Read The Casey Connects/Insites Summer 2008 Newsletter

"It's good to know that the community is there to help people--not just a handout, but a hand up," said new homeowner Cassandra Baker. "I think it's absolutely wonderful."

The homes are also eco-friendly, with high thermal windows, heavy insulation and a special system that takes rainwater and filters it back into the house to be used.

Learn More About The Toms Road Project

The purpose is to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders to help low-income clients and their familes achieve economic self-sufficiency. The training is geared to initiatives that increase low-income individuals' approvals for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and enrollments in the Virginia Individual Development Account (VIDA) Program.

VACAP is asking its 29 community action agency members, Virginia CASH Campaign coalition members, and other interested organizations to assess their training needs to promote EITC and VIDA activities. Please share your thoughts on training audience, topics and presenters, and training schedule for 2008-2009.

Please submit your responses by Friday, September 12.

Take The Survey

Webb, a former Secretary of the Navy, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, and serves...

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Those unclaimed checks total more than $23 million, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Some of those people, who do not file tax returns, apparently were not aware that they were eligible for the money or did not file to get the payment.

Under the $170 billion stimulus package Congress approved to boost the economy, most taxpayers are eligible for rebates of as much as $600 ($1,200 for married couples). Parents also receive $300 for each child younger than 17...

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"The homeless population in Virginia is among the most vulnerable in the state," Governor Kaine said. "These grants will help them make positive changes in their lives – to become more productive members of the community, to strengthen their families through times of crisis, and to care for their children."

Grant recipients are nonprofit and local government providers of emergency shelter and transitional housing for the homeless. The grants are being provided through four program areas: State Shelter Grants, federally funded Emergency Shelter Grants, Child Service Coordinator Grant, and the Child Care for the Homeless Children Grant program.

State Shelter Grant and Emergency Shelter Grant funds are designated for the operation, administration and supportive services for emergency shelter facilities and transitional housing facilities.

The Child Care for Homeless Children program and the Child Services Coordinator Grant are targeted toward the family environment at shelters by assisting homeless families with the cost of child care while they are employed or enrolled in an educational/job training program. They also provide support for the shelters' child services coordinator, responsible for ensuring children in the shelters receive health and mental health care and that their educational needs are met.

"For many Virginians, the path toward self-sufficiency can be long and difficult, with many ups and downs," said DHCD Director Bill Shelton. "The support we provide for our homeless service providers is essential in providing a safe place for individuals, families, and children where they can work toward getting back on their feet with the help that they need."

» View Governors News Releases | » View List of Awards | Visit DHCD Website

This morning, the House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee marked up its FY 2009 bill. The Subcommittee approved a $46 million increase for CSBG, to bring the program to $700 million for FY 2009.

This increase is yet another consistent step on the path of growing the CSBG program while maintaining fiscal responsibility in these complex budgetary times.

The vast majority of the credit for this good news goes to full Appropriations Committee and Labor-HHS Subcommittee Chairman David Obey. CSBG and Community Action remain a high priority for the Chairman. In a future CAP-FACTS, we will enlist your help in thanking our supporters and informing Chairman Obey of your plans for this important increase.

We also continue to have strong support on both sides of the aisle on the House Appropriations Committee, as well as on the Senate Committee. Senate Labor-HHS Chairman Harkin is an unwavering champion of CSBG and the Community Action network, and we anticipate good news from his markup next week. It should be noted that his Subcommittee budget is tight; we have been told it has $1 billion less to spend than its House counterpart.

Other core programs of Community Action are also in good shape. We have strong allies, including the Chairs, among the Committee membership for our appropriations. The Subcommittee rejected the President's proposed 22% cut in LIHEAP, and increased the program by $200 million over the FY 2008 level. Head Start is funded at $1.7 billion, an increase over last year's level and the President's request. Cuts in SSBG and WIA were also rejected and the programs are funded at current levels.

» Download This News Article (PDF) | » Visit NCAF Website

Foster youth ages 12 through 21 are invited submit an original essay, poem, painting, drawing, or photograph that shares their experiences in foster care and ideas for change. The submission deadline is August 15th. Cash prizes will be given to the top three entries in each category: writing, art, and photography!

If you know any foster youth, foster parents or foster care professionals, please share this information with them! A complete brochure and entry form is available on Voices website.

This summer, foster youth will have the opportunity to participate in a one-day workshop with local writers, artists, and photographers designed to build the youths' confidence and encourage participation. Attendance at a workshop is NOT necessary to enter the contest, but free art supplies will be distributed to youth who attend. The workshops run from 9 am until 4:30 pm on the following dates:

Registration for the workshops is required and limited! Interested youth who are in foster care or were recently adopted should register today by contacting Laura Shepherd at laura@vakids.org or 804-649-0184 x23.

We are grateful to our Honorary Steering Committee comprised of civic and government leaders who are helping to plan and implement VOICES FOR CHANGE. The following is a list of the Honorary Steering Committee members:

• Anne Holton, First Lady of Virginia, Steering Committee Chairwoman
• Adriana Trigiani, Best-selling Author of the Big Stone Gap trilogy
• The Hon. William H. Fralin, Jr., Virginia House of Delegates
• The Hon. Phillip A. Hamilton, Virginia House of Delegates
• The Hon. Janet D. Howell, Senate of Virginia
• The Hon. Terry G. Kilgore, Virginia House of Delegates
• The Hon. William C. Mims, Chief Deputy Attorney General
• The Hon. Patricia S. Ticer, Senate of Virginia
• The Hon. Jeion A. Ward, Virginia House of Delegates
• Stacy Hawkins Adams, Author, Speaker and Freelance Journalist
• Ralph F. Boyd, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Freddie Mac Foundation
• Robin Foster, MD, Director of Pediatric Emergency Services, VCU Health Systems
• George H. Hettrick, Esq., Hunton and Williams
• Iris E. Holliday, Senior External Affairs Manager, Dominion
• Jo Kennedy, President and CEO, Visual Arts Center of Richmond
• Kyle Leftwich Banning, Esq., Marks and Harrison
• Lisa Mathey, President, FACES of Virginia Families
• Samantha Wheeler Marrs, Assistant Vice President and Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Patty Nicholas, Community Volunteer
• John Oakey, Esq., McGuireWoods
• Renette Oklewicz, Senior Manager, Freddie Mac Foundation
• Pamela J. Royal, MD, President, Royal Dermatology and Aesthetic Skin Care, Inc.
• Ann Rust, Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Arts Council of Fairfax County
• Rob Ukrop, Motivational Speaker and Soccer Coach

» Visit Voices for Virginia Children Website | » Download This News Article

Mr. Patterson spoke to an audience of 500 and discussed the importance of Maximizing Opportunities – Transforming Lives. He spoke on the value of making the most of every opportunity in order to transform the lives of others. In his remarks he offered the observation that in these times of change, people are the “trailblazers and torch carriers” who make the difference through relationships and partnerships. In his speech, he went on to comment that successful partnerships that maximize opportunities and transform lives are about shared vision, commitment to teamwork, and mutual respect. In action they help each person get a real opportunity to reach their potential and participate in the American way of life. Mr Patterson emphasized that these partnerships strengthen and empower individuals, families, and communities.

Mr. Patterson stated, “I feel very strongly that businesses, companies, and employers have a stewardship responsibility to the community beyond providing good jobs. Whether it’s dollars, the volunteer time of employees, or services or products given ‘in kind,’ it is just the right thing to do.” His own company, OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation, was awarded the Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Award for its employee-run Good Samaritan community outreach philanthropic committee, OMNI-Aid.

In closing, Mr. Patterson challenged the audience and staff and members of the Office of Human Affairs to look beyond themselves to the needs of others. He encouraged them to invest their time and resources and take a chance to provide hope, opportunity, and a second chance for others.

The Office of Human Affairs has served the community since 1966, reaching out to thousands of low-income individuals each year by providing programs such as Head Start, Employment Training, Emergency Assistance, Summer Lunch Program, Resource Mothers Program, Clean Comfort for the Homeless, GED Preparation classes, Affordable Housing Programs, Project Discovery, Financial Literacy, and many more. The mission of the Office of Human Affairs is to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate programs that foster self-sufficiency through educational, social, and economic development.

» Download News Article | » Visit OHA Website

The purpose of VCC is to support low-income Virginians to move from poverty to self-sufficiency, to expand the number and effectiveness of volunteers, to assist communities in being better prepared to receive ex-offenders, to assist communities in responding to natural disasters and emergencies, to strengthen families and to offer civic engagement opportunities to our members.

The Virginia Community Corps 2008 – 2009 Host Site Application may be download at www.vacap.org/downloads/doc/VCC_08_09_Site_App.doc. Community Corps members serve for 1700 hours over a 12 month period and earn an $11,400 living allowance, health insurance, workers’ compensation, subsidized child care, if needed, and an education grant worth $4,725 upon completion of their hours. Part-time members serve 900 hours and earn a $5000 living allowance and a $2,362.50 education grant upon completion of their hours. Agencies that host an AmeriCorps member will be responsible for 20% of the living allowance, health insurance and workers’ compensation for a full-time member and 20% of the living allowance for a part-time member. The education awards are made by the Corporation on National and Community Service.

We are now beginning the sixth year of this program and many localities reflect the contributions that AmeriCorps members can make in our human services agencies and our communities. Placement of members across our social services system will be contingent upon receiving final program approval by the Corporation on National and Community Service.

Applications should be returned no later than July 11, 2008 at 5 PM. Please mail or FAX to: Peggy Friedenberg, Virginia Department of Social Services; Virginia Community Corps, 7 North 8th Street, 5th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219 or FAX (804) 726-7947. If you have any questions about the information being requested, contact Peggy Friedenberg at (804) 726-7371 or margaret.friedenberg@dss.virginia.gov

» Download Application (DOC) | » Download Announcement(PDF)

Please visit the Y Street website to download the Y Street Mini-Grant information. Also, please share this information with any high school groups you think would benefit from participation.

To learn more about Y Street, please visit www.ystreet.org.

When: September 4-5, 2008

Where: The DoubleTree Hotel in Bethesda, MD.

Who should attend? VITA sites, financial education programs, non-profits or faith-based groups interested in providing financial security programs, foundations, financial institutions, educational institutions, state and local agencies, and workforce development programs

» Learn More or Download Flyer

Virginia Community Capital and the National Housing Trust Community Development Fund, two leading affordable housing lenders, announce today a new preservation acquisition loan pool to help preserve Virginia’s affordable rental housing, an essential housing resource for low income families and seniors.

With the help of private capital, VCC and NHTCDF have created a $30 million site acquisition loan pool to preserve and improve affordable rental homes in the Commonwealth. The Preservation Acquisition Loan (PAL) will provide flexible bridge financing (2-3 years) so affordable housing providers can acquire and hold affordable properties while they secure longterm financing.

"This project represents a significant public-private-nonprofit partnership that will benefit the most vulnerable Virginians," said Jane Henderson, President of VCC. "Safeguarding affordable rental homes is the essential first step in solving Virginia's housing dilemma."

Acquisition funds help mission driven affordable housing preservation developers overcome obstacles and play a critical role in preserving and improving existing affordable housing. Affordable housing providers need quick access to flexible financing in order to act fast to acquire affordable apartments that are at risk of being lost to Virginia's affordable housing inventory.

Existing affordable rental housing is an important resource for Virginia’s families. Approximately one-third of Virginians currently rent their homes and nearly all Virginians are renters at some point in their lives. Yet, the supply of affordable rental units is on the decline. According to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, from 1995 to 2005, the nation lost 1.4 million apartments that rent for $600 or less because they were converted to higher priced rentals, federal subsidies waned, or aging properties deteriorated.

Apartment homes created with the help of the federal government provide some of the most affordable housing in Virginia. But much of this housing is at risk. Over the next five years, contracts on more than 17,000 project-based Section 8 units in Virginia will expire, giving owners an opportunity to opt out of the program or sell to market rate developers. Additionally, Virginia has more than 10,000 Section 515 rural housing units. Many owners of these properties are interested in selling due to market forces.

"Not only is preserving affordable apartments essential for improving access to housing opportunities, it is also cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. It costs a third less to renovate an existing apartment than it does to build a new one. Improving an existing building reuses resources and has less of an environmental impact than demolition and new construction," said Michael Bodaken, president of the National Housing Trust.

The Preservation Acquisition Loan (PAL) brings together public, private, and non-profit partners to stem the loss of affordable rental homes. Funders include the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development, and the Virginia Housing Development Authority, as well as private lending institutions including Bank of America, SunTrust, and Wachovia.

In addition to providing financing solutions, VCC and NHT are sponsoring the Virginia Housing Preservation Symposium on June 18 in Fairfax, Virginia. The one-day symposium will bring affordable housing leaders from across the state to discuss strategies and options to preserve the state's affordable housing stock, as well as share resources, encourage partnerships and bring programs to scale. Registration for the event can be found at www.vacommunitycapital.org.

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About Virginia Community Capital:
Virginia Community Capital (VCC) is a multi-million dollar non-profit, community development financial institution (CDFI) and banking entity providing innovative loan and investment solutions for affordable housing and economic development projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our mission is to offer innovative, flexible financial products designed to support housing and community development ventures, increase jobs and build sustainable communities. VCC offers loan capital that is broader than bank lending to projects that have a positive community impact in low- to moderate-income communities in underserved geographies and markets. To learn more about the organization, visit: www.vacommunitycapital.org.

About the National Housing Trust:br/>The National Housing Trust preserves and revitalizes affordable apartments to better the quality of life for the families and elderly who live there. NHT is the only national nonprofit engaged in affordable housing preservation through real estate development, lending, and public policy initiatives. The National Housing Trust Community Development Fund (NHTCDF), the lending affiliate of the National Housing Trust, is the only certified nationwide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) exclusively dedicated to providing predevelopment and bridge financing to preserve and improve affordable homes. Since its inception in 1999, the Fund has made more than $8.7 million in loans, leveraging $418 million in private investment, helping to preserve nearly 5,000 affordable homes. To learn more about NHT, visit: www.nhtinc.org.

» Visit VA Community Captial | » Visit National Housing Trust | » Download News Article (PDF)

On June 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM, The STOP Organization will begin organizing efforts to help 28-year-old Jessica Simpson from Portsmouth, Virginia renovate her home.

Jessica was born with a rare genetic disorder called Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB). The condition affects her entire skin and mucus membranes where even the slightest trauma or friction causes blistering and scarring. In Jessica’s case, the condition is so severe that it also affects her eyes, mouth and joints, causing chronic corneal abrasions, periodontal disease and fusion of her fingers and toes. It has contributed to her skin cancer and chronic anemia. The condition has progressed to such a level that 75 to 80% of her body must bandaged daily.

The treatments are not always covered by insurance and medical costs are becoming more burdensome than ever. She lives with her father in a home that is not handicapped accessible. Her father, who suffered a heart attack last year, cannot address her physical needs to provide the house with the necessary updates it needs for her to be able to move easily through the house.

Therefore, The STOP Organization has established the Jessica Simpson Fund in order to raise money to cover the costs of having the house renovated for handicapped accessibility, as well as providing for any other ongoing medical needs she may require.

"STOP sees this as an opportunity to truly touch someone's life and give them the ability to remain independent," says President and CEO Edith R. Jones, "Anything we can do to help this young woman we will do."

The STOP Organization is the largest Community Action Agency and Head Start program in Virginia. Since 1964, The STOP Organization has been dedicated to improving the quality of life of low income individuals and families by providing educational, employment training, economic opportunities and housing assistance.

» Learn More about Jessica and How You Can Help | » Download this News Article (PDF)

All information for this news article has been kindly provided by Jamie Carter, Executive Office, The STOP Oragnaization.

The new building will have enough space to house the organization's current and future programs like Head Start, homeless intervention and senior meals. "We're grateful to the taxpayers as well," says Executive Director Jon Morris. We really want to be apart of this community and we have been for many, many years and we intend on being in the community for years to come."

About a year after the new facility opens, the organization will start on phase two of the project, which includes affordable housing for low to moderate income families.

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Senator Mitchell and Secretary Kemp also make several recommendations for what an anti-poverty agenda could look like under a new...

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Those numbers tell an important story about how Danvillians feel about Saunders, his leadership and his place on Danville City Council. It’s a message the other eight members of City Council should heed. While members of Danville City Council are elected by the voters, the mayor and vice mayor are chosen by the members of City Council. For any council member to be “elected” mayor, he or she needs at least four votes, plus their own. The process tells us about the political alliances and shifting loyalties among the nine Danvillians who lead our city’s government.

But it’s really a chance to select a leader who understands our problems — and our potential. Saunders is just such a leader, and we strongly urge his election as mayor...

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When: September 4-5, 2008

Where: Academy for Educational Development Center, Dupont Circle, Washington DC.

Who should attend? VITA sites, financial education programs, non-profits or faith-based groups interested in providing financial security programs, foundations, financial institutions, educational institutions, state and local agencies, and workforce development programs

» Learn More

New River Community Action (NRCA) helped 190 tax filers avoid paying expensive tax preparation or rapid refund fees by providing 51 Federally-trained, certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparers at NRCA’s Floyd, Montgomery and Pulaski Area Offices. Volunteers prepared and ?led low-income individuals and families taxes for free with a savings to the tax filers of $38,000 in tax preparation fees.

In addition to the free tax preparation services, volunteers helped determine if tax filers qualified for the federally funded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a refundable tax credit for low to-moderate income individuals and families with earned income. The average EITC refund for NRCA’s VITA program was $962 with a total of $76,021 in EITC refunds.

Eleven families were eligible for the Child Tax Credit for an average credit of $1,326, with credits totaling $14,591.

The Virginia CASH Campaign is supported by a Commonwealth of Virginia General Fund appropriation of $230,000 annually to maximize use of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. The targeted state resources incentivize community-based outreach initiatives and free tax preparation services for low income working families and individuals to assist them in receiving all EITC credits to which they are entitled. Many persons who are homeless need access to both EITC outreach and free tax preparation services if they are to benefit from the tax credit, which also operates retroactively.

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine designated Earned Income Tax Credit Kickoff Day in January, launching events around the state to raise awareness of EITC filing resources and tax preparation services and to demonstrate political will in support of the state's consumer-focused initiative. Executive Branch agencies for housing, housing finance, and social services have also partnered to offer Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA) with a 2:1 match of funds (including funds provided through the federal Assets for Independence program of HHS) for purchasing a home, starting a business, or financing post- secondary education, if the EITC filer deposits any refund of up to $2,000 in a VIDA.

The Virginia Community Action Partnership is the lead community agency for the statewide initiative, annually reporting results to the Governor and General Assembly....

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