September IO. 2003____________________________________
ÏEl|e ^ßortlatth (DbserUer
Page A3
Soaring Rents Put
People into Poverty
Costs increase by more than a
third since 1999
(AP) — The cost o f rent and utilities for a typical two-bedroom
apartment has increased more than a third since 1999, making such
housing unaffordable for anyone earning minimum w age, according
to a study by an advocacy group for low-income housing.
A worker must earn at least $ 15.21 an hour to afford the average
cost o f $791 per month and have enough left for food and other
necessities, the Washington-based National Low Income Housing
Coalition said Monday. Five years ago the average cost for housing
and utilities was $576.
The federal minimum wage o f $5.15 an hour, which has not
increased since 1997, barely covers one-third of the housing cost,
the study said. States have the discretion of setting higher minimum
wages, and 11 states have done so, including Oregon.
With the nation’s economy still struggling, coalition president
Sheila Crowley said she expects more people will be forced to live in
substandard housing or to move in with others.
“I can’t say there’s any real good news here,” Crowley said.
Crowley criticized the Bush administration and Congress for not
spending more on affordable housing.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development had no
immediate comment on the report.
In its latest budget request, HUD asked for an increase o f $113
million to $2.2 billion for a program that would give communities
freedom to decide how best to solve affordable housing problems,
such as rehabilitation of old buildings or buying land to erect new
housing. Also, HUD has proposed initiatives it says would reduce
regulatory barriers for communities to develop affordable housing.
There are about 36 million renters in the United States, comprising
about one-third of all households.
C o lu m n s w ith C u ltu re
Vorkers install colorful, multicultural columns and artwork at the North Killingsworth Max station on the new light rail line on
Interstate Avenue. The artwork, inspired by traditional symbols o f Africa, South American and India, were designed by local artists
Adriene Cruz and Valerie Otani to bring vibrancy to the station and reflect on the cultural diversity o f the surrounding community.
........................... ..........
New Seasons Doubles
continued
A Leap of Faith, Health
from Front
available for free consultations and store tours by appoint­
ment. In addition. New Seasons Market offers a program of
health classes, tours and lectures.
New Seasons Market supports the communities in which
it operates. In the last year, the company has hosted events
and made donations to over 160 nonprofits and community
groups, and sold about $1 million in scrip to support
Portland schools.
In addition, 50 cents from the sale of each loaf of New
Seasons Market’s signature sourdough bread is donated
to the Loaves & Fishes Meals on Wheels program.
Rohter says the north Portland store will make similar
contributions to local organizations.
Nationally recognized speaker Cynthia
Alyce Neely will breathe life into a touring
exhibit on the life o f Mary Baker Eddy, a
19'h century reformer, on Friday, Sept. 12 at
6:30 p.m. at the Northeast Multicultural
Senior Center, 5325 N.E. Martin Luther
King Jr. Blvd.
Neely will lead a spirituality and healing
workshop based on Eddy’s contributions as
a pioneer in the relationship between spiritu­
ality and health, as well as her accomplish­
ments as a prominent author, publisher and
healer.
Cynthia Alyce Neely
Advertise with diversity in
3'1’1'^¡Jortlanù ODhseruer
call 503.288.0033
or email: ads@portland observer.com
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