Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monika Kessling, San Jose
We need:
More section 8 housing developments and more vouchers.
An increase of low-income housing.
Dedicated funds from the Federal and State budgets every year.
I have a personal need of section 8 housing.
Florentino Munoz, San Jose
Having homelessness in the U.S., the richest country in the world, is a sin. Housing is a human right.
Dwayne Reed, San Jose
Mr President,
My prayer is that you would create and approve legislation for more affordable housing for low-income families and single adults. How can an individual or family on a low or fixed income find or afford housing, when they are expected to make three times the amount of rent in income? That is not reasonable, Mr. President.
This country can spend millions on golf courses, country clubs, and luxury condos, but why can't we take that same amount of money and create affordable housing? I agree with you, Mr. President, it is a time for change in America, and one of those areas that desperately needs it is affordable housing.
My prayer is that you would create and approve legislation for more affordable housing for low-income families and single adults. How can an individual or family on a low or fixed income find or afford housing, when they are expected to make three times the amount of rent in income? That is not reasonable, Mr. President.
This country can spend millions on golf courses, country clubs, and luxury condos, but why can't we take that same amount of money and create affordable housing? I agree with you, Mr. President, it is a time for change in America, and one of those areas that desperately needs it is affordable housing.
Rosemary Everett, Cupertino, CA
It is a scandal that people are homeless, that tent cities are springing up everywhere in the U.S., the richest country in the world. This is a sad situation that must be ended. Yes we can!
Susanna Beouchan, San Jose
I would like to have everybody and their kids get off the streets, out of the tents they are living in by the river, and out of the abandoned cars. I would like to see an abandoned house or motel given to a non-profit to restore to code so everybody can live indoors. Section 8 vouchers should be given out each month. Our economic rights in Article 23, 25, and 26 are not being met. We all need to help the United States to end poverty and homelessness.
Thank you very much. May God bless you all.
With faith, hope, love, and grace,
Susanna and John Beouchan
Rose McCuen, San Jose
We need more money for low-income housing and more help for food banks. Stop foreclosures. Stop raising taxes for the poor.
Ciria Padron, San Jose
Es muy importante arreglar la economia para conseguir mejor trabajo. Obama, yo soy salvadorena. La situacion en El Salvador es muy dificil. Pues es muy dificil estar sin papeles en este pais. Solo le pido que nos ayude a todos.
Henry Bynum, San Jose
I really feel that so many could use the help, so as to be able to help themselves. So many with kids are in need.
Jenny Heredia, San Jose
I am a single mom of two children and I have been on the section 8 waiting list in San Benito County for over two years. I hope I get housing soon.
Victoria Diaz, San Jose
Somos inmigrantes y los duenos de apartamentos nos abusan, cobrando las rentas muy altas y los depositos. Hemos pagado $1800 de deposito por un apartamento de un cuarto, por el hecho de no tener un numero de seguro social. Dificilmente pagamos nuestra renta de $900 mensualmente, por eso es que se nos dificulta todo. Le pedimos nos ayude a tener vivienda y poder tener papeles. Muchas gracias.
Ellen Rollins, San Jose
Disabled individuals need adequate housing. Dignity in community independent living is a human right. America will not stand for third world standards of living for our citizens.
Chaya Martinez, San Jose
I am a single mother of two! I am 28 years old and currently go to school to be a medical assistant. I now rent a room, but I would love to have my own house so my children could have their own yard to play in! For now it is a dream, but I hope it may indeed come true!
Gabriela Marcela Gabrian, San Jose
I am personally writing you to tell you about my homelessness since June, 2005. I lost my job, my health, and my will to live. Through the grace and mercy of God, I was blessed with the opportunity to survive lung cancer in 2007, through removal of my right lung. Physical recovery has been long, but I have surrounded myself with a new mindset and have eliminated toxic people from my life. I survived a battered relationship for over one year and am now free of subjecting myself to abuse and drug addiction, which I turned to as a coping skill.
I have moved from shelter to shelter but I look forward to permanent housing through a section 8 voucher. I am now striving to gain a new triumph over cancer in my remaining lung. It is a continuous strain to survive daily not having the comfort of a HOME. It is really difficult, but I believe I will survive cancer again, and I strive daily for independence. I participate in a community of sharing kind words and encouragement.
There is a great need for affordable housing. If I had a home it would help me be a stronger individual, and further my education and start my own business taking care of the elderly and disabled. I would like to help them to be productive and happy in spite of their limitations. Because of my own experience I have new compassion and insight.
Personally, I would create requirements for section 8 vouchers that people be active in caring for their own health and progress. Regardless of their condition, people need a break and an opportunity to strive for a better life. I am responsible for myself but I need help at times when I am down. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your consideration and mercy.
Berget Jelane, San Jose
This financial crisis is an opportunity to rearrange our priorities. Instead of just going back to business as usual, I hope we will reprioritize and put people first, not profits. People are our greatest natural resource. Nothing else really matters if all of us cannot live in dignity with housing, food and medical care. A simple life lived close to the earth and the seasons is so much more meaningful than living in a mansion apart from the natural world. Let's work together to help people to see the truth in that and end this madness of destroying ourselves and our earth.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Alejandro Bazan Ele, San Jose
Presidente Obama,
Por favor necesitamos ayuda en apartamentos para bajos ingresos.
Belinda Ozorio, Tony Osuna, Leandra, Marissa, & Christian, San Jose
Our family has been homeless for 3 years and are waiting for housing to come through, but it is very hard. Emotionally and financially we are asking for a chance.
Andrew Martinez, San Jose
I am now in a shelter after serving a 16 month county jail sentence for (2) drunk driving charges. Now that the justice system has let me go, the economy is unblanced for the needy. I have mental health problems, loss of memory, and difficulty with learning and communication skills. I used to have a home and a shop and was doing well for all my42 years. Now I don't have a house, and no where to live. My section 8 has been taken away.
Please look into the support of the homeless. Thank you.
Please look into the support of the homeless. Thank you.
Carina Escaname, San Jose
Can you please help people that really need help. Real families as opposed to the Wall Street executives. It's time for a real change. I believe housing is a human right, especially here in the wealthiest country in the world. No human being should be homeless.
Troy Curtis, San Jose
The gentrification of San Jose is bordering on the historic. A once beautiful farm valley raped by industry. Housing is scarce and unaffordable. There needs to be a restructuring of values in order to offer the necessity of housing to all in an affordable way.
Sonoma Walden Pond, San Jose
Dear President Obama,
I am sure you have visited us here, at some time, in downtown San Jose, but I wonder if you got a chance to walk the streets here and glimpse the faces this city tries to hide, ignore, and forget. I do not allow myself to not see them. These are the faces of the thousands, NO EXAGGERATION! of the homeless men, women, and children that are only just surviving here. There was something written once, long ago, that I believe you must be familiar with. "We are all created equal"! As such we are supposedly granted the same, EACH ONE OF US, the right to SAFE housing, food, water, and entitled to employment to help us meet these needs. Now, you and your family are in your safe house secure and blessed with much. I would remind you, now that we have elected you, that you not forget any of us, who through that vote became your extended family. There are so many of us that for so many years have fought for equal rights for us all, that have brought us to this time, this moment, to embrace with joy our first African-American President. Now, I ask you to ensure all our rights as well.
It is hard to look into the hungry eyes of women and children. To see the loss of dignity in the eyes of men and women who can not find employment and, in what seems like a blink of an eye, have lost everything that was home and security to them. But, it is harder knowing that so many people choose to look away. PLEASE, do not be one of them.
I pray that one day soon, I could walk down the streets of everywhere USA, and instead find a look of joy and prosperity for everyone instead of just the seemingly entitled few.
I thank you for your time and consideration.
With sincerest felicitations,
Somona W. Pond
Patricia Andrade & Fernando, San Jose
Presidente Obama,
Yo le pido por todos los inmigrantes que se arregle nuestra situacion. Gracias.
Charlie Craig, Milpitas, CA
Dear President Obama,
Keep up the good work. I know that change does not happen overnight. I do not expect miracles, but please keep working on these issues.
Esperanza Victoria Celaya, San Jose
Dear President,
I am writing you this letter on behalf of all homeless people and families. I know you are busy and have a lot of political things to do, but I think this is important to our nation and our future. I notice there has been a lot of building in the last few years of luxury apartments, businesses, etc. but still no housing for the homeless and low-income families. I think it would be a great idea for the President to be concerned about this. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. It is a privilege to write to a new President who has made history.
Candice Curtis, San Jose
I am a 26 year-old mother of three who has had to leave my children with relatives while I slept out on the streets for the past three years. While out here, I am too scared to go to sleep at night, because I have already been raped while sleeping outside. Please do something to help and fast.
Dawn Patereau-Martinez, Gilroy, CA
Mr. President,
I am thrilled that your election has caused a renewed sense of patriotism in the U.S. and the world. I implore you to focus on the need for more financial aid and housing for the hundreds of thousands of formerly middle class families and others, the mentally challenged and physically disabled that are living on the streets., without food or resources to survive. I thank God for the vision of programs like Catholic Charioties and Sacred Heart. Thank you.
Angelina Valverde, San Jose
I have participated in the section 8 program for the past four years. I am a single mom of four small boys, and because of section 8, I can attemnd school and work and not have to worry about finding a place to live.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Maritza Munoz, Dayanara, Geraldo, Nathan, & Daisy, San Jose
Es para mi un placer de escribirle esta pequena nota.
Le agradesco mucho por todo lo que esta haciendo por la crisis economica, pero si me justaria que nos ayudara con nuestras viviendas.
Somos una familia de ocho personas en una situacion que ocupamos ayuda con nuestra vivienda. Es lo que tengo que dicir. Muchas gracias.
Holly Bodnar, San Jose
My fiance James Palmer became disabled 4 1/2 years ago from a scaffolding fall. He has been through four surgeries on his neck, shoulder, and back. We had to file for bankruptcy. I am having a very hard time paying bills and rent. I had to get an attorney to file for SSD and still did not make it. My fiance has lived in his place for 18 years and now is in need of help. We understand that we need great help for the disabled and the homeless.
Holly Bodnar and James Palmer
LaSeanna Halsell, San Jose
I am a full time student with a two year-old son. I currently rent a room because it is impossible to get my own place, because it is not affordable. I have been in shelters and I have lived on the streets. Please do what you can to help because homelessness is getting out of hand due to the economy.
Michael Evans, San Jose
Thank you so much for what you are trying to do, and everything you have done, but much more is needed.
Laurence M. Watkins, San Jose
My wife and I live in a very small studio. It makes us closer physically, but our essentials leave little room for us.
Mary Quintin, San Jose
Dear President Obama,
I am writing to you on behalf of the many who are homeless, to help give them a voice. My plea is for your aid so the homeless may have the most fumdamental of needs met, that being shelter, food, and clothing.
I pray God will keep you in his good grace and use you as an instrument of his peace. God bless you.
Steve E. Barrientos, San Jose
Bailing out the fraudulent mortgage scam is totally ridiculous. Low-income housing is a necessity, and throughout our country it is always a non-priority. Secondly, section 8 vouchers shouild be prioritized for American citizens. Our illegal immigrant crisis is of most importance, especially when their employment rate far exceeds that of American citizens.
Judy A. Turner, San Jose
We live in the greatest country in the world. The U.S. is so busy helping others outside the U.S. Look at the war, orphans, etc. When are we going to start taking care of our homeless, our elderly, our orphans, our people that are starving? What about us, the people of the United States of America? If we take care of our own, then we will be stronger and better able to help others.
Margarita Medina, San Jose
Necesitamos ayudar a la gente de recursos bajos a que pueden un dia poder tener una casa.
Jerry Hernandez, San Jose
Dear President,
For 43 years I have lived at the same address. I lost my son at this house, and now I have lost my house. I was incarcerated illegally and was never compensated for it. Please help.
Lakisha Harris, San Jose
Dear President,
We are in need of more housing for the homeless and more low-income housing for those in need.
Paula Bacs, San Jose
Due to the current economy, more families really need public housing. The section 8 voucher program helps us to be able to move and still maintain our housing. Thank you.
Cesar Juarez, San Jose
I am personally affected by the housing crisis. My family cannot afford continuing to pay our high mortgage. President Obama, hear our voice.
Dusty Krueger, San Jose
We need to NOT put a cap on helping people in all situations: disabled, homeless, low-income, or on social security. We continually assist other countries but we fail to help our own in our own country. Homelessness has got to stop and more assistance needs to be made available.
Suzanne Simmons, San Jose
Dear President Obama,
We recently lost the apartment we were renting due to foreclosure. We spent all our money on motel rooms. We are now homeless and the future does not look too bright. I am now disabled due to a broken foot and leg. We need affordable housing desperately. Please help.
We recently lost the apartment we were renting due to foreclosure. We spent all our money on motel rooms. We are now homeless and the future does not look too bright. I am now disabled due to a broken foot and leg. We need affordable housing desperately. Please help.
Robert Amarillas, San Jose
I was evicted from my apartment housing unit after my father died of cancer. I was his caregiver along with my sister, who has two children. We are low-income and the Housing Authority would not help us. We were not considered for an emergency housing voucher, to help us with our housing needs. Thank you, Mr. President.
Sharon McKenzie, Homeless, San Jose
Reparations for Black people born in America, descendants of slaves, is the KEY to ending the economic crisis. Every American would benefit from you HONORING that PROMISE, seeing as we do not own anything. I am 58 years of age, have been homeless for nine years, and have both physical and mental health issues, but no health insurance. It is time for some President - namely you! - to stand by the principles of the Constitution of our forefathers. It is time to change the reality of U.S. homelessness, poor health, mis-education, poverty, and war-torn and uncared for veterans, etc.
Please keep your promises to all of us, not only to the rich and middle classes.
Our youth voted you in, so how can you leave any one of them behind?
It is time to heal, educate, and enrich all peoples so that we become a truly multi-cultural, pluralistic, free society. You cannot claim greatness doing petty things.
It is not our trial, it is yours. Thank you for your time and consideration. Going to lay down our burdens, down by the riverside, ain't going to study war no more!
Emily Wood, San Jose
Foreclosures are a big problem, and in my opinion banks need to be held responsible for how they are lending. It is in your power to control what the banks do, so please take the initiative to fix this housing and homelessness crisis. These are people we are talking about. By the way, I loved your stimulus plan, and I voted for you, it was the first vote I ever cast!
Dina Campeau, Morgan Hill, CA
I have been working on the issue of homelessness for twelve years now. In 2009 I am seeing a repeat of the housing need we had in Silicon Valley in 1999. It is awful to see this cycle. It must end!!
Diana Hunter, San Jose
Please help fund more public housing for the vast homeless population. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Rosalinda Gonzalez, Daisy, & Jessica, San Jose
Senor Obama, mi humilde saludo hacia usted, y su apreciable familia. Yo soy una persona indocumentada y victima de violencia domestica en Mexico. Soy madre de cuatro hijos y sin pareja mi preocupacion es la vivienda para ellos. Yo se que no deberia dar mi opinion. Perdon. Espero y si llegue a sus manos.
Robert Contreras, San Jose
I take care of my daughter. She is 13 years old and doing good at school. I go to college for now, until I find a better job. I need a place to to live. It has been hard, but we are making it. The section 8 waiting list is ten years long.
Lavella, Keisha, & Marie Perry, San Jose
We need more section 8, low-income housing, and places that allow a family to include their loyal pets here in Santa Clara County. We are living in our van because there are no funds. HELP US!
Rob Molinar, San Jose
Thank you for being our President. In the midst of the U.S. government's decision to give $1 trillion to banks, we need more integrated low-income housing.
I am involved in CHAM Deliverance Ministry, based in First Christian Church of San Jose, and we have been advocating affordable housing for 18 years. We need housing that is decent, safe, and affordable. God bless you.
Maria de la Luz Cano Sanchez, San Jose
Senor Presidente, por favor yo se que usted es la persona mas bueno. Si se puede, necesito mucha ayuda ya sea con vivienda o con lo que pueda. Yo soy mujer sola. Gracias.
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