Stand up for 1 billion people around the world

More than 1 billion people live in slums. That's a heartbreaking figure. With our world's population continually growing this number is increasing at an alarming rate. 

Habitat for Humanity is taking a key role in making sure our government and elected officials address the issue of inadequate shelter. As our government continues to debate our current debt situation we hope you will join Habitat for Humanity International in urging your member of Congress to support The Shelter, Land, and Urban Management (SLUM) Act of 2011. According to Habitat for Humanity Int'l: "This legislation will make sure that U.S. foreign assistance uses taxpayer money smartly to address the reality of housing in our urbanizing world." 

Here's a sample of the message that can be sent to your member of Congress from Habitat For Humanity International's Advocacy page:

Message

Support the SLUM Act: A smarter solution to a global problem
Dear [Decision Maker],


As a supporter of Habitat for Humanity I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor The Shelter, Land and Urban Management (SLUM) Assistance Act of 2011.

U.S. foreign assistance programs account for about one percent of the total U.S. budget. Although current budget pressures demand that we use our resources wisely and effectively, the lack of a coherent U.S. policy addressing the growing challenges of global urbanization are undermining critical investments in health care, education, and disaster recovery in developing countries.

Conditions associated with slums are abysmal. Inadequate shelter, overcrowding, lack of water and basic sanitation, widespread disease, poor air quality, and higher risk of violence plague the lives of slum dwellers. Rapid urbanization and the growth of slums could lead to water scarcity, food insecurity, environmental degradation, increased instability within developing countries, and long-term financial and national security burdens on the United States. The challenge is only getting greater, with 1 billion slum dwellers today and expectations that this number will grow to 2 billion by 2030.

The United States was once an international leader in promoting policies and investments that improved the lives of slum dwellers. However, in recent years the capacity within our civilian agencies to address urban development challenges has diminished significantly.

The SLUM Assistance Act will establish sustainable urban development and management as a major objective of U.S. foreign assistance and reinvigorate programs that increase access to tenure security, basic shelter, and urban services and infrastructure. It will also promote the growth of functional housing markets and support reforms that seek to enhance the rights and access to shelter for those disproportionally discriminated against, including women, children and the urban poor.

Please support the SLUM Assistance Act of 2011 and thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Thank you for your time and consideration.


Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Common Ground Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara News-Press and Noozhawk both have articles in today's issue about a new countywide collaboration of local nonprofits, businesses, city-leaders, and faith organizations called Common Ground Santa Barbara. The purpose of Common Ground Santa Barbara is to compile a Vulnerability Index to asses the needs in our community and take steps to house the most vulnerable homeless men and women. 

It's not an easy task to compile this information and Common Ground Santa Barbara is calling on the entire community to help by volunteering to be on a survey team. 500 volunteers are needed to participate in the registry week, Feb 28-March 4th. 

Photos: Kim MacDonald/Habitat for Humanity International