Advocacy News from LMM
LMM Pays Tribute to The Conscience of Congress & The Lieutenant of the Civil Rights Movement   

Rep. John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian

This week, the world lost two giants in the fight for equal rights. Congressman John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian dedicated their careers to fighting for civil rights and civic change. LMM respectfully pays tribute to their leadership. Click here to read the tribute.
A Push Towards Justice
 
Rev. George Hrbek
In response to the murder of George Floyd, and the  protests   that followed, LMM has invited leaders  from  civil rights movements  past and present  to reflect on this moment in history. 

This month, we are featuring a reflection by Rev. George Hrbek, a founding father of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, former LMM Director of Advocacy, the first ombudsman of Cuyahoga County and a lifelong activist for people who are oppressed, forgotten and hurting. Click here to read Rev. Hrbek's reflection.
Census Weekend of Action
 
This weekend is the  U.S. Census Weekend of Action for the Faith Community . LMM will be supporting this effort through social media, and asks that  you  also do your part by talking with your family and friends about why the Census matters to communities of faith. 

Need help starting the conversation? Start by sharing one of LMM summer intern, Emel Terzioglu's graphics that demonstrate why the Census matters, and how easy it is to complete!
Rent Relief, Now!
 
According to the  Federal Reserve of Cleveland , evictions are beginning to return to their pre-pandemic rates. This means, more families  -  a disproportionate number who are Black or  Latinx   -  are at risk of losing  their  homes at a time when housing truly is health care. 

On Tuesday, the National Low-Income Housing Coalition hosted a  virtual lobby day  to ask Members of Congress to support several housing and shelter advocacy priorities in the next federal COVID-19 relief legislation  aimed at promoting housing stability . LMM's Director of Advocacy, Margie Glick, participated in a zoom meeting with Rep. Anthony Gonzales and corresponded with staff in offices of Senator Portman and Representatives Fudge and Kaptur.

Want to add your voice to the conversation? Use this  link to email or call   your member of Congress and demand Rent Relief, Now  and then share  your support  on  social media.
USICH Request for Input
 
On July 10, 2020 ,  Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry  submitted comments  to the United States Interagency  Council  on Homelessness (USICH) to help shape the agency's upcoming strategic plan. USICH coordinates the federal response to homelessness by working in close partnership with senior leadership from 19 federal member agencies. USICH drives action at the local level by working with governors, mayors and Continuum of Cares leaders, and through sharing best practices and grant opportunities.  
Bipartisan Legislation Alert

We are happy to share that   Sen ator   Rob  Portman  (R-OH)   has  introduced   the  " Neighborhood Homes Investment Act " , and Senator  Sherrod  Brown (D-OH)   is  a n original  co-sponsor. This legislation  calls for the creation of a new federal tax credit that  would encourage private investment in homes that cannot be developed or rehabilitated because the costs to do so exceed the home's value. 

T he tax credit would support the development of homes in  low-income  rural, suburban and urban communities. Similar to LMM's  Breaking New Ground initiative , this legislation aims to revitalize communities and create  accessible  and safe housing for residents . Learn more about the legislation here !  
Nonprofits Unite!


LMM is one more than 4,000 organizations from all 50 states to sign on to a  letter  to Congressional leadership asking Congress to include key provisions that support nonprofit organizations in the next federal relief package. This letter, led by the Council of Nonprofits and circulated to LMM by Lutheran Services of America, asks that Congress support frontline workers through the expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program and by strengthening charitable giving incentives.  
Let's Get Social

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