Help make a difference in our community by participating in the IMPACT Nehemiah Assembly scheduled for Monday, March 10th at 6:15 p.m. at U-Hall. At the assembly, we will continue to press for much needed change in two important areas.

The first area of concern is affordable housing for low-wage earners. There is an estimated shortage of 4,000 housing units for those who earn less than $20,000 per year. Typically, the income earners in this income category work in service areas including teachers' aides, cashiers, cleaners, and landscapers.

The second area that is being addressed is dental care for over 700 poor adults who need immediate dental care.

The purpose of the assembly is to bring together the many people who represent the community and local faith congregations who have expressed a commitment to working for justice in order to express their desire to have these issues addressed by men and women, including public officials, who are able to assist in bringing about the change. In addition, the assembly seeks to get a firm commitment from the decision makers that the issues will indeed be addressed. Finally, the assembly celebrates the decisions and commitments made.

Of course, the larger the group, the more seriously will the concerns be taken by the public officials. The assembly has been moved to U-Hall this year in order to provide adequate room for all those who will gather.

Note that child care will be provided and plenty of free parking will be available at U-Hall because there is no event scheduled at the John Paul Jones Arena.

For more information, view the IMPACT Web site.