Brian Montgomery withdrew his name from the list.
My name is Valerie Buchand and I am a resident leader in the Sarasota Public Housing Authority. President of The Janie Poe Development that in undergoing demo to build a mix-income site. In looking at what is happening around the country, I believe the very purpose and mission of HUD has changed. HUD is helping people to be homeless. By HUD allowing the return of Public housing units( one for one)to return is causing poor people to be on the streets. Sleeping on the grounds of parks,on doorsteps of churches,under canals, etc.
The demand for very low income housing is so great.Why would we not bring back units for the poor? Keep in mind I'm not talking about people that have a business of crime.
Puting very low income people on vouchers is setting most of them up to fail. That is what I have seen in the years that I have dealt with the government( HUD).
Programs are voted on in congress, money is set aside for non-profits, many get the money but are passive about their mission and committment for the people.
There are challenges everywhere and in every community, but it appear that the community of the poor are at target in this era. There is a solution, but who is looking, who has the time and who has the LOVE? It appears that it's about the land, and it shouldn't be, ti should be about people lives. I agree that everyone shouldn't return, but the administration in office now is claiming that these public housing must come down and start over. This is to give those developers that have supported his administration the lead way to get contracts to demolish and rebuild at a fine cost to them and make it hard for working people to return. Mind you I said working people.
It is also another way of getting rid of the black in the community and to move out out retired seniors, who have worked hard to buy their homes and now won't be able to enjoy their retirment in their home.
I believe we can't over look the poor, because they will always exsits! If we can't love and do right by those that are less forture than others, then who and why are we here.
The pretense, lies and cover ups continues. And that is my opinion.
WE NEED HELP FROM THE GREATER NATION that suppose to be for all people, not their friends, not supporters that give the greastest donation to campaigns.
This madness need to stop. The very government we look to do the right thing has failed on every side. Residents are overlooked in many ways. We as a people have prove ourselves more than others. It's time to have real equal opportunities, not just speaking but in actions. No more pacificing residents in public housing but real help that makes a dent in proverty.
Commenting by HaloScan
