June 2, 2008

The dog days of Summer 2008 will signal the first-ever Christmas in July celebration by the city of Parma (OH).

Mayor Dean DePiero is initiating a major food drive to benefit the Parma Hunger Center, officially ending with a special Christmas “sleigh” collection in Parma’s July 4th parade. Residents are being encouraged to bring non-perishable canned and boxed food items to the parade that can be handed to one of Santa’s helpers.

“We’re reminding folks all around northeast Ohio that hunger never takes a vacation,” says DePiero. “It’s a credit to all of us who help Parma Hunger Center during the Christmas holidays. But the sad reality is that thousands of people are desperate and need our help year-round.”

Food distributed by the Parma Hunger Center is obtained through cash and food donations and the Cleveland Foodbank. Foodbank Executive Director Anne Goodman says the demand at more than 450 regional hunger centers outweighs the supply in its six county coverage area. “Last year, the Foodbank distributed more than 20 million pounds of food,” says Goodman. “Thanks to Parma residents and countless northeast Ohio donors, we had enough food to serve more than 15 million meals to hungry individuals in our community. That is great, but the need is even greater.”

Organizers say The Parma Hunger Center’s total distribution has been increasing by about ten percent every year. Last year, 2,500 families were served, representing more than 8,000 people.

“Our effort won’t solve this national crisis,” says DePiero. “What we’re doing is pulling together as a community to lend a hand. It’s the least we can do for our neighbors in need.”

Muskogee (OK) has a new mayor. He’s barely old enough to vote.

John Tyler Hammons, a 19-year old freshman at the University of Oklahoma, was elected May 13 with 70 percent of the vote. He defeated Hershel McBride, a former mayor of the city of 38,000.

Hammons called his win “…the greatest, humbling and most awesome experience I’ve ever had.” He plans to stay in school while running the city.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter on May 28 announced several new initiatives to address homelessness in Philadelphia, including a new partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority to provide 500 housing opportunities this year for individuals and families experiencing homelessness; 200 housing opportunities, combined with social services, for chronically homeless individuals; and ongoing homeless café operations.

“The issue of homelessness affects every Philadelphian,” said Nutter. “The initiatives announced today are the first steps in this administration’s committed effort to reducing homelessness and helping move individuals and families into permanent housing. We will continue to work in partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority, together with the advocacy and provider communities, to deliver lasting solutions to an issue that confronts all of us.”

Philadelphia Housing Authority Executive Director Carl Greene said, “We are proud to join with Mayor Nutter in attacking the city’s severe homelessness problem. Today marks a major step forward. It is just unfortunate that we don’t have the resources to serve all of the people who need our help. Having a home will provide an essential foundation for a new start for the families and individuals benefiting from this program.”

In response to the increasing number of homeless individuals and families in need of behavioral health services, addiction treatment, and appropriate housing, Philadelphia is demonstrating an unprecedented commitment to resolving homelessness.

Washington CeaseFire (WCF), the leading advocate for greater gun safety for Washington State’s families and communities, May 15 celebrated its 25th anniversary with its Annual Awards Luncheon in Seattle.

The luncheon brought together state, regional and city members of government, law enforcement leaders, community members and WCF membership, honored Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels with the Ancil Payne Civic Leader of the Year Award for his long-standing commitment to reducing firearm violence in the communities. Last December, Nickels convened a summit of statewide community members; policy-makers, law enforcement, clergy and public health officials to discuss solutions to firearm violence in Washington State.

In 2006, the most recent year for which statistics are available, Washington state recorded 539 firearm fatalities. Washington’s firearm mortality rate is nearly nine per 100,000 people – more than twice the State Department of Health’s Healthy People Goals for 2010.

“I’m encouraged to see growing support across the state for responsible gun laws,” said Nickels. “But ever week, Washington still experiences senseless gun violence. Firearm deaths are a needless tragedy, and we must continue our efforts and ensure our families and our communities are safe.”

“Washington CeaseFire is honored to have the dedication of Mayor Greg Nickels to support a measurable reduction in the use of firearms that endanger our citizens and the law enforcement officials committed to their safety,” said Krist Comer, WCF Executive Director. “With his continued advocacy and the support of a growing number of concerned citizens throughout the state we can reduce gun violence.”

Hartford (CT) has embraced a writing campaign that sends messages of hope and safe journeys home to members of the American military stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mayor Eddie A. Perez and members of city council have shared “Paragraphs of Hope” that can be carried in the pockets of our service people as a way for them to know that they have support here on the home front, that they are heroes, and that everyone wants them to return home safely. This is all part of a one-person community activist campaign that has turned into a national response.

Perez, who shared his heartfelt thoughts in both English and in Spanish, writes, “I salute your commitment to your family and to your country. Without your heroism and patriotism, we cannot move forward a nation. As a father, let me say that you are loved more deeply than you will ever know. As mayor, let me say that you bring hope and opportunity to others. Thank you for your personal sacrifice and unwavering inner strength. Be proud, be positive, but most importantly, be safe.”

“Paragraphs of Hope” is a one-person, non-affiliated, volunteer campaign spearheaded by Christina Matthews Samuda of New Jersey. Samuda was born and raised in Panama, Canal Zone, where U.S. military bases were operational before the year 2000. At the present time, she has relatives serving in various branches of the military. She has worked on numerous volunteer projects. Her current one is the “Paragraph of Hope” writing campaign.