Housing Opportunities, Health Care Access, Economic Security
Over 200 Kissimmee residents win pledge from state rep. to meet with FL Attorney General

December 17, 2010

PICO United Florida

On December 15, over 200 members St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kissimmee, Florida and area residents - part of PICO Florida - met with their State Rep. Darren Soto (D) to share their concerns around big bank foreclosure policies and uninsured children.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
"We Will Put People in Jail" says Iowa's Attorney General Miller to homeowners at risk of foreclosure

December 14, 2010

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

"Attorney General Miller made it clear that he sees this investigation as a chance to clean up the foreclosure crisis that has ransacked our communities for over three years now and continues to push down housing values for everyone. He stated that loan modifications will be a core component in any settlement," said Gina Gates, a foreclosure victim with PACT-PICO in San Jose, California.

School Improvement
Dropout rise stirs action

December 14, 2010

Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)

Gabriela Lopez, a member of Inland Congregations United for Change, a San Bernardino faith-based nonprofit that focuses on such issues as education and youth violence, believes the district needs to do a better job of adapting to the needs of the community.

Economic Security
Florida Congregations call on Rep. Plakon to join homeowners' battle against bad banks and foreclosures

December 6, 2010

Federation of Congregations United to Serve (FOCUS), PICO United Florida

On Sunday afternoon, over 150 people from more than six congregations in central Florida called on their State Representative Scott Plakon to join them in meeting with the major banks. Representative Plakon responded, "I will join you and I will personally make calls requesting a meeting and I will do everything I can to rattle their cages."

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Brooklyn Congregations United leaders testify to City Council Hearing on city banking commission

November 24, 2010

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU)

At the press conference after the hearing, Pastor Harriet Wieber of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, a member of Brooklyn Congregations United, told how her community was being affected by foreclosed properties and called on banks to be fair to their communities who are doing everything right to save their homes and build their businesses.

Immigration Reform
United Interfaith Action immigrant congregations hold transformative action

November 19, 2010

United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts (UIA)

On Thursday night, immigrant congregations from United Interfaith Action in Fall River, MA held a transformative action. St. Mary's Catholic Brazilian and Latino leaders combined with the Brazilian leaders of Christ is Life to organize an action with Mayor Flanagan and Police Chief Racine.

Immigration Reform
Justice for Immigrants and PICO Network Come Together at National Convening to Discuss "Immigration in a New Congress"

November 16, 2010

PICO National Network

More than 240 clergy, laity and faith leaders from 37 states met in Illinois at the Justice for Immigrants/PICO Conference entitled "Immigration in a New Congress." The event consisted of faith perspectives, research results, and best organizing practices.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
Los Angeles leaders tell banks to "invest in us"

November 11, 2010

L.A. Voice

On Monday, over 800 members of PICO affiliate L.A. Voice in Los Angeles gathered at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church to call on city council to pass a "responsible banking ordinance" that would move city deposits out of banks that refuse to help homeowners and small businesses and into responsible banks that are investing in the people of Los Angeles.

Health Care Access
Brooklyn Congregations United Clergy and Leaders announce Initiative to Bring Health Care Reform Home

November 4, 2010

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU)

Dr. Jaime Torres, the Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, joined 100 community leaders from Brooklyn neighborhoods Sunset Park and Bay Ridge on November 4th, 2010 to partner on local priorities to bring health reform home.

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
City of San Jose starts responsible banking movement

October 26, 2010

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

Yesterday, San Jos\xc3\xa9 Vice Mayor Judy Chirco, City Councilmembers Sam Liccardo, Madison Nguyen, Rose Herrera and Kansen Chu, and grassroots leaders from PICO affiliate PACT San Jose announced that the city has diverted nearly $1 billion from Bank of America based on the bank's poor record of modifying loans to stop preventable foreclosures.

Civic Participation
Stockton leaders host one of area's largest candidate forums

October 25, 2010

People and Congregations Together (PACT Stockton)

Housing Opportunities, Economic Security
PICO joins growing chorus calling for a freeze on foreclosures

October 7, 2010

PICO National Network

In recent weeks, it has been revealed that the nation's largest banks have been fraudulently foreclosing on tens, if not hundreds of thousands of families.

Health Care Access
Bay Area Leaders get the word out about Health Care Changes

September 23, 2010

Congregations Organizing for Renewal (COR), Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Leaders from Congregations Organizing for Renewal (COR) joined Oakland Community Organizations (OCO) to support the launch of the Bring Health Reform Home campaign.

Other Issues
MICAH Champions Anti-Domestic Violence Campaign

September 21, 2010

The Micah Project

In late August over 100 MICAH leaders from Community Missionary Baptist Church hosted an action gaining commitments for an anti-domestic campaign in their community.

Economic Security
Kansas City works to create a viable alternative to payday loans

September 15, 2010

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO), Communities Creating Opportunity Kansas (CCO Kansas)

The Kansas City faith community joined forces with financial institutions on September 15 to offer metro families an alternative option to the average 431% interest rate charged by payday loans. CCO Leaders and partners gathered to celebrate this historic collaboration and announce the creation of The Payday Loan Alternative Project.

Health Care Access
PICO represented at White House conference on children's health coverage

September 3, 2010

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

Rev. Wiggins spoke about PICO's efforts to educate families about how health care reform affects them in a panel discussion with Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius and Director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations, Cindy Mann among others. They also discussed methods for enrolling the remaining five million eligible, but uninsured, children in our nation.

Housing Opportunities
Massachusetts Federations Win Foreclosure Prevention

September 3, 2010

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

Leaders from MCAN organized a rally of 70 people in Revere City Hall to urge state speaker of the house Robert DeLeo to move forward the bill which had already passed the senate.

Neighborhood Revitalization
SFOP Brings in Millions of Dollars for Community Revitalization

September 2, 2010

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

Late this summer SFOP leaders helped negotiate one of the biggest development projects in the history of the Bayview community.

School Improvement
Thousands Gathered to Pray for Improved Education

September 1, 2010

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO)

Over 1,400 leaders from OCCCO participated in a healing mass held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Santa Ana, CA to pray for better schools

Immigration Reform
Brooklyn leaders commit to keeping community informed about Temporary Protected Status

August 5, 2010

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU)

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU) along with allies and supporters, announced at a press conference August 3rd its continued commitment to informing the community about Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for undocumented Haitians following the January 12th earthquake.

School Improvement
Oakland Community Organizations Takes Story of School Transformation to Washington, D.C

July 30, 2010

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

Leaders and staff from Oakland Community Organizations joined with local school district allies in presenting the Oakland story of school transformation at a Congressional briefing and press conference in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, July 28.

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

July 29, 2010

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

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

Neighborhood Revitalization
Orange County leaders continue work to improve their community

July 22, 2010

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO)

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.

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

June 25, 2010

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

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.

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

June 25, 2010

PICO California

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.

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

June 23, 2010

San Diego Organizing Project (SDOP)

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.

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

June 23, 2010

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

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."

Health Care Access
Louisiana leaders bring health reform home

June 21, 2010

The Micah Project, Louisiana Interfaith Together (LIFT)

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

June 18, 2010

Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU)

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.

Other Issues
A Pastor Takes on BP in New Orleans

June 9, 2010

The Micah Project, PICO National Network

"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

May 27, 2010

People Acting in Community Together (PACT San Jose)

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

May 26, 2010

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

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

May 10, 2010

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

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

May 3, 2010

Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA)

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

April 30, 2010

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

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

April 29, 2010

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

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

April 27, 2010

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

"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

April 26, 2010

PICO National Network

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.

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

April 22, 2010

Essex County Community Organization (ECCO)

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.

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

April 22, 2010

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

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

April 22, 2010

San Francisco Organizing Project (SFOP)

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.

Economic Security
CCISCO join Rally to to hold Wells Fargo Accountable

April 22, 2010

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

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.

Immigration Reform
Thousands March for Comprehensive Immigration Reform in San Francisco

April 22, 2010

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)

"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."

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.

Immigration Reform
Bishop DiMarzio Leads Ecumenical Prayer For Immigration Reform

April 22, 2010

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

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).

Immigration Reform
CCISCO Hosts Bridge-Building Workshop

April 21, 2010

Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO)

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.

Other Issues
MICAH New Orleans Leads Environmental Health Tour

April 20, 2010

The Micah Project

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

April 7, 2010

PICO National Network

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

April 5, 2010

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

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

March 23, 2010

Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP)

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

March 23, 2010

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)

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

March 21, 2010

PICO California, PICO National Network

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

March 21, 2010

PICO National Network

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"

March 8, 2010

L.A. Voice, PICO National Network

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

March 1, 2010

PICO National Network

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

February 24, 2010

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

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'

February 22, 2010

PICO National Network

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"

January 29, 2010

PICO National Network

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

January 26, 2010

Communities Creating Opportunity (CCO)

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

January 22, 2010

PICO National Network

"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

January 21, 2010

PICO National Network

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

January 15, 2010

Metro Organizations for People (MOP)

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

January 13, 2010

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

"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

January 8, 2010

PICO National Network

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

December 20, 2009

L.A. Voice

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.