On March 20^th, a group of concerned citizens, victims and non-profit organizations asked the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners to prioritize $1.5 million in funding to protect our children from sexual abuse, physical assault and to actively prosecute their attackers.

By posting a photograph to Northwest Housing Alternatives, Inc.’ Facebook page of you wearing a red ribbon, dressed in red clothing or by writing a message in red ink, we can show our community’s unity in the belief that protecting our children should be our elected officials’ highest priority.  All images will be emailed daily to the Board of Commissioners.  Post images here!

There has been an alarming increase in the number of children needing immediate safety from abusive situations in our community.

• Last year, Northwest Housing Alternatives was forced to turn away 8-10 families in need of emergency shelter for every one they could serve.  75% of NHA’s clients have been abused or experienced domestic violence—this includes both adults and children.
• Nearly 2,400 cases of child abuse were investigated in 2010, of which the Children’s Center was only able to provide medical services for the ‘worst of the worse’ – a total of 452.
• 1,902 requests for shelter were made to Clackamas Women’s Services from people trying to escape domestic violence.  CWS was only able to serve 148, leaving 1,754 requests unanswered.

With additional funding, we could serve more children and families by providing:

• Immediate help for children in abusive circumstances
  • Emergency housing so that the mothers of abused children, and domestic violence victims can escape with their children to protect them
  • Support to help victims and their families recover from the trauma of abuse and violence
  • Experts to determine forensic proof of abuse and violence
  • Early victim access to support so that child sex offenders will be prosecuted and held accountable for their crimes against children

If you believe that our children should be protected, please post a picture today and ask your family, neighbors, and friends to do the same.

If we don’t advocate for our children, who will?

from Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO), Mon 1/23/2012

Next month, Oregon lawmakers will be debating a package of foreclosure relief bills. If you are a member of any community group, non-profit or local business please take a few moments to encourage lawmakers to push solving the foreclosure crisis to the top of their priority list. You can do this by downloading this endorsement form, or filling it out online here.