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Housing
The Homeless
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Alexandria, Virginia is facing a problem that’s growing in communities across the U.S.…homelessness among the working poor. Housing prices in the area have risen 21 percent in the last year. That might be good news for realtors but it’s creating a crisis for some low-income families. Kim Riemland profiles a man who’s trying to survive while he waits for a solution. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Alexandria, Va.)
Andy Powell/Plumber (showing shelves in van): “I’ve got salt and pepper,
peanut butter. I’ve got a stash of spring water.”
Andy Powell is giving a tour of his home – a work van full of tools and
toiletries.
Andy Powell/Plumber: “I’ve got a piece of insulation against the back
door to block wind. I’ve got a nice stash of food. There’s tools and
equipment in here for me to be able to do my trade.”
Powell’s trade is plumbing. He works full-time but doesn’t make enough
to get an apartment. The 54-year-old has lived in this van for several
years, sometimes sharing the space with his 6-year-old son.
Andy Powell/Plumber: “He wants to know whatever McDonald’s latest toy
is.”
The Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church in Alexandria, Virginia
was formed to help working families like Powell’s.
The Rev. Keary Kincannon/Pastor, Rising Hope United Methodist Mission
Church:
“We don’t limit that to the homeless, but we were started to help the
left out.”
Advocates say more working people are becoming homeless every day.
Affordable housing becomes harder to find when old homes are torn down
to make room for new construction.
Laura Derby/Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church: “They would be
able to rent a place like the ranch house that was sitting here before,
but they certainly can’t afford a place like this. These are running
7-800,000 dollars to purchase them. If you rent them, probably running
1,500-2,000 a month.”
Church members say they’re making progress, but they are a long way from
finding permanent homes for Andy Powell – and countless others.
Andy Powell/Plumber: “My spirits aren’t down. It will get better. The
elevator stops somewhere.”
TAG:
Church members recently scored a small victory in convincing city
leaders to set aside one cent of every tax dollar to establish a trust
to build affordable housing in Alexandria.
For more information, contact Rising Hope United Methodist Mission
Church at
http://www.risinghopeumc.org.