I am so equally perplexed when a nation like the USA grapples with an alarming rate of homelessness, and our low income citizens contends with the high cost of food. All our citizens contribute to the system through taxes, whether directly or indirectly. Every purchase, except for food, is subject to sales tax, which ultimately funds government programs. Even when buying groceries, there’s an additional charge for bags, typically around $0.05 - $010 per bag. It’s disconcerting that the wealthiest nation on Earth still has homeless individuals, some of whom are employed but remain without a home. The paradox deepens when we consider that the same country allocates billions in foreign aid to other nations while facing a homelessness crisis at home.
Now we have seated in the highest seat of this nation, one who stepped in and cut foreign aid funded by tax-paying citizens, including those who pay sales taxes when purchasing necessary items, and while doing so cut the funding for USDA food distribution for the low income citizens who live here. This action increases the problem whereas The low income and Seniors have to decide which bill to pay rent or electric to suffice for food, while the homeless have neither to suffice, but cutting snap benefits & medicaid has them stretching their only resource in order to eat, and stay healthy.
Senior citizens, who should be enjoying their golden years, find themselves living on the streets, or on their way to be homeless. Why, then, do billions of dollars are being cut as budget cuts stopping the flow out in aid to other countries, and not being used for the serious crisis that persists within our borders? We pay taxes to ensure security and stability, yet the rising tide of homelessness remains unchecked. The government must intervene to address the real estate price gouging and the exorbitant rental increases that far outpace wage growth. Everything seems to be on an upward trajectory except workers’ pay, and benefits. Now Tariffs has risen the already high price of food even higher with the rising cost in electric.
Enforcing anti-price gouging laws and revising legislation that infringes on citizens’ rights is essential. I firmly believe that every citizen has a fundamental right to housing. The taxes we pay in this country should more than suffice to provide that basic necessity. There should be no more excuses. Many buildings and apartment complexes have available units, yet they often favor certain demographics due to gentrification still in practice in urban neighborhoods. This perpetuates discrimination against low-income citizens, particularly people of color and senior citizens whose fixed incomes cannot keep pace with rising rents; these are ones without housing vouchers, nor live in low income housing.
Our middle class is becoming low income due to increase in housing like mortgage, and rent rates, grocery prices increase, rising sales taxes that are passed on to the customers. Furthermore, the closure of new housing applications for low-income individuals through HUD exacerbates the problem in most cities that house these vulnerable populations. We must address this crisis with urgency and compassion, especially in the nation’s capital of the richest nation in the world where the laws of the land are made. This is where the effect of gentrification has the most displaced citizens of color.
Gentrification, often labeled as a facet of capitalism, warrants a closer examination. However, it is crucial to recognize that it operates as a form of systemic racism, disproportionately affecting low-income citizens of color in urban neighborhoods across the nation. Funding a billion dollar sports area in ward 7 where many food deserts are as well as the displaced lived Let’s delve into this issue.
The Absence of Laws on Gentrification: While gentrification lacks specific legal frameworks, its impact is far-reaching. By displacing long-standing residents, it reshapes communities and exacerbates existing inequalities.
The Fair Housing Act and Discrimination: The Fair Housing Act, a federal law, explicitly prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. When gentrification-driven redevelopment displaces low-income individuals—often people of color—it constitutes discriminatory housing practices rooted in systemic racism.
The Transformation of Low-Income Housing: As redevelopment occurs in low-income areas, property values rise, making housing unaffordable for existing residents. At this point, the terminology shifts from “low-income housing” to “affordable housing.” However, the reality is that affordability becomes relative—affordable only to those who can meet the increased costs.
In summary, gentrification, while often associated with economic forces, is deeply intertwined with systemic racism. Recognizing this connection is essential for addressing the negative consequences it imposes on vulnerable communities. This was enforced on the vulnerable citizens before Trump was seated giving him the bulldozer’s to continue adding more restrictions, and cuts that hurt the low income and the vulnerable citizens in this nation.
A Prayer for Our Nation O Lord Jesus,
We come before You with heavy hearts, burdened by the suffering we see in our streets, our cities, and our communities. You are the God of justice, the defender of the poor, the shelter for the homeless, and the hope for the hopeless.
We cry out for our nation—a land of abundance that has forgotten its own. We ask You to awaken the hearts of our leaders, stir the conscience of our lawmakers, and ignite compassion in every citizen. Let no senior be cast aside. Let no child sleep in the cold. Let no soul be denied their own roof over their head.
Break the chains of greed. Tear down the walls of discrimination. Heal the wounds of systemic injustice. Let Your righteousness flood our cities like a mighty river.
We seek You, JESUS, not just in our churches but in our policies, our neighborhoods, and our hearts. Restore dignity to the forgotten. Bring affordable housing for the displaced. And let Your love be the foundation upon which this nation rebuilds.
GOD'S GRACE & MERCY
WILL BRING US THROUGH
In Your holy name we pray,
In the sincerity of THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sis. Seer Trudy Amen!