{"id":638,"date":"2015-06-13T04:17:32","date_gmt":"2015-06-13T04:17:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/?page_id=638"},"modified":"2015-06-19T21:49:06","modified_gmt":"2015-06-19T21:49:06","slug":"june-2015-minutes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/?page_id=638","title":{"rendered":"June 2015 Minutes"},"content":{"rendered":"

EASTSIDE INTERFAITH SOCIAL CONCERNS COUNCIL<\/strong>
\nP.O. Box 662, Bellevue, WA 98009-0662<\/strong>
\nJune 9, 2015.\u00a0<\/strong>The meeting was held in Bristol Hall of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church beginning at 12:00 noon<\/span>.<\/p>\n

WELCOME:<\/strong> The meeting was called to order and conducted by EISCC President Diane Richards.
\nOPENING REFLECTION: <\/strong>Jean Harris provided the opening prayer.
\nSELF-INTRODUCTIONS<\/strong> were made by 28 representatives and guests.
\nMINUTES<\/strong> of the May 12, 2015, meeting were approved as submitted.
\nTREASURER’S REPORT: <\/strong>The Treasurer was not present at the meeting, but she did provide an update to our president.\u00a0 Our current total balance is $71,591.59.\u00a0 They majority of that total is for dedicated projects, Congregations for Kids and Backpack Meals.\u00a0 Our actual available total for the operations of the Council is approximately $7,000.
\nRFRESHMENT COORDINATOR: <\/strong>Many thanks to Tony Copes, Warren Marquardson, Betty Spohn, and Aaron Meyer for providing the day\u2019s refreshments.
\n
\nREPORTS:<\/strong>
\nBackpack Meals: <\/strong>Farida Hakim provided a report from Jan Starr.\u00a0 They have been able to distribute some Safeway gift cards, which provide some flexibility in menu choice for recipients.\u00a0 Ramen is the most liked item included in backpacks, and they received a very generous discount on ramen from the Issaquah PCC.\u00a0 Instant items like mac and cheese and snacks are very popular as well.\u00a0 They have recently been partnering with the Urban Farm.
\nLegislative Coordinator:\u00a0 <\/strong>Jean Harris reported that the legislature has now entered into its second special session.\u00a0 There are currently no bills on the floor of either house.\u00a0 Education remains a major issue, with particular attention to funding for none-required classes.\u00a0 At the national level, Adam Smith has been involved in a reintroduction of the Dream Act and is working to address our broken immigration detention policy.<\/p>\n

MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHTS:<\/strong>
\nCity of Bellevue:\u00a0 <\/strong>Alex O’Reilly from the City of Bellevue is gathering input from faith communities for Bellevue Human Services.\u00a0 The three questions that she put to us are 1) what are the top human services that people in your congregations (or walk-ins) are requesting, 2) what services does your congregation provide, and 3) how could the City of Bellevue support the efforts of your congregation to address these needs.\u00a0 A survey sheet was provided, and attendees were urged to leave their responses for her.\u00a0 For those who did not have time to complete the exercise at the meeting and those who were not able to attend the meeting, comments may be sent to Alex at Parks and Community Services Department; Attn: Community Services; PO Box 90012; Bellevue, WA 98009-9805.
\nEastside Legal Assistance Program<\/strong> :\u00a0 Our expected presenter was unable to attend our meeting.<\/p>\n

PROGRAM: Church Council of Greater Seattle:\u00a0 <\/strong>Michael Ramos, Executive Director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, spoke with us about his organization and some of the work that it is doing.\u00a0 The Council has been in existence since 1919, and its work extends to King County and South Snohomish County.\u00a0 The Church Council works in the areas of advocacy, training, and service around issues such as housing and homelessness, living wage, economic justice, immigration reform, accompaniment, and others.\u00a0 A current effort is working with Rep. Adam Smith on reform of our broken immigration detention policy.\u00a0 He pointed out that 30% of the population of Bellevue is foreign-born \u2013 or, as he would say, ‘them is us.’\u00a0 They are particularly concerned about the quotas that the system has for filling beds to meet contract terms with for-profit prisons.<\/p>\n

They have been working with the Committee to End Homelessness in King County to develop a regional, community plan to end homelessness in King County which will be officially released in July.\u00a0 This would be a follow-on to the recently ended 10-year plan to end homelessness in King County (which, needless to say, did not reach its goal).\u00a0 Some preliminary copies were made available at our meeting.\u00a0 There will be a meeting to discuss this document at the Church Council offices, 4820 S. Morgan St., in Seattle on Saturday, June 27<\/span>, in the morning. They will gather at 9:30 am<\/span> and the sessions will run from 10 am to noon<\/span>.\u00a0 Input from faith communities is ardently sought to help shape this plan. Those interested in attending should RSVP to Michael.<\/p>\n

Michael pointed out that $1474 is the average Eastside rent.\u00a0 A family would need to earn $70K annually in order to keep their spending on rent at or below the recommended 30% of total income.<\/p>\n

The problem of homelessness can be addressed, but solutions require political will.\u00a0 The desire would be to find housing for people so that they do not go homeless.\u00a0 To the extent that is not possible (people do continue to fall through the cracks), the desire is that homelessness be rare, that it be brief, and that it be one-time.\u00a0 Michael noted that he comes from New York City, where rent controls make city rents affordable for those most at risk.<\/p>\n

Great appreciation was expressed for those that do provide emergency housing.\u00a0 It is very much needed.\u00a0 Still, 10,000 people are homeless every night in King County \u2013 with homeless persons spending 100 days homeless on average.\u00a0He charges that this is a moral scandal.\u00a0 People deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.<\/p>\n

Some of the things that most need to be done to address the homelessness problem:
\n1) review how homelessness has been criminalized under our current laws,
\n2) charge governments with the safety of all of their citizens, including the homeless,
\n3) coordinate efforts to address this problem among cities,
\n4) understand that services are most effective when they can be made available locally,
\n5) adopt best practices by learning what has proven successful elsewhere,
\n6) avoid displacement through loss of existing housing stock wherever possible, and
\n7) help homeless children by working with schools.<\/p>\n

Some of the specific actions that could be taken to address the lack of adequate housing stock is to support more remodeling of stock, work with non-profits to purchase units, work with private landlords wherever possible, find or develop more funding sources for affordable housing.<\/p>\n

Salt Lake City, Utah, has found that getting folks into housing actually saves them money in the long run.\u00a0 It is also more palatable to communities that object to tent city encampments.\u00a0 There are currently 4 tent cities in Seattle, with 3 more recently authorized \u2013 the most ever!\u00a0 Still, 50 to 60 people die on the streets each year.\u00a0 While encampments are not a first choice, it is presently complementary to other strategies and, while not ideal, the need clearly exists.<\/p>\n

There is currently a bill in the State Legislature, House Bill 2263, which would provide for an optional .1% local sales tax to fund housing, mental health and operational services for the most vulnerable in our state.\u00a0 It is estimated that this could make as much as $50 million available for affordable housing.\u00a0 The Church Council supports this plan, despite the fact that the sales tax is a regressive tax where Washington State already has the most regressive tax system of the 50 states.<\/p>\n

Michael urged attendees to consider attending the Church Council’s fall conference, Weaving Our Strengths.\u00a0 It will be held on Saturday, October 3<\/span>, at University Congregational UCC.\u00a0 It will be a day-long conference of fellowship, inspiration, and skill-building to strengthen local churches’ efforts for the common good.\u00a0 Last year’s even was attended by over 200 people from 14 Christian traditions and at least 57 congregations.\u00a0 A flyer for this event is attached to this mailing.\u00a0 This is a Save the Date announcement, as not all of the details of that event are yet available.\u00a0 You can visit the Council website, thechurchcouncil.org<\/a>, to watch for additional information as it becomes available.<\/p>\n

Michael would be pleased to connect with any of our congregations to discuss their work.\u00a0 Michael can be reached by e-mail at mramos@thechurchcouncil.org<\/a> and by phone at 206-525-1213, ext. 102<\/a>.<\/p>\n

ANNOUNCEMENTS:<\/strong>
\nE<\/strong>lizabeth Maupin reported that Passage Point<\/strong> is\u00a0a supportive residential community\u00a0that helps parents facing homelessness after incarceration to reunite with their children.\u00a0 It is in the Issaquah School District down toward Maple Valley, and their representatives have been coming to the Issaquah Nourishing Network.\u00a0 If you don’t know much about this YWCA program, or if you do and would like to give some community support, you are invited to the King\u00a0 County Open meeting on Passage Point which will be held in the Eagle Room at the Issaquah City Hall on Wednesday, June 10, at 7 pm<\/span>. \u00a0Want to know more about this 46 unit facility?\u00a0 Check out\u00a0https:\/\/www.ywcaworks.org\/page.aspx?pid=758<\/a> .<\/p>\n

Elizabeth also reported that the Issaquah Sammamish Interfaith Coalition is in need of more diverse leadership.\u00a0 When the coordinator moved to Seattle in 2010, they lost a lot of energy and cohesion because one person had taken on too much.\u00a0\u00a0 To get a bit more organized and stable, they need a broader net of leadership.\u00a0 A “board” might be too formal a structure, but they do need at least a dedicated core of advisors who will help with planning and take some of the networking responsibilities off the shoulders of the coordinator.\u00a0 Their function has been to let the faith communities know of the needs of the more vulnerable in our communities in east East King County, to publicize opportunities for service and collaboration, to advocate for the poor, and to foster understanding and cooperation among local faith groups.\u00a0 They are looking at ways to educate the wider public about such issues as the growing economic gap, homelessness, poverty, and restorative justice.\u00a0 If you are interested in participating in an advisory network please contact Elizabeth Maupin at eli410maupin@gmail.com<\/a> , or call 425-392-3344<\/a> and leave a message.<\/p>\n

Alex O’Reilly from the City of Bellevue reported that they were going to be holding a forum on basic needs on Wednesday, June 10, from 7:20 am to 9:30 am<\/span>, at the Mercer Island Community Center.\u00a0 The event is titled ‘Lessons Learned<\/strong>‘ and will look at what efforts have been successful and which not so much.<\/p>\n

Linda Hillesheim encourages wider cross-group connections as a strategy to extend our work and make it more effective.\u00a0 She reminds everyone of our October EISCC meeting<\/strong> which will be looking at the future direction of EISCC and urges representatives to invite others to that meeting (actually, you should feel free to invite others to any and all of our meetings).<\/p>\n

Karen Studders reported that she took the Ballard Community Taskforce on Homelessness and Hunger (BCTHH’s) concerns (see attached letter) about the No Parking overnight signage to the Committee to End Homelessness Interagency Council (IAC) May 4th<\/span> meeting. \u00a0As a result, the
\nIAC<\/strong> issued the following statement<\/strong>:\u00a0 ‘The IAC calls on all cities to not ban the overnight parking of oversize vehicles due to the disproportionate impact these bans have on people who are experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicles. Nearly one third of all unsheltered people experiencing homelessness live in their vehicle and banning the parking of oversize vehicles overnight is less effective than addressing the reasons why a person might be living out of their vehicle.’\u00a0 She considers that a great reponse to their volunteer efforts!<\/p>\n

CLOSING REFLECTION:<\/strong> \u00a0 Nina Weaver provided a closing song.
\n\u00a0<\/strong>THE NEXT EISCC MEETING will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2015, 12:00 \u2013 1:30 pm<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>
\n\u00a0<\/strong>PROGRAM: The Sophia Way<\/strong>
\n\u00a0<\/strong>LOCATION: BRISTOL HALL, ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 4228 FACTORIA BOULEVARD SE, BELLEVUE (ACROSS FROM NEWPORT HIGH SCHOOL)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

EASTSIDE INTERFAITH SOCIAL CONCERNS COUNCIL P.O. Box 662, Bellevue, WA 98009-0662 June 9, 2015.\u00a0The meeting was held in Bristol Hall of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church beginning at 12:00 noon. WELCOME: The meeting was called to order and conducted by EISCC President Diane Richards. OPENING REFLECTION: Jean Harris provided the opening prayer. SELF-INTRODUCTIONS were made by … Continue reading June 2015 Minutes<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":575,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-638","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P4dwA2-ai","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/638","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=638"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/638\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":668,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/638\/revisions\/668"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/575"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=638"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}