INTERFAITH  JUSTICE  COALITION

Text Box: February 3, 2010     Dear Representative:   We write to urge your vote in favor of HB 60, the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act, to ensure any money Pennsylvania receives from the National Housing Trust Fund can be immediately put to work.   As representatives of major faith communities in Pennsylvania, we are deeply concerned about the lack of affordable housing in our Commonwealth. Our churches, synagogues, community centers and ministries work daily with individuals and families who are forced to make unbearable decisions, forgoing health care, nutritious food, heat or other basic necessities in order to keep a roof over their heads.   It is unfathomable Pennsylvania should have such a lack affordable housing. This housing crisis:   ·  Forces more people into homelessness, and worsens the plight of those who are already homeless.   ·  Holds back young families just starting out.   ·  Badly impacts senior citizens struggling to survive on a limited fixed income.   ·  Adversely impacts economic development and the creation of jobs that are needed for long-term stability and growth.   We believe every person is created in God’s image. Every person has value and deserves dignity. Our sacred texts teach the value of community where the needs of vulnerable and poor are addressed with compassion and justice. Every person in our Commonwealth deserves access to housing that is safe and affordable.  We believe this issue is one of the core responsibilities of government to protect the health and welfare of all residents.   The creation of a state housing trust fund administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency is a key first step towards ensuring that every community has a range of housing options that are affordable for people of all economic levels. Establishing the fund will ensure greater efficiency and accountability for any federal money Pennsylvania receives from the National Housing Trust Fund, established in 2008.   

 

 

 

 

 

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry

In Pennsylvania

900 S. Arlington Avenue

Suite 234A

Harrisburg, PA   17109

717-545-3500

717-545-3501 (F)

www.lamp.org

 

 

 

Pennsylvania Catholic

Conference

223 North Street

PO Box 2835

Harrisburg, PA   17105

717-238-9613

717-238-1473 (F)

www.pacatholic.org

 

 

 

Pennsylvania Council

Of Churches

900 S. Arlington Avenue

Suite 211A

Harrisburg, PA   17109

717-545-4761

717-545-4765 (F)

www.pachurches.org

 

 

 

Pennsylvania Jewish

Coalition

800 N. Third Street

Suite 403

Harrisburg, PA   17102

717-920-0734

717-232-7005 (F)

www.pajewishcoalition.org

 

 

 

United Methodist Advocacy

in Pennsylvania

216 State Street

Harrisburg, PA   17101

800-511-4937

717-236-6363

717-236-9138 (F)

www.umadvocacypa.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-2-

 

Passage of HB 60 will help citizens by providing affordable homes for those who need them, preserving the homes people are already living in and helping those who have no home. It will help our state through creating jobs which will produce tax revenue, revitalize communities, and enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvania’s families.

 

In these difficult times, House Bill 60 would not only help families who need homes, but would help create jobs in Pennsylvania’s housing and building industry.

 

We look to your leadership in making the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act a reality.

 

Sincerely,

                                                                                   

                                                                                   

 

The Rev. Amy E. Reumann                                           Francis J. Viglietta

Director                                                                        Director, Social Concerns Department

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in PA                                Pennsylvania Catholic Conference

 

                                                                                   

 

The Rev. Sandra L. Strauss                                           Hank Butler

Director of Public Advocacy                                          Executive Director

Pennsylvania Council of Churches                                  PA Jewish Coalition

 

 

 

Stephen Drachler

Executive Director

United Methodist Advocacy in PA