Capital IDEA receives Federal Funding
Austin Interfaith leaders met with Rep. Lloyd Doggett in the summer to discuss the need for a deeper commitment from the federal government to long-term job training for families in Austin. Thanks to the work of Austin Interfaith leaders and Rep. Doggett, the new Federal budget signed 12/27/2007 includes a $238,000 appropriation for Capital IDEA!
Water Lines laid near Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara parishioners and their neighbors are seeing the fruits of their labor. The water lines have finally been laid in the community of Plainview Estates where a number of Santa Barbara parishioners have been living without running water for up to six years. In addition to the public funds that Austin Interfaith fought for and won from Travis County this past April, families now also need to pay for their individual hookups. Because their organizing experience was an opportunity for them to build strong relationships and effective organizing strategies, they are working collaboratively to raise the funds needed to connect all the families to the water mains.
Dolores Catholic Church Signs Up and Takes Charge
Over 600 signatures on Dolores Catholic Church's agenda of issues have been collected in the last six months. One of the issues that was raised during Dolores's house meeting campaign was the need to understand and address the church's budget. The organizing team presented this information to their fellow parishioners during religious education classes and during Sunday Mass, and collections immediately increased, including one mass that doubled its regular contribution.