Health Care Access
Metro Organizations for People celebrates 100K Kids Covered

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), July 29, 2010

MOP partnered with All Kids Covered to host an event celebrating 100,000 kids enrolled in Medicaid and Chp programs.

Neighborhood Revitalization
OCCCO continues work to improve their community

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO), July 22, 2010

OCCCO worked with over 10 community partners through a collaborative from Central Santa Ana called the Santa Ana Collaborative for Responsible Development (SACReD) to win significant improvements to their community.

Housing Opportunities | Health Care Access | Economic Security
800 PICO leaders descend on Sacramento to make kids priority in state budget

PICO California, June 25, 2010

On Wednesday, June 23 over 800 PICO leaders in California converged on the State Capitol to call on state officials to make children a priority in our state budget. Beginning at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacramento, PICO leaders including hundreds of youth and clergy marched to the State Capitol, where they spoke to state legislators and Governor Schwarzenegger through a press conference.

Economic Security
PACT urges U.S. Treasury to hold banks accountable

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), June 25, 2010

Over 500 community members joined PACT to urge the U.S. Treasury Department to hold banks accountable for modifying loans to stop the foreclosure crisis that continues to devastate our community and economy.

Safe Neighborhoods | Immigration Reform
CCO Leaders work to build trust between residents and the police

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), June 23, 2010

Wendy Medina, a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church and co-chair of the action, said “Building a trusting relationship between the police and the community is key. Our families live here. Our friends live here. This is where we go to church and it is important to us that everyone here is safe."

Neighborhood Revitalization
SDOP fights San Diego's real estate tax increment plan

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP), June 23, 2010

SDOP leaders and clergy cannot support shifting $6-billion to benefit downtown San Diego redevelopment and associated interests at the expense of programs and services needed by families throughout the entire city.

Health Care Access
Louisiana leaders bring health reform home

MICAH Project, PICO Louisiana Interfaith Together (LIFT), June 21, 2010

Micah Project leaders, Paula Arceneaux and Gwen Payne, kept the presentations grounded with the top ten questions commonly asked regarding health care reform. Questions like "How can I get the $250.00 available to seniors with Medicare?”

Housing Opportunities
Saving Homes Modifying Loans: BCU asks U.S.Treasury Dept to help families keep their Homes

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU), June 18, 2010

200 residents from Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, gathered in St. Stephens Lutheran Church to tell the U.S. Treasury department that changes need to be made to the Homeowner Assistance Modification Program.

A Pastor Takes on BP in New Orleans

MICAH Project, PICO National Network, June 09, 2010

“Nobody messes with Father Vien. He tends to get what he wants.” So said President Obama in a speech on May 24 after being introduced, just moments earlier, by Reverend Vien Nguyen, pastor of the Mary Queen Viet Nam Church in eastern New Orleans, [PICO Louisiana | MICAH Project]

Housing Opportunities | Economic Security
BofA bars its own customers from closing their accounts

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), May 27, 2010

A group of faith and community leaders from San Jose, CA were physically locked out of by BofA executives last week as they tried to close their accounts at the grand opening of a new Bank of America branch in the city's hard-hit East Side neighborhood.

Housing Opportunities | Economic Security
Holding Banks Responsible By Community Organizing

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), PICO National Network, May 26, 2010

People Acting in Community Together (PACT), an affiliate of the People Improving Communities through Organizing- (PICO) National Network, organized the event, and brought about a dozen people together who planned to divest from the Bank of America.

Economic Security
PICO Colorado faith leaders win big victory in fight against usurious lending

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), May 10, 2010

On May 4, PICO faith leaders in Colorado celebrated a major victory in its multi-year effort to fight back predatory payday lending in the state, when the state legislature passed HB 1351, restricting payday lenders from making the sort of short-term loans with sky-high interest rates that have been proven to trap borrowers in a never-ending cycle of debt.

Youth Development
St. Paul the Apostle Church and QCUA fight for Queen's Libraries

Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA), May 03, 2010

At the event, children presented petitions with more than 200 signatures from residents in the area and officials responded. All three legislators committed their support to the libraries and the youth. Senator Peralta announced his pledge of $50,000 to the Queens Library System.

School Improvement
Kansas City district prepares for cuts in summer-school classes

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), April 30, 2010

Several Kansas City residents with Communities Creating Opportunity organizations were in Jefferson City on Wednesday, urging lawmakers to preserve summer school funding. Vibrant summer school programs should remain an essential part of the state’s education mission, CCO member Mary Ellen Boozer said.

Immigration Reform
Religious Leaders Travel to Arizona to Stand with Immigrants

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), PICO National Network, San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP), San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP), April 29, 2010

A delegation of religious leaders from PICO traveled to Arizona today to lift up testimonies from, and pray with, residents stricken with fear ever since Governor Jan Brewer signed legislation last week criminalizing being in the state without proper documentation.

Economic Security
Faith Groups to Protest Bank of America, Wells Fargo

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network, April 27, 2010

“The business model of big banks seems to be to make money from squeezing their customers and Wall Street gambling without producing anything of value,” said the Rev. Dr. Mario Howell, clergy leader with Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization and the PICO National Network. “It’s time banks become part of making the economy work, not just profiting off of our hard times.”

Economic Security
Faith groups to lead massive rallies calling for tougher Wall Street Reform

PICO National Network, April 26, 2010

As the Senate prepares to take up long-delayed Wall Street reform, thousands of religious leaders, small business people, homeowners and veterans are taking to the streets to demand tougher accountability on the nation's largest banks.

Immigration Reform
Bishop DiMarzio Leads Ecumenical Prayer For Immigration Reform

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU), Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA), April 22, 2010

Over 700 people attended the service, including members from Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU), Catholic Charities, Catholic Migration Office, and Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA).

Civic Participation
CAFe holds city's largest Candidate Forum

April 22, 2010

Organized by leaders of New Mexico Comunidades en Accion y de Fe (CAFe), the forum was the largest mobilization of residents Anthony has ever organized.

Economic Security
CCISCO join Rally to to hold Wells Fargo Accountable

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network, April 22, 2010

Hundreds of CCISCO and PICO leaders will join SEIU, AFL-CIO, ACCE, California Reinvestment Coalition, Causa Justa :: Just Cause (CJJC), Tenants Together, to present a common set of demands to Wells Fargo.

Safe Neighborhoods | Youth Development
ECCO Leaders Gain Victory for Lynn Youth

Essex County Community Organization (ECCO), April 22, 2010

ECCO leaders worked with a state-wide Coalition of PICO members to help create several funding programs that would begin to shift the paradigm of state funding for violence issues away from building prisons toward funding violence prevention programs.

Immigration Reform
SFOP Leaders prepare for Immigration Reform and continue Fight for Education

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP), April 22, 2010

In February 2010, PICO leaders from across the Bay Area met at St. Peter’s Catholic Church for a CIR training and strategy meeting to understand the policy and political worlds that surround the reform conversation, develop a short term and long-term strategy for winning reform, and build our organizing and communication skills for the campaign ahead.

Safe Neighborhoods | Youth Development
St. Joseph's & CCOP Community Youth and Adult Letter Writing Campaign

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), April 22, 2010

"Do you know how it feels to be a kid and to think that drugs are more important to your dad then you are? I do." This is just one of the shocking sentiments shared in over 234 letters that have been sent to Camden officials.

Immigration Reform
Thousands March for Comprehensive Immigration Reform in San Francisco

Berkeley Organizing Congregations for Action (BOCA), Congregations Organizing for Renewal (COR), Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA), People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), April 22, 2010

"I was proud to serve my country," said Iraq war veteran and CCISCO leader, "Rodrigo Peregrina, "I am here today as a veteran, a citizen and a voter. I am here to ask Senator Feinstein to stand with our veterans, our families and our community and support comprehensive immigration reform."

Immigration Reform
CCISCO Hosts Bridge-Building Workshop

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), April 21, 2010

CCISCO, in conjunction with the Diocese of Oakland and the Justice for Immigrants Campaign, hosted a Bridge-Building workshop at Immaculate Heart of March Church in Brentwood, California.

MICAH New Orleans Leads Environmental Health Tour

MICAH Project, April 20, 2010

Members of Mary Queen of Vietnam Church and other residents of New Orleans East will tour landfills, dumpsites and the proposed location for the Sun Energy Gasification plant. The Micah Project New Orleans attained commitments from over 100 people to tour sites such as the Agriculture Street Landfill, Chef Menteur Highway-barrow pits and the Bayou Savage National Wildlife Refuge.

Housing Opportunities
PICO Kicks Off Series of 10 Hearings with Treasury on Mortgage Modification

PICO National Network, April 07, 2010

Under intense pressure from grassroots organizations and housing advocates who have been urging Treasury for months to hold servicers more accountable to complying with HAMP regulations, Bank of America pledged at the event to respond to inquiries about mortgage modifications within three days.

Economic Security
Kansas City congregations urge banks to fund new alternative to 400% APR payday loans

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), April 05, 2010

On March 31, PICO affiliate Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), together with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, held a summit with representatives from approximately 30 area banks, including bank presidents, to present a new small dollar loan product that they hope will serve as an alternative to payday loans that charge an average annual interest rate of 431%, trapping borrowers in a vicious cycle of debt.

Immigration Reform
Camden Churches Holds Interfaith Prayer Service for Immigrants

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), March 23, 2010

Together, in prayer and song, people from America, Argentina, Haiti, Mexico, Ivory Coast, Philippines, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Sierre Leone, Ireland, Germany, and more sang of the unity of humankind, made in the image and likeness of God - that we are one family under God.

Safe Neighborhoods
Hundreds gather in Oakland in support of violence intervention efforts

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO), March 23, 2010

On Thursday, March 18th, 400 community members, local religious leaders, law enforcement, and national violence prevention experts joined Oakland elected officials at St. Columba Catholic Church to call for a scale-up of proven violence intervention strategies.

Immigration Reform
50+ PICO Leaders Make Cross-Country Pilgrimage for Immigration Reform

PICO California, PICO National Network, March 21, 2010

PICO's cross-country bus tour for comprehensive immigration reform is approaching the final leg of its journey, en route to participate in the "March for America: Change Takes Courage and Faith." This historic event, which is taking place in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, is anticipated to draw tens of thousands of people from across the nation.

Health Care Access
House Passes Health Reform Legislation

PICO National Network, March 21, 2010

Tonight, the House of Representatives passed health reform legislation that will guarantee virtually all American families access to affordable health coverage for the first time in our nation's history.

Housing Opportunities | Economic Security
Los Angeles Votes to "Invest in its Values"

L.A. Voice, PICO National Network, March 08, 2010

On March 5, Los Angeles City Council passed legislation that puts the city on the path to pulling its funds from irresponsible banks and setting new standards for investing public dollars in institutions that offer tangible benefits to the community.

Immigration Reform
PICO holds Nationwide Series of Events in Feb. for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

PICO National Network, March 01, 2010

In February, PICO organizations engaged thousands of people across the country in a coordinated series of prayer vigils, press conferences, town hall meetings, and lobbying visits to urge Congressional leaders to press forward on Comprehensive Immigration Reform this year.

Housing Opportunities
Faith Leaders Attend Bank of America Shareholders Meeting to Demand Halt to Foreclosures

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN), PICO National Network, February 24, 2010

Yesterday, a delegation of PICO clergy and faith leaders, together with allies from other faith-based and consumer advocacy organizations, met with Barbara Desoer, President of Home Loans, Mortgage and Insurance at Bank of America, to discuss concrete strategies that the bank can take to prevent more of its borrowers from needlessly losing their homes.

Health Care Access
Groups urge Congress to move on health reform 'without delay'

PICO National Network, February 22, 2010

The leaders of nine health and liberal activist groups wrote party leaders in both Houses, urging them to use this Thursday's healthcare summit with President Barack Obama to move on health reform as quickly as possible.

Health Care Access
PICO Pastor Tells Health Reform Supporters in D.C. that "Giants Do Fall"

PICO National Network, January 29, 2010

Rev. Heyward Wiggins speaks at a health reform rally co-sponsored by PICO and Families USA as part of the Families USA Health Action 2010 Conference weekend.

Housing Opportunities | Health Care Access
Kansas Congregations Urge Rep. Dennis Moore to Fight for Families

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), January 26, 2010

On January 25, over 250 people crossed county and state lines to pack the sanctuary of St. Peter, CME Church in Kansas City, KS to urge Congressman Dennis Moore to keep fighting for comprehensive health care reform legislation and stepped up efforts to fight foreclosures and keep families in their homes.

Health Care Access
Faith Groups Press Congress to Stand Up for Families, Pass Health Reform Now

PICO National Network, January 22, 2010

“One election half-way across the country has done nothing to change the desperate need of children and families in our community for affordable health care,” says Rev. Rayfield Burns, a PICO leader from Communities Creating Opportunity in Kansas City, MO.

Housing Opportunities | Economic Security
Faith Groups Urge Treasury to Impose Financial Penalties on Banks for Violating HAMP Guidelines

PICO National Network, January 21, 2010

In particular, PICO faith leaders are asking Treasury to impose an $80 million penalty on Bank of America for their repeated violations of the terms of the Servicer Participation Agreement they signed with Treasury in April.

Immigration Reform
Over 1,000 turn out in Denver for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), January 15, 2010

Over 1,000 Denver residents attended a town hall meeting on January 13 at Manual High School in Denver, Colorado to show their support for passing Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2010.

Housing Opportunities | Economic Security
Faith Groups Escalate Campaign to Hold Bank of America Accountable

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), Oakland Community Organizations (OCO), People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), PICO National Network, January 13, 2010

"Bank of America had nothing - no new ideas or proposals to offer to keep families in their homes and end the suffering in our communities," said Rev. Lucy Kolin, from Oakland Community Organizations and PICO National Network, who led the negotiation session. "We offered them a clear statement of the bottom line: Keep people in their homes. Do no harm. Put in place a moratorium so that Bank of America can get its act together and stop hurting our families and our communities. We went into this meeting willing to be hopeful, but we were disappointed. We will not let disappointment end our commitment."

Health Care Access
PICO holds nationwide Day of Action on Health Care Affordability

PICO National Network, January 08, 2010

On January 13, more than 200 grassroots and organizational leaders from PICO, SEIU, Health Rights Organizing Project, Community Catalyst and Families USA will gather in Washington, D.C. for a Health Care Affordability Summit.

Safe Neighborhoods | Immigration Reform
New L.A. police chief pledges trust between immigrants and police

L.A. Voice, December 20, 2009

On Friday, December 18, faith leaders from Dolores Mission Catholic Church, a member of PICO affiliate L.A. Voice in Los Angeles, packed the church plaza with over 200 Angelenos to welcome newly appointed police Chief Charlie Beck and his special Latino community liaison.

Housing Opportunities | Health Care Access | Safe Neighborhoods | School Improvement
What amazing things will happen in 2010

PICO National Network, December 18, 2009

As 2009 draws to a close, and we fully engage the inspiration of hope and light, I would like to thank you for your incredible efforts to improve life in our nation this year. Consider what our work together through the PICO network is accomplishing in the United States and around the globe.

Housing Opportunities
Faith Leaders Call for Reform that Keeps Families in their Homes (VIDEO)

PICO National Network, December 14, 2009

While President Obama met today with executives of the nation's largest banks, prominent clergy joined struggling homeowners from California, Massachusetts, and Missouri in front of the U.S. Treasury Department to voice an urgent call for fairness for families facing foreclosure.

Economic Security | Safe Neighborhoods
Richmond community unites to address violence through jobs, training, mentoring

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), November 20, 2009

More than 300 diverse community residents gathered at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church on November 19 and addressed the issue of violence in Richmond by focusing on the creation of jobs, training and mentoring programs. The action was organized by leaders from St. Mark's Catholic Church, Easter Hill United Methodist Church, and the Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council, all members of PICO affiliate Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO).

Health Care Access
With Senate vote to proceed pending, pastors gather to pray for courage and wisdom

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU), Faith United Empowering Leadership (FUEL), Metro Organizations for People (MOP), MICAH Project, PICO National Network, Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA), November 19, 2009

This morning, shortly before Senate Majority Leader Reid formally announced long-awaited health reform legislation, local pastors and lay leaders from states with Senators that are crucial to the outcome of reform gathered outside the Capitol Building to pray for continued progress on legislation to extend affordable coverage to families.

Health Care Access
Gainesville faith leaders help families deal with the high cost of health care

Affliliated Congregations to Improve our Neighborhoods (ACTION Network), November 10, 2009

Over the last year, PICO affiliate ACTION Network in Gainesville, Florida, has been working to ensure that residents of east Gainesville continue to have access to the health services they need after its primary community hospital closes.

Health Care Access
Grassroots Faith Leaders Praise Step Towards Affordable Health Care For All Americans

PICO National Network, November 07, 2009

PICO National Network applauds tonight's historic vote in the House of Representatives to pass health reform legislation that will extend coverage to 36 million Americans, ban insurance companies from denying people coverage for pre-existing conditions, and help make health care more affordable to millions of hardworking American families, while also reducing the deficit.

School Improvement
Kansas City faith leaders take big step into improving city public schools

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), November 03, 2009

Juan Carlos Galindo, a youth leader from PICO affiliate Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO) in Kansas City, MO, worries about what could happen when his 3-year old brother enters kindergarten in the Kansas City Missouri School District.

Housing Opportunities
Mass. faith leaders win commitments from Chairman Barney Frank, Federal Reserve Board to advance national campaign to keep families in their homes

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN), November 02, 2009

At the meeting, Congressman Frank, who as chair of the House Financial Services Committee has been a pivotal leader in Congress in the government's response to the foreclosure and financial crisis, promised to push Treasury further on making needed improvements to the Making Home Affordable Program, embracing many of BIC's specific proposals.

Health Care Access
PICO, Community Catalyst, SEIU and 157 Other Organizations Urge Senator Reid to Keep Insurance Affordable for Families

PICO National Network, November 02, 2009

160 faith, labor, consumer, public health and patient organizations representing millions of American families in 39 states, sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urging him to reject a proposal that would increase premiums for low-wage working families, and instead to ensure that Senate legislation makes insurance more affordable for precisely these families who have been hardest-hit by the economic downturn.

Housing Opportunities | Economic Security
Contra Costa faith leaders take major step forward in "Bank Accountability" campaign

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), October 24, 2009

On Tuesday, October 20, 2009, over 400 community residents packed the Dominican Hall at Holy Rosary Church in Antioch, CA to hold banks accountable for refusing to negotiate in good faith with homeowners. Joining them that night was the Reverend Jesse Jackson who offered words of inspiration and clarity on the effects of the banking system.

Health Care Access
Religious Leaders from Key States Urge Fixes to Senate Health Legislation to Make Insurance Affordable for Working Families

PICO National Network, October 21, 2009

Clergy are joined by consumer and labor leaders, including SEIU President Andy Stern, in urging Senate to fix legislation that would saddle low-wage workers with high costs.

Housing Opportunities
Congregations work to prevent foreclosure scams in Bakersfield

Faith in Action Kern County, October 17, 2009

On Thursday, October 15, faith leaders from Faith in Action Kern County in Bakersfield, CA hosted over 230 community members for a town hall meeting on the growing number of foreclosure scams as well as how they can benefit from the federal Making Home Affordable Program.

Health Care Access
Florida congregations continue efforts to expand children's health insurance

Affliliated Congregations to Improve our Neighborhoods (ACTION Network), Congregations for Community Action (CCA), Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS), October 16, 2009

As job losses mount in Florida, the number of children who are uninsured but eligible for Florida's SCHIP program - KidCare - (now at 550,000 statewide) continues to grow. On October 16, faith leaders from the four PICO federations in Florida met with state officials to discuss creative ways to meet the growing need for affordable children's health insurance.

Housing Opportunities
Federal Reserve officials hear New York outrage on slow pace of financial reforms

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU), Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA), October 15, 2009

On October 14, residents of Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn met with officials from the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York about the impact of the financial crisis on people in New York.

Housing Opportunities
PICO affiliates step up pressure on Banks, Treasury to stop more foreclosures

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network, October 13, 2009

Last week, PICO affiliates presented Treasury officials in Washington, DC with hundreds of stories of families trying to avoid foreclosure in a campaign to have the Administration put more pressure on banks to increase the pace of loan modifications under the Making Home Affordable Program.

Health Care Access
Multi-media photo & video exhibit holds up voices of Americans for health reform

PICO National Network, October 05, 2009

Exhibit to visit 7 cities across the country on way to Capitol Hill, collecting over 1,000 portraits and handwritten notes from PICO members who support health reform.

Economic Security
Clergy and faith leaders continue the struggle against usury in Missouri

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), September 30, 2009

Clergy and faith leaders from PICO affiliate Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO) in Kansas City, Missouri held a press conference on the need to cap interest rates on payday loans to 36%. Currently, payday lenders can charge as much as 400% interest rates.

Safe Neighborhoods | Immigration Reform
Orlando Sheriff meets with Catholic Bishop & 300 church members on maintaining positive police-immigrant relationship

Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS), September 21, 2009

On September 21, PICO affiliate Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS) in Orlando, FL brought together Orlando County Sheriff Jerry Demings, the Most Reverend Thomas Wenski, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, and over 300 members of St. John Vianney Catholic Church to discuss the relationship between the local sheriff's deputies and immigrants in the community.

Neighborhood Revitalization
Camden Faith Community brings together over 500 residents for meeting with Governor Jon Corzine

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), September 17, 2009

Over 500 people from PICO affiliate Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP) met with New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine on September 15 to share residents' dissatisfaction and frustration that state leaders in charge of overseeing Camden have not focused enough on improving the basic neighborhood services.

Health Care Access
Major Consumer, Faith, Patient & Civil Rights Groups Hold Capitol Hill Rally on Affordability for Families

PICO Louisiana Interfaith Together (LIFT), PICO National Network, San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP), September 16, 2009

Under the banner of Affordable Health Care is a Family Value, national consumer, faith and patient organizations representing tens of millions of families, held a lobby day and rally on Capitol Hill this afternoon pressing Congress to make sure that legislation includes clear affordability protections for families.

Health Care Access
Consumer, patient, faith and civil rights groups issue joint statement on Health Care Affordability

PICO National Network, September 15, 2009

Washington, DC - With the Senate Finance Committee poised to begin debating health reform legislation, consumer, patient, religious and civil rights organizations that represent tens of millions of Americans released a joint statement calling for strong affordability protections in national health reform.

Health Care Access
Over 300,000 people of faith take action in support of health reform over August recess

PICO National Network, September 08, 2009

With Congress returning from August recess today, a more complete narrative of what Members of Congress heard from their constituents at home regarding health care reform is emerging.

Safe Neighborhoods | Immigration Reform
Camden Police Chief pledges to protect immigrants from predatory criminals

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), September 04, 2009

PICO affiliate Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), held a town hall meeting with the Police Chief, responding to a growing issue around undocumented people who have been avoiding contact with police, including not asking for services from, and not reporting crimes (neither as victim nor as witness) to local police for fear of deportation.

Health Care Access | Immigration Reform
Long Beach congregations hold health care & immigration reform forum

Greater Long Beach Interfaith Community Organization (ICO), September 02, 2009

On September 1, 200 Long Beach residents gathered at St. Anthony's Catholic Church Hall, a member of Greater Long Beach Interfaith Community Organization (ICO) to participate in a community forum on health care & immigration reform.

Housing Opportunities
Brockton faith leaders fight foreclosures on multiple fronts

Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC), August 31, 2009

For the past year, faith leaders from PICO affiliate Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC) have been successfully leading an effort to keep families in their homes and prevent foreclosures in Brockton, MA, the city with the highest foreclosure rate in the state. Most recently, BIC leaders were able to move three petitions through the local city council aimed at stemming the tide of foreclosures.

Immigration Reform
PICO leaders visit State Dept. to discuss Hmong humanitarian crisis

People and Congregations Together (PACT Stockton), PICO California, Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT), August 28, 2009

This week, three PICO Hmong leaders from Sacramento, CA traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with representatives from the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) and the Thai and Lao desk officers to urge them to take greater action to resolve the Hmong humanitarian crisis in Southeast Asia.

Immigration Reform
East Bay youth urge passage of DREAM Act

Congregations Organizing for Renewal (COR), August 20, 2009

About 20 youth members of the PICO affiliate Congregations Organizing for Renewal (COR), together with other community members, gathered at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Union City, CA to call on lawmakers to reform immigration laws, including passing the DREAM Act.

Health Care Access
140,000 participate in historic faith call in President Obama

PICO National Network, August 19, 2009

An estimated 140,000 of people of faith, including thousands from the PICO network, gathered today for a historical national conference call on health care reform with President Barack Obama and the American faith community.

Health Care Access
Local clergy, youth and congregation members to lead health care call with President Obama

PICO National Network, August 18, 2009

Tens of thousands of people of faith will gather for 40 minutes of health care prayer, learning and action on a historic national conference call with President Barack Obama.

Health Care Access
Thousands of people of faith turn out for National Day of Action on health insurance reform

PICO National Network, August 12, 2009

On August 11, PICO kicked off its August Congressional recess campaign "40 Days for Health Reform" with a National Day of Action that included 50 prayer vigils and rallies in 18 states and reaching over 100 Members of Congress, as well as a national TV Ad from the faith community.

Immigration Reform
Town Hall Meeting with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren holds up need for Immigration Reform

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), August 08, 2009

On August 7, over 750 people, including clergy of many faiths, came together in San Jose, CA for a town hall meeting with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren to highlight the urgent need for just and humane comprehensive immigration reform (CIR).

Health Care Access
Crowd of 300 win commitment from Rep. Loretta Sanchez to support health reform

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO), August 05, 2009

On August 2, community members from Orange County, CA participated in a prayer vigil with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, a Blue Dog Democrat from Santa Ana, to highlight the community's desire and need for comprehensive health care reform this year.

Housing Opportunities | Economic Security | Neighborhood Revitalization
Grassroots leaders in KS & MO hold hearing with Federal Reserve Advisors on economic crisis

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), August 05, 2009

On Saturday, August 1, grassroots faith and community leaders from PICO and National People's Action in Missouri and Kansas met with advisors from the Federal Reserve to urge them to stem the flow of bad, predatory loan products that have poured into the region over the last few years.

Health Care Access
Video shows health care struggles of families in Kern County, CA

Faith in Action Kern County, August 03, 2009

PICO affiliate Faith in Action Kern County produced the following video that documents the health care struggles of families in the greater Bakersfield area of California.

Safe Neighborhoods | Youth Development
Early results from San Diego youth collaborative shows big results

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP), August 01, 2009

For the past two years, PICO affiliate San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP) has led a vision and effort to make San Diego the most youth-friendly city in the United States. SDOP's hard work has resulted in some extraordinary wins thus far.

Safe Neighborhoods | Youth Development
Faith Works Creates Opportunities for Youth in San Diego County

Faith Works North San Diego County, July 28, 2009

In July, PICO affiliate Faith Works of North San Diego County, CA won twin victories in its "Lift Every Voice for Youth" initiative.

Health Care Access
No Recess for Health Reform

PICO National Network, July 28, 2009

PICO leaders on Capitol Hill today are declaring that there will be "NO RECESS FOR REFORM," launching a massive push in August to meet with the offices of over 100 Members of Congress and tell them "our families need health care reform this year!"

Health Care Access
100 Religious Leaders Announce 100 Events across U.S. for Health Reform

PICO National Network, July 27, 2009

On July 28, PICO, Sojourners, Faith in Public Life and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good will announce an aggressive in-district lobbying campaign during the August recess, including events at the offices of 100 Members of Congress, town hall meetings on health care reform and the distribution of tens of thousands health care reform guides for people of faith in targeted districts and states.

Health Care Access
The time is ripe to do right

PICO National Network, July 22, 2009

As people who feel the pinch of rising health care costs and eroding coverage, we need the health care debate to stay focused on constructive ideas that keep reform moving forward, not backward. The time is ripe for action.

Health Care Access | Immigration Reform
Call for Healthy, United Families Draws 400 supporters

Peninsula Interfaith Action (PIA), July 20, 2009

On July 18, volunteer leaders from Peninsula Interfaith Action, a PICO affiliate with 30 member congregations on the San Francisco Peninsula, held a town hall meeting to seek policy changes in health care and immigration.

Health Care Access
MetroWest Boston congregations weigh in on health care reform

Metropolitan Interfaith Congregations Acting for Hope (MICAH), July 16, 2009

PICO affiliate Metropolitan Interfaith Congregations Acting for Hope (MICAH), a Metrowest Boston interfaith organization, together with the MetroWest Free Medical Program, led a community forum on affordable health care for all at Sudbury United Methodist Church on July 15.

Health Care Access
PICO, Sojourners & Religous Action Center for Reform Judaism produce Guides to Health Care Reform Debate for Clergy and Lay Leaders

PICO National Network, July 10, 2009

PICO, Sojourners & Religous Action Center for Reform Judaism produced Guides to the Health Care Reform Debate for Christian and Jewish clergy and lay leaders to help them participate in the health care debate in a constructive way, based on their values.

Health Care Access
National religious groups release statement on improving health care for low-income families

PICO National Network, July 06, 2009

As a broad cross-section of religious denominations and organizations, we share a common belief that the true success of comprehensive health care reform legislation hinges on whether it protects and improves health care for the nation's lowest-income children and families.

Health Care Access
PICO Colorado holds health care town hall meeting with Sen. Michael Bennet

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), July 06, 2009

On July 2, over 400 grassroots leaders from PICO affiliate Metro Organizations for People (MOP) in Colorado met with Sen. Michael Bennet to urge him to support health care reform that will make insurance more affordable for families in Colorado.

Health Care Access
Clergy Nationwide send letter to Congressional Leadership Urging Health Care Reform in 2009

PICO National Network, June 30, 2009

On June 30, PICO released a national letter from 625 clergy from 41 states and 39 religious denominations urging Congressional leaders from both parties to pass legislation this year that makes health care affordable to all families.

Health Care Access
Pastors urge health care reform in radio ads

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), MICAH Project, PICO Louisiana Interfaith Together (LIFT), PICO National Network, June 29, 2009

As Senators head home for Independence Day Recess, local faith leaders from across the country will take to the airwaves with radio ads reminding them that the status quo on health care is “not who we are as a nation” and that “America can do better.”

Health Care Access
Tell Congress: Health Care Reform is "Worth the Investment"

PICO National Network, June 22, 2009

While leaders in the House are showing the courage we need in Washington to stand up for everyday Americans struggling with the high cost of health care, leaders in the Senate are beginning to waver. We need you to call your Members of Congress today!

Civic Participation
Brooklyn faith leaders hold Mayoral Candidate's Forum

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU), June 19, 2009

On June 16, PICO affiliate Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU) held a mayoral candidates forum in Our Lady of Refuge Roman Catholic Church as a response to residents' concerns regarding the economic crisis and how it impacts life in Brooklyn.

Immigration Reform
PICO leaders in San Francisco hold prayer rally for Immigration Reform

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP), June 19, 2009

Health Care Access
California youth travel to Sacramento to urge Governor not to cut their health care

PICO California, June 18, 2009

On June 17, 200 PICO youth and adult leaders marched on the California State Capitol to protect Healthy Families - California's SCHIP - and kid's lives.

Health Care Access
Covering All Americans and Adequate Subsidies Key to Success of Health Reform

PICO National Network, June 17, 2009

"Health care reform can only succeed if we bring everyone into the health insurance system and provide families with coverage that is affordable. Ultimately, the most important question is whether health coverage is affordable from the perspective and experience of American families."

Neighborhood Revitalization
Vermont leaders work for better access to local hospital

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA), June 17, 2009

On June 16, grassroots leaders from PICO affiliate Vermont Interfaith Action organized a public forum aimed at creating better public transportation options to access the Fletcher Allen's satellite medical facilities in South Burlington.

Health Care Access
Faith Leaders and Consumer Advocates Brief Congress on Affordability Standard, Rally for Reform

PICO National Network, June 16, 2009

On Monday, June 15, PICO clergy and faith leaders from California, Colorado, New Jersey, Missouri, and Vermont joined members of Community Catalyst in holding a briefing for Congressional staff on Capitol Hill on the need for a strong Affordability Standard in health care reform legislation.

Housing Opportunities
PICO and National People's Action kick off series of Fed Reserve hearings in hard-hit communities

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), PICO National Network, June 16, 2009

Two hundred area residents came to tell representatives from the Federal Reserve about the challenges their communities face in recovering from the twin crises.

Housing Opportunities
Bakersfield teams up with Fed Reserve to host mortgage borrower outreach event

Faith in Action Kern County, June 15, 2009

In June, PICO affiliate Faith In Action Kern County, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development hosted a mortgage borrower outreach event.

Safe Neighborhoods
PICO brings together Congressional Reps in El Salvador to address traffic, water concerns

PICO Central America, June 15, 2009

Health Care Access
PICO leaders rally with Congressman George Miller for health reform

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), June 14, 2009

On June 13, over 500 people from Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) turned out for a town hall meeting on health care reform with Congressman George Miller, chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Economic Security | Safe Neighborhoods | School Improvement | Youth Development
Making Greater New Orleans a safe haven for all

MICAH Project, June 11, 2009

Amidst a sea of nearly 1,000 people who attended the town hall meeting on crime and violence prevention organized by New Orleans PICO affiliate The Micah Project were multiple victims of the violence that has plagued this city still rebounding from Hurricane Katrina nearly four years ago.

Health Care Access
Faith leaders hail Senate HELP movement on health care as historical moment for American families

PICO National Network, June 10, 2009

Faith leaders from PICO National Network celebrated this week's forward movement in the Senate HELP committee.

Health Care Access
ACTION ALERT: There are more of us than them

PICO National Network, June 02, 2009

When Members of Congress return to Washington, DC today they'll be getting an earful from industries with financial interests in the health care reform legislation that Congress is writing this month. One staffer told us she was meeting with 8-10 health care lobbyists a day! In this "David vs. Goliath" moment, we have a secret weapon: there are more of us than them.

Health Care Access
San Jose launches series of Health Reform Town Halls with CA Congressmembers

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), May 28, 2009

Last night, over 300 faith leaders from PACT San Jose and other Bay Area PICO affiliates held the first of a series of town hall meetings in California with Members of Congress to build support for health care reform legislation.

Health Care Access
Local Pastors Launch Ads, Grassroots Campaign to Advance Health Care Reform

PICO National Network, May 21, 2009

As Congress takes up health care reform, local faith leaders from across the country today launched a media and grassroots campaign to encourage Members of Congress to move reform forward and make quality health care truly affordable for every American family.

Health Care Access
Two major steps forward this week toward Affordable Health Care

PICO National Network, May 14, 2009

"It appears that Sen. Baucus is hearing our call," said Rev. Cory Sparks from PICO. "Making health care more affordable for families needs to be central to fixing health care."

Health Care Access
Success of Health Reform Hinges on Affordability: Faith-based and consumer groups weigh in with Congress

PICO National Network, May 05, 2009

In advance of today's highly anticipated Senate Finance Committee Roundtable on Increasing Access to Health Coverage, Community Catalyst and PICO National Network released two issue briefs that explain why the success of health care reform depends on the adoption of a strong, common sense Affordability Standard that limits out-of-pocket health care costs to levels that families at different income levels can afford.

Health Care Access
PICO Florida celebrates passage of state legislation to streamline KidCare enrollment

Affliliated Congregations to Improve our Neighborhoods (ACTION Network), Congregations for Community Action (CCA), Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS), May 01, 2009

After a 3-year campaign to make much needed improvments to KidCare - Florida's State Children's Health Insurance Program - faith leaders from PICO Florida are celebrating unanimous passage last week of state legislation in both the House and Senate. The bill will now be on its way to the Governor for his signature.

Health Care Access
Contra Costa faith leaders fight harmful health cuts, preserve $1.5 million for clinics

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), April 29, 2009

In less than one week, faith leaders from PICO affiliate Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) organized three health care forums with County Supervisors and their staff to give the community an opportunity to voice their opinions on harmful cuts to the Basic Healthcare Program.

Housing Opportunities | Health Care Access | Economic Security
Community leaders hold Faith & Families Summit with Missouri lawmakers

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), April 21, 2009

On April 16, 150 people from more than 100 faith communities across Missouri traveled to the state capital with PICO affiliate Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO) for a Faith and Families Summit with state lawmakers.

Immigration Reform
Sacramento Catholic Churches create Immigration Support Network

Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT), April 15, 2009

For the past year, PICO affiliate Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT) has been collaborating with the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento and Bishop Jamie Soto to realize a diocese-wide Immigration Support Network.

Safe Neighborhoods
San Jose parents & community members press school district on dropout crisis

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose), April 13, 2009

On April 3, PICO affiliate PACT San Jose took another huge step forward in transforming education in San Jose so that all kids have access to a path to college.

Health Care Access
Expansion of Children’s Health Insurance Program takes effect, paving way for comprehensive reform

PICO National Network, April 07, 2009

Last week, parents across the country struggling to provide their kids with health insurance had reason to feel encouraged. On April 1, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 took effect. Signed by President Obama on February 4, CHIPRA makes funding available for states to cover an additional 4.1 million children over the next four years - children who otherwise would be uninsured.

Safe Neighborhoods | School Improvement
Congregations & schools unite to tackle Stockton's dropout crisis

People and Congregations Together (PACT Stockton), April 06, 2009

On Saturday, April 4, over 200 faith leaders from PICO affiliate People and Congregations Together (PACT) in Stockton, CA came together with schools officials to launch a "Steps to Success Campaign" aimed at reducing the dropout rate in Stockton Unified School District.

School Improvement
New Annenberg study finds OCO's grassroots organizing key to sustaining school reform in Oakland

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO), April 03, 2009

On April 2, the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University and Oakland Community Organizations (OCO) released a new report that credits OCO with being the catalyst for launching the city's successful small school reform effort and for creating the political will to sustain this reform for nearly a decade.

Health Care Access | Economic Security | School Improvement
Over 700 gather in Denver to support Economic Recovery and Health Reform

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), March 19, 2009

On March 19, more than 700 members of PICO affiliate Metro Organizations for People (MOP) met with legislative leaders to discuss MOP's "Agenda for Hope," which includes state and federal legislation identified as vitally important to MOP's 33 member congregations, schools, youth and neighborhood associations in metropolitan Denver.

Housing Opportunities
Richmond residents hold banks accountable for helping rebuild city hard-hit by the foreclosure crisis

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), March 17, 2009

On Thursday, March 12, over 500 residents from the hard-hit city of Richmond, CA packed St. Mark's Catholic Church to ask city, county, and bank leaders to take aggressive steps to deal with the approximately 2,000 abandoned, foreclosed bank-owned properties in this city of 100,000.

Immigration Reform
San Francisco leaders urge Speaker of the House to move forward with immigration reform this year

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP), March 16, 2009

In March, PICO affiliate San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP) and ally organizations held a high-energy town hall meeting with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Luis Gutierrez, urging them to make fixing the broken immigration system a national priority.

Economic Security
Vermont congregations fight to prevent budget cuts for those most in need

Vermont Interfaith Action (VIA), March 13, 2009

On Sunday, March 8, the Central Vermont chapter of PICO affiliate Vermont Interfaith Action held its first public town hall meeting in Montpelier to press 11 Washington County legislators to stop proposed budget cuts for various social service programs and instead, to shift their attention to ways to raise revenue.

Housing Opportunities | Health Care Access
Faith leaders bring message of hope to nation's leaders and over 9 million homes across America

PICO National Network, March 12, 2009

Over 275 PICO faith leaders from across the country converged on the U.S. Capital this week with a clear message for the nation's leaders - at this moment of crisis, the American people need them to have faith and courage to make the tough decisions necessary to get our country back on track, including making sure that health care reform happens this year and preventing millions of unnecessary foreclosures by enacting bankruptcy reform.

Health Care Access
PICO Executive Director at the White House Forum on Health Reform

PICO National Network, March 06, 2009

On March 5, Scott Reed had the opportunity to represent the PICO network at the White House Forum on Health Reform and to speak at one of the five breakout sessions that included Members of Congress from both parties, along with executives from employer, labor, insurance, and advocacy organizations involved in health reform.

School Improvement
Students organize for quality education in Contra Costa County schools

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO), February 27, 2009

With California’s struggling economy and rising unemployment; a high-quality education that prepares students for the workforce or college is paramount to the stability of local communities throughout the state. On February 24, nearly three hundred students, concerned parents and faith leaders from the Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) gathered city and state officials, including California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, to express their concerns, research, and personal testimonies about inadequate school preparation in their communities.

Housing Opportunities
Residents organize to stop illegal dumping at foreclosed properties in Kansas City

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), February 25, 2009

The Tri-Blenheim neighborhood in Kansas City, MO is one of many neighborhoods in the city suffering from aftermath of the foreclosure crisis, most notably the illegal dumping happening at abandoned foreclosed properties. On February 24, residents and faith leaders from Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO) gathered to ask the city to increase accountability on vacant property.

Civic Participation
PICO founder wins CCHD's Sr. Margaret Cafferty Development of People Award

PICO National Network, February 24, 2009

Fr. John Baumann wins award honoring an individual or group who exemplifies a commitment to the development of people and the elimination of poverty.

Housing Opportunities
Faith leaders fight foreclosures & blight in southern California

Faith in Action Kern County, February 20, 2009

Kern County residents win commitments from Wells Fargo to buy foreclosed properties at discounted rate; more assistance for struggling homeowners; money for neighborhood stabilization.

Economic Security | Immigration Reform
Immigrant families lead way on fair towing policy

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC), February 13, 2009

After hundreds of one-to-one conversations with community members from Cathedral City, CA revealed that many immigrant families were being stopped by police for minor traffic violations and then having their cars impounded, members of Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) went to work changing the police department's car confiscation policy.

Health Care Access
Rwandan leaders prepare to open health center

Congregations Rebuilding Community in Rwanda (CRCR), February 13, 2009

PICO leaders from Congregations Rebuilding Community in Rwanda (CRCR) in Mumeya are preparing to celebrate the opening of the first three rooms of their new Health Center next month.

Housing Opportunities
PICO and Center for Responsible Lending release paper on preventing 3 million foreclosures

PICO National Network, February 05, 2009

Health Care Access
What today's SCHIP signing means for families in our pews

PICO National Network, February 04, 2009

Civic Participation
PICO Central America wins $2.2 million for communities, expands to new regions

PICO Central America, February 01, 2009

In 2008, PICO Central American leaders in Zacatecoluca, El Salvador formed the Diocese's first ever community organization COFOA (Comunidades de Fe Organizadas en Acción - Organized Faith Communities in Action).

Neighborhood Revitalization
PICO Central America 2008 Update

PICO Central America, January 31, 2009

In 2008 PICO Central American leaders in Zacatecoluca, El Salvador formed the first Diocesan Community Organization, introducing COFOA (Comunidades de Fe Organizadas en Acción - Organized Faith Communities in Action) to the broader community and public officials.

Health Care Access
Parents will sleep better tonight

PICO National Network, January 31, 2009

PICO applauds Senate vote to extend health coverage to 11 million children.

Health Care Access
PICO Colorado meets with Governor's office on proposal to cover 200,000 uninsured

Metro Organizations for People (MOP), January 25, 2009

PICO affiliate Metro Organizations for People (MOP) held a day-long health care training for 70 youth and adult leaders who came from 20 congregations and schools located across the Denver metro area.

School Improvement
New Bedford schools chief commits to work with community to address dropout crisis

United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA), January 15, 2009

On January 13, Dr. Porsche Bonner, Superintendent of Schools in New Bedford, MA, agreed to sign a "Community Education Compact" with PICO affiliate United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA).

Neighborhood Revitalization
Flint congregations press city leadership for recovery plan

Flint Area Congregations Together (FACT), January 13, 2009

In front of over 200 community members, congregation leaders won a commitment from city officials to work together on demolishing blighted properties and to increase security by placing cameras at key crime points.

PICO calls on Congress and new Administration to ensure Equitable Economic Recovery

PICO National Network, January 13, 2009

As Congress and the incoming Obama Administration debate the details of economic recovery legislation, PICO organizations across the country are meeting with their members of Congress to press for provisions creating good family-supporting jobs and channelling investment to communities hardest hit by the recession.

Health Care Access
ACTION ALERT: Put kids health on President's desk when he arrives!

PICO National Network, January 09, 2009

This week, Congressional leaders announced their decision to try to put a children's health bill on the new President's desk when he arrives on January 20th. Wouldn't it be amazing if the first piece of legislation that President Obama signs provides the hope of better health to more than four million uninsured children?