by Maureen Linke

Rising foreclosure rates, unemployment and the economic downturn all have contributed to the increasing number of homeless families in Virginia and across the U.S.

A recent report by the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness states that 42 percent of individuals who experience homelessness are persons in families – the fastest grow sect of the homeless population.

According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, America is experiencing the highest rate of homeless children since the Great Depression. This comes as no surprise particularly with the recent report released by the U.S. Census Bureau – Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States. According to the report, the number of people living in poverty increased by 2.5 million and the real median household income fell 3.6 percent in 2008. The organization estimates one of every 50 children experiences homelessness in the U.S.

How Virginia Ranks

Nationwide, families with children comprise 34 percent of the homeless population and this number continues to grow. According to the State Report Card on Child Homelessness, Virginia alone has seen a 19 percent increase in homeless children and ranks 31st in the U.S. for the highest homeless rate (ranked 1-50, 1=best). The rates ranged from about 6 homeless people per 10,000 population in Kansas to more than 100 homeless people per 10,000 population in Washington, D.C.

Project HOPE-Virginia is an education program for homeless children and youth. The goal of this federally funded program is to ensure the success of homeless children in school through awareness and subgrants. State Coordinator Dr. Patricia Popp says with the rise in homeless children, it’s important to change the perception of homelessness.

“When we think of homeless, we think of a single person on the street with substance abuse,” Popp said. “Over half of the population is children who didn’t ask for these situations.”

According to Project HOPE, children who share housing with other persons, as a result of economic hardship, loss of housing, or a similar reason meet the definition of homeless. Also included are those who live in motels, camping grounds or emergency shelters.

The National Center on Family Homelessness ranks Virginia 20 out of the 50 states on vulnerability to high rates of child homelessness. This ranking system is based on specific criteria such as state policy and planning effort and the extent of child homelessness.

Education Risks for Homeless Children

As Part of the No Child Left Behind Act, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was authorized by Congress in 2001. Its purpose is to close the achievement gap among homeless children to ensure they receive the necessary support and resources. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, Congress was influenced by statistics that over one million children were likely to experience homelessness in a given year.

Climbing poverty rates, together with frequent mobility and loss of housing all contribute to educational challenges faced by homeless children. Studies have shown that housing instability and homelessness not only lower academic performance but increase chances of repeating a grade and severely reduce high school completion rates.

Popp said a variety of factors contribute to family homelessness. Increasing poverty, unemployment rates and substance abuse are among the most common. As a result of steep foreclosure rates, rental rates are also rising to meet the growing demand.

“Lack of affordable housing is the biggest reason why families become homeless,” said Popp. “Oftentimes families live in hotels or motels for an extended period of time to meet their need, but they get caught in the cycle of paying high rates and can never save money for a deposit to get out.”

Counting the Homeless

Homeward is the umbrella organization that works to coordinate homeless service providers to ensure needed services are being provided throughout the Richmond area. This organization also collects data to provide to public and private service providers, in addition to policy makers.

One of the greatest obstacles in helping the homeless is the conflicting systems used to count the homeless population. Groups like Homeward and Project Hope consider those who are living on the streets, doubled-up with other families, or living in motels as homeless. However, the state only counts those who have no shelter.

Kelly King Horne, the executive director of Homeward, said she has noticed the increase in Richmond as well.

“Due to the economy we’re experiencing right now, it’s no real surprise how much homelessness in families is increasing,” Horne said. “But it’s also important to keep in mind the outlook is somewhat grim and things will probably get worse before it gets better.”

Richmond Family Homless Shelters

by Maureen Linke

Born into a conservative family in a small Pennsylvania town, author Beth Marschak has been an activist since her early years at Douglas Freeman High School.

“I was part of a group of students that refused to stand during our school song “Dixie,” because I didn’t think it was representative of everyone,” said Marschak.

Southern Roots

Raised in Richmond, Va. Marschak’s family did not share similar views or her passion for equality.

“My family is Southern Baptist and Republican,” said Marschak. “Growing up I always had a different way of looking at things.”

While Marshcak’s high school was classified as an integrated school, segregation was widespread. But after seeing Martin Luther King Jr. on TV, Marschak was inspired to take a stand. The first demonstration in which she participated was against the Vietnam War. However, it was the Stonewall Riots, which took place in New York in 1969, that had the greatest impact in Marschak’s young life.

“Up until that time you would not have seen anything in a newspaper that used the word lesbian or gay,” said Marschak. “It was the first time I’d ever seen those words, although I always knew I was a lesbian.”

Changing Times

Marschak attended Westhampton College, University of Richmond – an all women’s college. It was during this time she “came out” and also started the first feminist group on campus. However, it became clear that Westhampton, with its historically Southern Baptist roots, was not the most comfortable place to be openly homosexual.

“I was sent to the dean’s office for wearing slacks to class,” said Marschak. “It was so obvious to them that women should not do that, that they didn’t even actually have a rule.”

Marschak remained politically active after graduation, participating in various civil rights, anti-war, and women’s liberation demonstrations. From marches that turned into riots, to handing out information about birth control, she was no stranger to police.

Untitled from Maureen Linke on Vimeo.

“There were very chaotic times and I was arrested – more than once,” said Marschak.

Gay nightlife was a secret world in Richmond during the 1970s. Windows of bars and nightclub were blacked out and appeared desolate, a far cry from the atmosphere in the city today. Violence and vandalism were a widespread reality in the LGBT (lesbian gay bisexual transgender) community.

“I had the experience of walking with someone and being verbally or even physically harassed,” said Marschak.

Marschak’s community involvement continued throughout the 1970s. In 1975, Marschak co-founded the Richmond Lesbian Feminists. After being asked to write a brief overview of the womens’ movement in the 1970’s for the YWCA of Richmond, Marschak was amazed at how much she could not clearly remember and how much information could potentially be lost. When approached by Alex Lorch of the VCU Archives Project as well as a publishing company, Marschak agreed to co-write Lesbian and Gay Richmond. For Lorch, it was his love of storytelling that inspired him to collaborate with Marschak.

Beth (left) and a fellow activist at a march on Monument Ave.

An Unknown History

“For a variety of reasons I wanted to bring attention to the history of gays and lesbians in Richmond,” said Lorch. “But mostly I just wanted to tell the stories because they were interesting, largely unknown or untold.”

Driven by her passion for history, Marschak spent endless hours searching through archives and piecing together clues that would tell a story.

“I think its important for people to know history, and not just LGBT history but all kinds because its part of how you understand how you fit into the universe,” said Marschak. “Not just the history that relates to you, but everyone.”

While, according to Marschak, homosexuality has existed in America since its founding in 1607, information was still very difficult to find.

“That part of history is very difficult to uncover,” said Marschak. “You can’t just do a search and find people – you have to know who to research to figure out if they were homosexual.”

Lorch also found the experience challenging at times, but in the end he found it very rewarding.

“I most enjoyed finding and meeting new people, telling “lost” historical stories, and working with Beth,” said Lorch

Following the book’s publication, Marschak was asked by the Valentine Richmond History Museum to give a guided tour on historically significant places in Richmond’s gay and lesbian history.

“It’s important that people know that Richmond played an active role in the history of the LGBT community,” said Marschak. “It wasn’t just a phenomenon in San Francisco or New York – there are important people from our history some known and unknown.”

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By Lauren Boehnlein, Maureen Linke, Christina Rogers

In response to the growing popularity of Virginia farmers markets, Gov. Tim Kaine has designated August 2-8 as Farmer’s Market Week. Richmond shoppers recognize the importance of purchasing local produce.

“It supports our community and it’s good to keep things regional. Anytime you can support those around you it’s a good thing” said Jen Poe, a Lakeside Farmers Market customer.
Poe, like many customers, shops at the Lakeside Farmers Market in Henrico County which has only been in operation for two years. However it has seen a steady increase in its customer base and vendors since its opening in 2008.

“People are starting to realize that it’s here, that we’ve since started to establish ourselves, people have started coming out,” said Market Coordinator Julia Dunville.

This farmers market is open two days a week and hosts about 10 to 15 vendors per marketing period. Vendors bring their goods to the market from areas around the state including Henrico, Hanover and as far as Warsaw in Northern Virginia.

What Sets Lakeside Apart from the Rest

There are many other farmers markets in the Richmond area, including the 17th Street Farmers Market that is located in Shockoe Bottom, which has over a 100 year history in the Richmond area. But there are certain things that set Lakeside apart from all the rest.

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Evelyn Allen has worked at the 17th Street Market for over 65 years.

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“The 17th Street has evolved into things that are more than just produce market, they do the whole festival approach to it,” said Peter Francisco, the owner of the Lakeside Farmers Market. “What makes us different than almost any other market is that we are produce only.”
Francisco says that the market is regulated by a provisional use permit from Henrico County that states that they cannot sell arts and crafts or prepared or processed foods.

“We sell strictly things that come off the farm. If it is a processed item, like baked goods, they are regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture.”

In addition to being a produce only market, Lakeside strives to give back to the community and the local economy.

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Yasmeen Bey is a vendor as well as co-owner of Tea Co. She shares her thoughts on how farmers contribute the local economy. To learn more, click here

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“We focus on economic redevelopment…we are privately owned,” said Francisco. “17th street is funded by the Economic Development Department of Virginia.”

Additionally, the Lakeside market strives to incorporate a more educational aspect to their market. A couple weeks ago, an agricultural extension agent came to show customers how to safely preserve and can foods.

“We try to have something of value like that, while it may not be a big production, but people can talk to vendors to get information,” said Sharon Francisco.

Virginia farmers markets offer a variety of local produce not available in grocery stores.

“They have things that you can’t buy anywhere else,” said Wayne Moffett, a shopper who frequents both the downtown and Lakeside farmers markets.

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It’s farm to table at this local restaurant. Owner Lisa Granger and Chef Jeff Mosca discuss the benefits of purchasing and serving locally grown produce at the Fat Goat in Lakeside, Virginia.

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The number of Virginia farmers markets has doubled since 2005, and there are more than 170 statewide. Locals who previously shopped only in grocery stores are taking notice.

“It’s our first time here, we came by because we wanted to see what was available,” said shopper Jane Phillips. “We are actually checking out two today to do a comparison. I feel like fresh food is healthier and supporting the community we live in are reasons everyone should start shopping at the farmer’s markets if they don’t already.”

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Farmers Market Week in Virginia

According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), farmers markets help to keep Virginia’s economy strong by helping to sustain working farms. Additionally, the site states that farmers markets in the state have a $55 billion dollar impact on the Virginia economy and have provided over 350,000 jobs.

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Tom Winston, a third generation farmer, feels purchasing local produce is vital not only to the economy but to the health of the community. Pesticide free, naturally grown produce has many other benefits besides taste. Click here to learn more.

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Throughout the week, various markets and organizations state-wide are holding various events to celebrate.

“Somebody is going to come do some onsite cooking with some of the produce,” said Dunville.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are sponsoring an Eat Local Recipe Contest in conjunction with Virginia Grown. The only stipulation of the contest is that contestants must use as many locally grown and produced products as possible.

Additional Hyperlinks:

Eat Local Chief Recipes

Local Harvest

Winning the lottery may mean financial freedom for some, but for Freda Kotey it meant an opportunity to come to the United States from Accra, Ghana to pursue her passion for helping others.

by Maureen Linke

Kotey, a 33-year-old graduate student in VCU’s School of Social Work, is currently attending classes at the satellite campus in Alexandria, Virginia. With a passion for learning and a drive to succeed, Kotey hopes to be able to someday give back to the country she came from five years ago.“I did a lot of research about schools…and I realized that VCU had one of the best schools of social work in the nation, and I knew I had to be there,” said Kotey.

Kotey was randomly chosen through the U.S. Diversity Visa Program. According to its website, this program provides up to 55,000 immigration visas each year to applicants from countries with historic low rates of immigration to the U.S. On average, about 3,000 are Ghanaian.

Before coming to the U.S. Kotey completed an undergraduate degree in sociology and law from the She then began working with the International Federation of Women Lawyers(FIDA), a non-government agency committed to improving the situation of women and children in Ghana. FIDA provides legal and family counseling and seeks financial support for children.

“I knew I wanted more…I knew I wanted to help the women and children in Ghana, because no one fights for them,” said Kotey.

Kotey devotes much of her time to interning at the City of Alexandria’s Department of Child Protective Services. She also takes classes at the satellite campus in Alexandria. Roberto Toro, an administrator at VCU’s School of Social Work said Kotey can always be found in the classroom after hours.

“Freda is one of the few students you know you will always see,” said Toro. “She’s dedicated and focused on exactly what she is doing.”

Troubles Along the Way

While Kotey is pursuing her passion for social work, there are some strings attached as an international student. Because of the travel restrictions on green cards, Kotey’s six-year-old son Richard must live in Ghana.

“With a green card you are limited, you can’t spend more than a year in another country,” said Kotey. “That’s one problem I have right now, my son is on a green card…so once a year I go back and bring him back here with me, but then he has to go back.”

International students like Kotey face other challenges such as their previous degrees not being recognized in America. Aba Cole, a representative in VCU’s Office of International Admissions said many credits do not transfer.

“Most students have to start over unless they are taking a test for nursing or another medical related field,” said Cole. “People have difficulties getting their financial documents in, too I’d say that’s the biggest problem.”

Kotey’s sister Christabel Annor is one of the few that did not have to continue her education in America. She and her husband came from Ghana a few years before Koety. She then received her nursing license after passing the board and feels the profession is a more respected in the United States.

“In Ghana nurses are not given as much credit,” said Annor. “But here we are given more responsibility and aren’t limited by procedures.”

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To learn more about obstacles encountered by African immigrants as well as potential solutions, click here for a podcast with Dr. Vivian Dzokoto, an assistant professor of African American Studies.

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The Grass is Always Greener

While their challenges may differ, Kotey believes most Ghanaians share something that is fundamentally similar.

“The main reason people come here from Ghana is for the greener pastures,” said Kotey. “Whatever the situation is here, it’s better than Ghana.”

Kotey looks forward to the opportunities that pursuing her education will provide if she decides to return to Ghana in the future.

“When you go to Ghana you are a hotcake,” said Kotey. “Even your first degree from the U.S. is more valued in Ghana than a master’s degree from Ghana.”

While Kotey is learning much in the classroom she is also a source of knowledge for the many students who are curious about what Ghana is like.

“They want a different view point,” said Kotey. “Most of them talk about it a lot. It makes me so happy that people want to know what goes on in my country.”

Kotey plans to travel to Ghana in December 2009 as part of the annual trip taken by VCU’s School of Social Work graduate students.

“I want to go not because it’s my country to go to, but to come with others to help my country,” said Kotey.

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Grayhaven Winery’s South African Food and Wine Festival is a chance to experience African culture through wine tasting, cusine, and authentic performances. Directly imported South African wines as well as Grayhaven favorites make this annual event one not to be missed.

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