I Believe, by Rob Solano

I believe in the people of this community who suffer and struggle or who have risen from the ashes of crime and poverty or even those who simply understand the other side of the story, need an online venue. I believe, they need a place that they can be part of something bigger and express themselves in an unequivocal way. I believe, Churches United for Fair Housing blog will be that stage. I believe that this stage will perform the greatest show that has ever been witness, I believe in maximizing affordable housing, I believe in the creation of jobs, I believe in open space, I believe in those most in need, I believe in those who who have achieved in their personal life but continue to help others achieve the same, I believe in high density development that provides for the community, I believe that united people of faith can overcome anything, I believe in anyone that believes in us, I believe that these moment of our lives we will look back and realize that we were on the right side of history.

What do you see?

This blog is an open forum to air grievances, express frustrations, and share in success as Churches United for Fair Housing and the residents of Bedstuy, Bushwick, and Williamsburg fight for affordable housing. So, as you are walking around your neighborhood, noticing the changing landscape of the community, please take note and tell us about it! And ask questions, always ask questions! Why are small businesses being shut down? What is moving into their space instead? What is the new building going up on the corner? How much is it costing the city? How much will it cost to live in?

Tell us what you want to see in your neighborhood; how your needs could be better served in the community. The more we share, the better we will be able to find answers and take back our neighborhoods.

How we started:

Churches United for Fair Housing began in 2003 as a group of concerned members of local congregations who wanted to address the crisis concerning affordable housing. Since our founding, Churches United for Fair Housing has successfully advocated for the creation of thousands of new affordable housing units.

Our first significant victory occurred during the Williamsburg-Greenpoint waterfront re-zoning. The city first began its' proposed development with no planned affordable housing; and through our strategic agenda and mobilization of churches in the area, the final plan included a historic 33% affordable housing. At the end of the campaign, Mayor Michael Bloomberg publicly thanked Churches United for Fair Housing for helping broker the deal.

Since our waterfront victory, Churches United for Fair Housing has advocated for other projects throughout North Brooklyn and we continue to be an effective vehicle to ensure that housing, as well as new job opportunities come to the community. We have found truth in the old adage, "there is strength in numbers." And that strength is evern greater when the Spirit of God is our rock.