Trenton Rally

On June 13, 2002, supporters and advocates of low-income residents in NJ from all over the state gathered in Trenton. About 150 strong, the advocates rallied for an end to the affordable housing crisis in New Jersey. Equipped with statistics, signs, and even puppets, the crowd got their point across. A sign reading "Average SSI Income: $882, Average Rent in NJ: $990" made strong statements while speakers from the diverse representation of groups rallied the crowd from the podium.

Along with AARP, Don Pedro, HCDNNJ, SHA, and others, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey and Community Enterprises Corporation were there, providing their voices, manpower, and visual effects! CSPNJ's own Regina Sessoms spoke at the rally emphasizing the importance of ending the housing crisis in New Jersey, and how unaffordable living in New Jersey is for Mental Health consumers and others. CSPNJ/CEC added visual impact and flavor to the rally by providing to giant puppets, which danced to the music and clapped with the chants, courtesy of Paul Dos Santos and Mark Duffy! Spiral Q, a puppet theatre company based in Philadelphia, donated the puppets and the house costumes (www.spiralq.org). Pam McCrory, President of SHA, had the organization donate ice cream for the rally-goers, all of which was delivered through a charming ice cream cart. The Salvation Army also helped with refreshments by providing a canteen truck that provided water and snacks for everyone. An interesting point to note is that this truck was the exact same one that was stationed at the WTC site for months.

Senator Robert Singer from the 30th District, Bonnie Watson-Colman 15th District, Joe Doria from the 31st District spoke to the protesters outside of the State House, and Barbara Thompson (Doorway to hope), helped us sing along to songs written to end the housing crisis in New Jersey. Overall, the rally had a good turn out, and we hope our voices were heard and our problems addressed!

To see the pictures from the Trenton Rally click here

Article by Saadia Aslam (Housing Intern)
and Paul Dos Santos (C.D. Associate)

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