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The certainty that the ideals of "life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" can become reality for anyone
willing to work for them is what we call the American dream. For many, the
dream does come true. For many it does not. Fair housing has often been
referred to as the unrealized dream and that is why the theme for this
year’s Annual Meeting theme: is “Fair Housing…A Dream Deferred”.
The phrase is taken from Langston Hughes’ well known poem Harlem
which asks: What happens to a dream deferred…Does it explode?” Although
authored in the late ’50’s, the poem remains a good description of the
discrimination so prevalent in our community today.
HOME, since 1963, has led the struggle for
fair housing in Western New York, ensuring that the dream of fair housing
does not explode. Join us Tuesday, April 27th
at 5:00 at the newly renovated Buffalo Convention Center to celebrate the
substantial achievements of HOME’s 41 years.
Meeting the needs of discrimination victims
and responding to the continuous and urgent need to educate home owners,
landlords and tenants, realtors, government agencies and the general
public about fair housing law remains essential to the work of HOME- -
work that could not be achieved without YOU, our supporter and member.
Keynoting this event is the Assistant
Secretary of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity of the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development, Carolyn Y. Peoples. Ms. Peoples’ office is
responsible for administering and enforcing laws that ensure equal access
to housing, guarantee equal opportunity in all HUD programs and prohibit
discrimination in employment with respect to HUD programs. Additionally,
the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity promotes economic
opportunity for low-income persons and businesses that employ them.
Ms. Peoples is a native of Maryland with 25
years’ experience in federally assisted housing. Prior to her appointment
to HUD, Ms. Peoples was founder and chief executive officer of Jeremiah
Housing, Inc., a faith-based, nonprofit organization providing housing and
consultative services for low-income seniors from 1999-2001. Previous to
this, she served in various leadership positions for Catholic Charities
and served as program director for the Presbytery of Baltimore from where
she developed the first supportive services program for seniors in the
nation.
Ms. Peoples served as president of the
education committee of Maryland’s Beacon Institute; trustee of the
Mid-Atlantic Nonprofit Health & Housing Association; house of delegates,
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging; and on the board
of governors, University of Baltimore. She has received numerous awards
and citations from a variety of civic and local and national
organizations.
Because of her strong record of helping
Americans of all backgrounds find affordable housing solutions and her
strong commitment to improving the quality of life for all, Ms. Peoples
received the nomination to her position by President Bush. She was sworn
in on November 12, 2002 by HUD Secretary, Mel Martinez. A priority of Ms.
Peoples is to launch a major education and outreach initiative to increase
public awareness of the nation’s fair housing laws.
We are excited to have such a
full program. We have several “firsts” this year. We will be
hearing powerful testimonials from clients of HOME and the Greater Buffalo
Community Housing Center. We will then be presented with a scenario about
the impact housing discrimination continues to have.
The Joanne Champion Granger Scholarship will
be awarded to two area high school students for their academic achievement
and commitment to human rights. Awards will also be presented to a
representative of a local government and a member of the press for their
on going commitment and support for fair housing. We will also honor a
member of the community and staff for their dedication to the work of
HOME. The night will culminate with dancing to the sounds of The Joanne
Paladino Quartet.
April is Fair Housing Month. What better way
to renew your commitment to fair housing and to HOME than to participate
in this very special event? Take out an ad in our souvenir journal, buy a
special patron listing or purchase a table of ten for your business. Or
simply buy a ticket and join us.
For more information about ways to get
involved or information about HOME membership please contact Shannon M.
Koehn at (716) 854-1400 or log on to our website at
www.homeny.org.
We look forward to celebrating HOME’s 41st
anniversary with you! |
