing affordable health care reform.

Health Care Access
Democrats seek God as Ally in Health Care Debate

May 21, 2009 | Wall Street Journal - Washington Wire

PICO National Network

The somewhat left-leaning group and a new similarly progressive organization, Cover All Families, have launched a campaign on Christian radio that says supporting health care reform is nothing less than God's work.

Health Care Access
New frontier in faith-based activism -- affordable health care

May 21, 2009 | Indianapolis Star

PICO National Network

Rev. John Hay Jr. says his West Morris Street Free Methodist Church in Indianapolis has long had conservative political tendencies. But when it comes to the current debate over health care reform, Hay, at left, says both he and his church are seeing the need for an atypical position for conservatives -- a greater government role in health care.

Health Care Access
Progressive faith groups advertise on Christian radio

May 21, 2009 | Washington Post

PICO National Network

Christian radio sure has been hearing a lot from liberal- and progressive-backed groups lately.

Health Care Access
Christian leaders for health care

May 20, 2009 | Colorado-Springs Gazette

PICO National Network

Pastors from across America, including one from Colorado, will hold a telephone press conference Thursday to talk about a Christian grassroots campaign for healthcare reform.

Economic Security, Safe Neighborhoods
Mayor to meet with East San Jose residents on concerns about foreclosures, policing

May 20, 2009 | San Jose Mercury News

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed will meet Thursday with residents frustrated over what they consider deteriorating quality of life brought on by budget deficits and neglect of the city's more impoverished neighborhoods.

Health Care Access
Faith Groups Get Involved In Health Care

May 19, 2009 | The Atlantic Online

PICO National Network

As a wide array of businesses, interest groups, and unions speak up on health care with reform efforts moving forward, so too are faith groups: a coalition of progressive and community-organizing-oriented religious groups will run ads on Christian radio starting Thursday (running through next week) in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri and Nebraska and will hold events with congregations nationwide

Economic Security
State senators launch closed-door revenue debate

May 18, 2009 | Arlington Advocate

Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

Massachusetts Communities Action Network head Lew Finfer said Monday that passing an income tax would be "more fair" than the sales tax proposal already passed by the House, but that "any of the options being discussed would be positive."

Neighborhood Revitalization
Program to fix up homes in last phase

May 16, 2009 | Camden Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

State, local and church officials Friday announced the third and final phase of a program that grants forgivable loans to Camden residents looking to fix up their places.

Safe Neighborhoods, Youth Development
Senate bill cuts about $29m from youth violence programs

May 14, 2009 | Boston Globe

Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

In a move that stunned and worried youth advocates, the Senate Ways and Means Committee approved a state budget yesterday that would gut nearly all money for programs aimed at reducing urban youth violence.

Housing Opportunities
Peaking unemployment becoming major factor in foreclosures

May 11, 2009 | Patriot Ledger

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

There were more foreclosures in Massachusetts in March than in February, according to a recent report in the business publication Banker & Tradesman. However, foreclosures in Massachusetts were down March compared to the same month last year, the newspaper said.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Vacant city lots transform into family-tended gardens

May 11, 2009 | Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

Health Care Access
Health care that's affordable, too

May 8, 2009 | Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Reform Blog

PICO National Network

As the pastor of a church in Louisiana, I often receive phone calls from church members who are in the hospital. When the mother of Connie, one of our members, went in for knee replacement surgery, I wasn't surprised when she called me up. But I was surprised when Connie said she wasn't calling to ask for prayers for her mom.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Brockton Interfaith Community organizes meeting on closing of Shaw's south end supermarket

May 7, 2009 | Enterprise News

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

Safe Neighborhoods
Residents worry for their safety

May 7, 2009 | Boston Globe

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC)

Housing Opportunities
North Long Beach Foreclosure Forum in Saturday

May 6, 2009 | Long Beach Press-Telegram

Greater Long Beach Interfaith Community Organization (ICO)

Long Beach. St. Athanasius Catholic Church, a member congregation of Greater Long Beach Interfaith Community Organization, is hosting a foreclosure forum. U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson and City Councilman Val Lerch are scheduled to attend, as are state of California and Los Angeles County officials, to answer questions on what is being done to slow the foreclosure rate and protect struggling homeowners.

Economic Security
State expands help for bettors

May 3, 2009 | Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT)

A top California gambling official told 300 Southeast Asians on Saturday that services for problem gamblers in their native languages could be in place by September.

Economic Security
Forum aims to help Southeast Asians addicted to gambling

May 1, 2009 | Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT)

More than 200 Southeast Asians are scheduled to rally at Luther Burbank High School Saturday morning to end problem gambling in their communities.

Civic Participation
Roman Catholics lobby for the disadvantaged in state Capitol

April 29, 2009 | San Mateo County Times

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

Leticia Medina, a San Francisco resident with the San Francisco Organizing Project, wasn't a stranger to Catholic Lobby Day. She knew to approach her local representatives - Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and state Sens. Mark Leno and Leland Yee - as if "they owe you something."

Civic Participation
Faith-based group serious about change

April 26, 2009 | Florida Today

Congregations for Community Action (CCA)

I met some local community organizers last week who are the real deal, at an under-the-radar breakfast hosted at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Indialantic for a group called Congregations for Community Action. They weren't dressed in costumes, they weren't angry, and they had no big media groups backing them. They were just faith-filled people doggedly determined to better their neighborhoods, towns and state through unpaid activism.

School Improvement
Small Schools - "Building a Districtwide Small Schools Movement"

April 23, 2009 | Education Week

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

A new report examines the history and impact of an effort to create smaller schools in the 43,000-student Oakland, Calif., school district. The report concludes that small schools, created with the backing of advocacy groups in the city, have shown stronger academic performance, better school climate, and an improvement in how teachers view their schools' professional culture, compared with larger schools studied over the same period.

Safe Neighborhoods, Youth Development
Community leaders call on state Legislature to save Shannon Grant

April 22, 2009 | South Coast Today

United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA)

NEW BEDFORD - Despite the huge deficits facing lawmakers, local community leaders are calling on the state Legislature to save the Shannon grant that pays for various gang and violence prevention programs.

Clergy, laity lobby on behalf of kids without health care

April 21, 2009 | Word & Way

JEFFERSON CITY - Clergy and lay leaders representing a variety of denominations and religious organizations gathered at the Missouri Capitol on April 16 to address what they say is a moral imperative to provide health care for the state's poorest children. Clergy and organization leaders met for a roundtable discussion while congregants learned how to engage legislators on the issue. The event was sponsored by Communities Creating Oppor\xc2\xadtunity (CCO.org) , a faith-based organization designed to build relationships, develop strong leaders and improve communities.

Economic Security, Safe Neighborhoods
Mass. House Budget Proposal Slashes Local Aid

April 16, 2009 | WBUR 90.9

Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN)

BOSTON - The scope of state spending is shrinking again. A House budget proposal released Wednesday slashes state aid to cities and towns, public health prevention initiatives, home care for the elderly and ends state funding for 55 programs.

Civic Participation
Community Organizing never looked so good

April 12, 2009 | New York Times

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), PICO National Network, San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

QUINN RALLINS, 23, graduated magna cum laude last year from Morehouse College with a dual major in international studies and Spanish. This spring, Mr. Rallins is finishing his master's degree in comparative social policy at Oxford. His next step? Top financial and technology companies and nonprofit groups have expressed interest in hiring him. Even in this economy, he has options. But Mr. Rallins wants to be a community organizer - just like the world's most famous one, Barack Obama.

Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement
San Jose dropouts cost community millions

April 10, 2009 | San Jose Mercury News

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

Kids dropping out of San Jose schools in just one year may go on to commit 534 violent crimes a year and suffer $200 million in lost wages over their lifetimes, in addition to costing the community millions in health care costs and lost productivity, according to a new study released Thursday.

Safe Neighborhoods, School Improvement
Fewer dropouts could cut crime, save money

April 10, 2009 | San Francisco Chronicle

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

If San Francisco could cut by half the number of kids who drop out of school permanently, the city would see 315 fewer murders and aggravated assaults and save $108 million every year.

Economic Security
Churches reaching out when times are hard

April 4, 2009 | San Diego Union Tribune

Faith Works North San Diego County

"The churches are overwhelmed," said Peter Hasapopoulos, executive director of Faith Works, a nonprofit, faith-based, community organizing agency in Escondido. "Part of my job is to ask, 'Are you thinking strategically?' There has been an onslaught, but it's a ripe environment to think about why we do systemic change in the first place."

Housing Opportunities
Organizations call for local solutions to housing crisis

April 3, 2009 | KPFK 90.7 Los Angeles

L.A. Voice

Locally in Los Angeles, an area particularly hard hit by the burst of the housing bubble, new statistics show that the January rate of decline of home prices was actually lower than in the previous month, prompting speculation that the housing market might already be bottoming out here. But regardless of that, LA Voice a organization fighting for affordable housing for the last two years, is advocating for a so-called "mixed-housing ordinance" as a local solution to the national housing crisis.

School Improvement
Shrinking and Improving Oakland's Schools

April 3, 2009 | KQED Radio

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Housing Opportunities
Former California homeowners lash out at builder

April 3, 2009 | New York Times

PICO National Network

Timothy Lilienthal, a spokesman for PICO National Network, a religious group that has protested and organized around the foreclosure issue, said the criticism of KB reflected a broader unhappiness with banks.

Economic Security
Budget wins preliminary approval

April 3, 2009 | Burlington Free Press

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

Many advocacy groups have come to the Statehouse to tell lawmakers about the "pain" that could be caused by various cuts. Vermont Interfaith Action made its most recent visit Wednesday to lobby on behalf of vulnerable Vermonters who depend on many state services.

Health Care Access
Contra Costa County cuts health care, sheriff's deputies

April 1, 2009 | CBS 5

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

Safe Neighborhoods
Community leaders want to ease tensions in Oakland

March 30, 2009 | KCBS

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

In the wake of the shootings of four police officers, community leaders in Oakland are trying to identify ways to ease tensions between the police and the people.

Safe Neighborhoods
Pastors mount crusade to cope with slayings

March 27, 2009 | San Francisco Chronicle

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

A coalition of Oakland pastors decided Thursday morning to begin fundraising and developing a long-term strategy to respond to the weekend slayings of four police officers and the death of their killer...Church has always played a large role in certain communities, particularly African American. But the desire for churches to play a larger social-service role in the community is part of a larger pattern that goes back several decades, said the Rev. George Cummings, co-chair for Oakland Community Organizations, a coalition of 34 churches and two synagogues that does extensive anti-violence work.

Youth Development
Queens Congregations United For Action Taking A Stand For The Youth Of Corona

March 26, 2009 | Queens Times

Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA)

Faith and School Community come together to inaugurate the new Police Athletic League (PAL) Teen Center, celebrate the new park coming to IS 61 and to "Take a Step forward for More." Our youth can't wait! Queens Congregations United for Action has heard the cry and is acting!

Health Care Access, School Improvement
Event lets activists get creative in pitches to politicians

March 20, 2009 | Denver Post

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

Schools, religious organizations and community organizations got together Thursday night to tell state policymakers where they stood on health insurance, education, immigrant rights, home foreclosures and payday loans.

School Improvement
Tuition equity bill stirs up debate

March 18, 2009 | La Voz Nueva

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

Earlier last month, State Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver, introduced Senate Bill 09-170, also known as the Tuition Equity Bill, to the Colorado General Assembly and received sponsorship from fellow Democrat Senators Bacon, Sandoval, Tapia and Groff. The bill later received House sponsorship from Rep. Joe Miklosi. Several local organizations, many of which support educational and immigrant rights, have rallied for this legislation. "This legislation offers students the opportunity to pursue a college education and have a shot at the American dream," said Carmen Medrano of Metro Organizations for People (also known as MOP).

Housing Opportunities
Southeast Kansas City reacts to vacant homes

March 16, 2009 | KCUR 89.3 FM

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

Foreclosures have spread throughout the Kansas City metro area over the past six months - into central Lee's Summit, north of Independence, and parts of Johnson County. In Wyandotte County, the foreclosure rate has risen dramatically in the past few months. But the biggest total number of foreclosures are still in the eastern part of Kansas City Missouri, around Swope Parkway, and then southeast in the Hickman Mills and Ruskin Heights areas.

Housing Opportunities
Group documents Richmond housing crisis and demands action

March 14, 2009 | Contra Costa Times

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

On maps showing foreclosed homes in Richmond and San Pablo, the crowded dots look like a giant smudge suffocating Irene Garcia's neighborhood. Closer up, the dots representing foreclosed homes are more discernible, but they portray a neighborhood in trouble. One is across the street. Another around the block. The next, she said, could be hers.

Housing Opportunities
Fighting the banks over home foreclosures

March 11, 2009 | Rabble Podcast Network

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

Kansas City, Missouri has been hit hard by the financial crisis. Mary Rabon is a community organizer in Kansas City who has been working to help people deal with the effects of foreclosures and make it easier for people to keep their homes.

Housing Opportunities
United Methodists join rally against foreclosures

March 10, 2009 | United Methodist News Service

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), PICO National Network

As a community organizer in Kansas City, the Rev. Dale Shotts has firsthand experience of the effects of home foreclosures on families and neighborhoods. "People are losing their homes because our nation has made a god of excessive profits, and we have not listened to the voice of real prophets of many faith traditions," declared Shotts, who is director of social justice ministries at St. Luke's United Methodist Church and a leader of "Communities Creating Opportunity" in Kansas City.

Housing Opportunities
'Recovery Express' appeals to Congress for help on home foreclosures

March 10, 2009 | Catholic News Service

PICO National Network

Come March 26 Jaime Silahua and his family are facing life on the streets. His bank, it turns out, is foreclosing on his home in Antioch, Calif. It didn't matter, Silahua said, that he tried to renegotiate the terms of his loan, citing economic hardship brought on by his teenage son's yearlong treatment for leukemia. The bank turned down his appeal, saying his income fell just below the amount needed to qualify as a hardship case.

Housing Opportunities
CNN Video: "Recovery Express" arrives to D.C.

March 10, 2009 | CNN Headline News

PICO National Network

CNN coverage PICO's "Recovery Express" arrival to D.C. after a cross-country tour visiting communities hard hit by the foreclosure crisis and recession.

Housing Opportunities
Foreclosed Bay Area Homeowners Protest Outside U.S. Capitol

March 10, 2009 | KTVU TV

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network

Jaime Silahua found a foreclosure notice in his front door two weeks ago. Silahua, an artist from Antioch, watched the value of his home plummet from $281,000 in 2006 to less than $100,000 last month. He's now one of the tens of thousands of Californians who've been booted by their banks.

Housing Opportunities
"Recovery Express" rolls into D.C.

March 10, 2009 | ABC 7 Washington

PICO National Network

Housing Opportunities
Camden prayer rally tries to help out homeowners

March 10, 2009 | Courier Post

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), PICO National Network

Housing Opportunities
Flint residents and officials back home loan petition

March 10, 2009 | Flint Journal

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT), PICO National Network

Flint voices will be among those calling on President Barack Obama today to address the foreclosure crisis. In a forum Sunday at Quinn Chapel AME in Flint, elected and community leaders discussed the economic and emotional impact of people losing their homes.

Economic Security
The recession hits home: Ken Outzen's ordeal and call to faith

March 9, 2009 | Catholic San Francisco

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA)

A successful professional, a moneymaker for his firm, laid off through no fault of his own. On a Friday afternoon. And axed by phone no less. Outzen, 53, a parishioner at St. Bartholomew in San Mateo, has decided not to deal with his crisis in silence. Instead, he is playing a part in a public effort to share information about the recession in his community and point the way to help.

Housing Opportunities
Recovery Express focuses on Flint home foreclosures

March 9, 2009 | ABC 12 Michigan

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT), PICO National Network

Top government leaders joined concerned citizens on Sunday night to urge the federal government not to forget about Flint in the economic recovery process. An event called the "Recovery Express Rally" was held at the Quinn Chapel AME Church.

Housing Opportunities
Local groups wants to stop foreclosures

March 9, 2009 | CBS 2 Chicago

PICO National Network

They pulled up in a bus emblazoned with the words "Recovery Express" and then they got off and began to sing -- their goal to pick up passengers to join their cross country caravan to Washington to stop preventable foreclosures. And judging by the reception they received in the Indo-American Center on the North side, they'll have plenty of volunteers.

Economic Security
Legislators pressed to fully fund programs for the needy

March 8, 2009 | Times Argus

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

Religious leaders and central Vermont residents put their legislators in the hot seat Sunday as they urged them not to cut state programs that benefit the neediest citizens.

Economic Security
Religious groups voice opposition to state budget cuts

March 8, 2009 | WCAX-TV

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

The Bible says to "love thy neighbor." And religious groups met in Montpelier Sunday to show support for the neighbors they fear may be hurt by state budget cuts.

Housing Opportunities
Stop Preventable Foreclosures

March 7, 2009 | Central Valley IndyMedia

Faith in Community, PICO National Network

Faith in Community held a rally today in front of Saint John's Cathedral to protest the high level of forecloses in Fresno and throughout the country. In 2008 alone, banks foreclosed on 12,571 homes in the Fresno region, a 102.5 percent increase over the previous year.

Housing Opportunities
Foreclosed Bay Area residents head to D.C.

March 7, 2009 | ABC 7 San Francisco

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network

Forty-five people rolled out of the parking lot of the Most Holy Rosary Church on a nationwide tour headed for Washington D.C.. They want the federal government to help others avoid the fate of foreclosure and they are hoping to take their case to President Obama.

Housing Opportunities
Foreclosure awareness caravan departs from Antioch

March 7, 2009 | CBS 5

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network

A five-day, cross-country caravan to raise support for homeowners facing foreclosure left from Antioch on Friday. The so-called "Recovery Express" has stops planned in some of the cities hardest hit by foreclosures: Chicago, Kansas City, and Flint, Mich, where even more families will join the caravan.

Housing Opportunities
A bus ride away from foreclosure

March 7, 2009 | KCBS

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network

Housing Opportunities
'Recovery Express' caravan draws Valley homeowners

March 6, 2009 | Fresno Bee

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), Faith in Community, PICO National Network

A Fresno contingent, including members of five Fresno families, joined the caravan in Antioch early Friday. A rally was later held at St. John's Cathedral in downtown Fresno by Faith In Community, a local religious group, and PICO National Network, a national interfaith coalition.

Housing Opportunities
'Recovery Express' riders heading to DC for foreclosure help

March 6, 2009 | San Jose Mercury News

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network

Forty-five people at ground zero of the foreclosure crisis boarded a charter bus bound for Washington, D.C. on Friday armed with their pleas for government intervention - but not before receiving a blessing of holy water to keep them safe on their journey.

School Improvement
Teens Ask for Action at East County Forum on Education

February 27, 2009 | Contra Costa Times

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

Before a crowd that included state schools chief Jack O'Connell, East County teens pointedly asked local school administrators Tuesday to improve the quality of their education.

Housing Opportunities
Foreclosure meets faith at St. Peter's forum

February 26, 2009 | North County Times

Faith Works North San Diego County

If he doesn't hear from the bank soon, Octavio Alcantar said, he will lose his home. "Our problem is the bank ---- the bank is not helping us to do a modification," Alcantar said after a forum Thursday night hosted by St. Peter's Catholic Church for families struggling with foreclosure.

Housing Opportunities
Local groups says blight a growing problem

February 26, 2009 | KLIV CNN Silicon Valley News

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

With several families losing their homes because of the mortgage meltdown and the recession, a trend has developed involving a number of San Jose neighborhoods. The activist group People Acting in Community Together, or PACT, held a news conference to discuss urban blight.

School Improvement
Teens ask for action at East County forum on education

February 25, 2009 | East County Times

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

Before a crowd that included state schools chief Jack O'Connell, East County teens pointedly asked local school administrators Tuesday to improve the quality of their education.

Housing Opportunities
Wave of home foreclosures ripples beyond urban cores

February 24, 2009 | Kansas City Star

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

Mary Rabon was distressed when her neighbor of 17 years lost his house to foreclosure, and even more upset as trash accumulated on the site. Rabon, who is active in her Tri-Blenheim neighborhood association, gathered Tuesday with about 20 other advocates in front of her neighbor's now-vacant former house to decry the huge toll of foreclosures on neighborhoods. They appealed for city, state and federal help.

Housing Opportunities
Group rallies to prevent home foreclosures

February 24, 2009 | KMBC-TV 9 Kansas City

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

On Tuesday, a group organized by CCO gathered in front of the house to voice their concerns over foreclosures. The group is working for mortgage modifications and changes to the bankruptcy laws across the country. In Missouri, the changes could prevent more than 8,000 foreclosures. The people who live in the neighborhood said it's not just about trash and declining property values, it's about safety.

Civic Participation
Brooklyn Congregations United Empowers Problem-Solvers

February 23, 2009 | Brooklyn Eagle

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU)

Professor Ken Estey's class on "Brooklyn and Its Religions" places a large emphasis on how different religious groups in the borough work together to solve problems. This course, which Prof. Estey teaches at Brooklyn College, and which fulfils academic requirements in both the college's political science and religion departments, is built on field trips to see the people and organizations in action. The class recently visited Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU), a multi-ethnic, interfaith community organization.

Housing Opportunities
Teetering on the edge of conviction

February 23, 2009 | East County Times

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

Seven years ago, the Silahua family bought a one-story, ranch-style home on the 3600 block of Gentrytown Drive for $281,000. On Monday, Jaime was sitting in a Pittsburg courtroom, surrounded by a dozen concerned well-wishers, pleading his case to keep his family from being evicted. The well-wishers, organized by a local interfaith organization, also joined hands with him in prayer outside the courthouse.

Immigration Reform
City alarmed by police impounding cars of undocumented immigrants

February 21, 2009 | The Berkeley Daily Planet

Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA)

Community organizers met with Berkeley city officials on Thursday to discuss concerns about the Berkeley police seizing cars of undocumented immigrants, which they said had generated fear among some Latino families.

Housing Opportunities
Can't or won't pay? Barack Obama's team wades into a debate over what is driving foreclosures

February 19, 2009 | The Economist

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

Last month Communities Creating Opportunity, a non-profit group in Kansas City, Missouri, invited representatives of Bank of America and Countrywide to negotiate loan modifications with local customers. Damon Daniel, an organiser, says none of the 16 who applied got a write-down, though some might have their mortgages converted from an adjustable to a fixed interest rate.

Health Care Access
Op Ed: The power of SCHIP - Passage expands health care to millions of kids

February 17, 2009 | Florida Today

Congregations for Community Action (CCA)

Congregations for Community Action will be urging Florida to use the new funds and tools in the federal legislation to reach out and enroll uninsured children.

Housing Opportunities, Civic Participation
Burlington mayoral candidates questioned

February 15, 2009 | Burlington Free Press

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

Three of the four mayoral candidates invited to The First Unitarian Universalist Society church in Burlington Sunday weighed in on youth activity, housing, drug use and how to spend stimulus dollars. In about an hour, Progressive Mayor Bob Kiss, Democrat Andy Montroll and independent Dan Smith zipped through several questions prepared by Vermont Interfaith Action, a coalition of Burlington's religious groups.

Health Care Access
Obama: SCHIP bill is 'first step' toward health coverage for all

February 13, 2009 | Catholic News Service

PICO National Network

A few hours before the signing, a Catholic mother of three spoke in a teleconference about her reliance on Florida's SCHIP plan, called KidCare, to treat her son's heart condition and her daughter's asthma. "It was a lifesaver for me," said Nilda Santana, a member of Good Shepherd Church in Orlando, Fla., who said she was unable to afford health insurance through her employer.

School Improvement
Students share views on dropout rate

February 13, 2009 | San Bernardino Sun

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Students from the Inland Congregations United for Change presented a report to Superintendent Jack O'Connell that recommended expanding after-school programs, providing job training and assistance dealing with racial conflict on campus.

Housing Opportunities
Prayer for the Struggling

February 11, 2009 | Bakersfield Californian

Faith in Action Kern County

Members of Faith in Action Kern County and the community hold candles during a vigil at the Liberty Bell in downtown Bakersfield Tuesday night.

Housing Opportunities
Viewpoints: New wave of foreclosures threatens state

February 10, 2009 | Sacramento Bee

PICO California, Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT)

California's budget crisis is directly tied to the deepening recession driven by the housing market's collapse. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic leaders in the Legislature are attempting to deal with foreclosure relief as part of the state budget package. It's important to get any foreclosure legislation done right - if not in this budget, then later in the legislative session.

Health Care Access
My Turn: Keep going on child health care

February 9, 2009 | Burlington Free Press

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA)

Now that Congress has passed child health legislation, they should keep going.

Health Care Access
Health insurance bill gets signature

February 5, 2009 | The Times-Picayune

The Micah Project, PICO National Network

Among those attending the White House signing ceremony was Ashanti George-Paulin and her son, Joshua, 11, who was born with a speech impediment. George-Paulin said SCHIP has allowed her son to undergo speech therapy and helped make him a healthy and good student.

Health Care Access
Obama signs children's health expansion

February 5, 2009 | Oakland Tribune

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO), PICO National Network

The Rev. George Cummings, of Oakland, was in the White House on Wednesday to see a dream come true.

Economic Security
Feeling Left Out

February 5, 2009 | San Diego City Beat

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

Advocates for low-income communities wish the stimulus wish list wasn't so skewed toward wealthier neighborhoods.

Health Care Access
The Fight for SCHIP is Won

February 5, 2009 | Beliefnet

PICO National Network

Health Care Access
SCHIP & The Gospel of Life

February 4, 2009 | America Magazine

PICO National Network

Housing Opportunities
Sermons by Inland clergy to accent housing crisis

January 30, 2009 | The Press-Enterprise

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

School Improvement
Op Ed: DPS budget process still falling short

January 29, 2009 | Rocky Mountain News

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

Housing Opportunities
Record foreclosures in Bay Area, state in 2008

January 28, 2009 | San Francisco Chronicle

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA), PICO National Network

Foreclosures and default notices hit new highs for California and the Bay Area in 2008, according to a real estate report released Tuesday.

Health Care Access
Letter: Congress should pass SCHIP

January 12, 2009 | 2theadvocate.com

Working Interfaith Network (WIN)

Kicking off a broader economic recovery agenda by addressing children's health is not only the most compassionate first step the 111th Congress can take, it can also build the common ground we need for tackling the larger issues of health reform, job growth and foreclosure relief.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Flint residents want more demolitions of dilapidated houses in south side neighborhood

January 9, 2009 | The Flint Journal

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT)

Residents of a south side neighborhood are pleading with city officials to demolish more houses in a once-vibrant area. About 150 residents packed the Brennan Center on Thursday to discuss the problem with city officials.

Housing Opportunities
Cities need power to tackle abandoned lots

January 7, 2009 | CourierPostOnline.com

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

A newspaper editorial calls for changes in state law after members of Camden Churches Organized for People take it upon themselves to do what they can to clean up a property that attracts drug dealers.