I'm being evicted.
Yes, my roommate and I always paid our rent in full and on time. No, we did not violate our lease in any way. Yes, we signed a 12-month lease that doesn't end until September. No, we did not engage in illegal activities or any provide our landlord with any other reason for eviction.
We are being evicted because rotten wood/mold was found in the structure of the building and the landlord deemed it a hazardous living situation (hmm, forced asthmatic cough + litigious society...do I smell lawsuits coming???). So now we've been given a month to leave. While there are a few empty apartments in the complex we could move in to, there are definitely not enough vacancies to house the 20+ apartments that are being emptied.
My frustration with the situation is the lack of choice and the lack of control. A few days ago I was discussing people's fear of flying with a friend and we decided that it is the complete lack of control that scares people. Once you are on the plane, you can't get off...and you can't help steer. Right now, I feel like I'm on that plane and, although I'm sure we'll get through this without a crash landing, the current turbulence certainly makes me want to vomit.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Food Stamps and Farmers Markets
One of my current projects is working to get an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) machine for the Wheat Ridge Farmers Market.
When food stamps program (now officially called SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) was created, recipients got actual pieces of paper to redeem for food at local supermarkets, convenience stores and markets. However, in the late 1990s, physical coupons were phased out in favor of this debit-card swipe system known as EBT. There are some significant pros to this change: less fraud, less stigmas attached to using food stamps, etc.
However, one of the negative impacts of this shift was that it became drastically more difficult for farmers markets to continue accepting food stamp benefits. Many markets lack the funding to buy an EBT machine and, even if they are able to get their hands on one, there are monthly fees associated with using the machine, difficulties accessing an electricity source (or paying for a wireless machine) and challenges with creating a centralized system so each vendor does not have to purchase his/her own machine. For reference, a wireless EBT machine costs around $1200.
Despite these challenges, I am working with the Wheat Ridge Farmers Market (run through the Metro Denver Farmers Markets), the Colorado Farmers Market Association, the City of Wheat Ridge, Jefferson County and a non-profit called LiveWell Wheat Ridge to acquire an EBT machine (we will likely rent it) and set up a sustainable system that allows individuals and households who receive food stamps to buy produce at the market.
I'm excited by this project but recognize the significant challenges that lie ahead. Although we have a grant to cover all of the costs of this program for 2010, we will have to find another way to fund it for 2011. Additionally, we need to make sure that we find a responsible and honest volunteer who can help run the machine on market days. And we need to make sure that there will be someone at the Conservation District, or another organization, who will ensure the project continues in 2011 and beyond. And we need to educate all the vendors about how the program works. And, and, and...
There has to be a better way.
When food stamps program (now officially called SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) was created, recipients got actual pieces of paper to redeem for food at local supermarkets, convenience stores and markets. However, in the late 1990s, physical coupons were phased out in favor of this debit-card swipe system known as EBT. There are some significant pros to this change: less fraud, less stigmas attached to using food stamps, etc.
However, one of the negative impacts of this shift was that it became drastically more difficult for farmers markets to continue accepting food stamp benefits. Many markets lack the funding to buy an EBT machine and, even if they are able to get their hands on one, there are monthly fees associated with using the machine, difficulties accessing an electricity source (or paying for a wireless machine) and challenges with creating a centralized system so each vendor does not have to purchase his/her own machine. For reference, a wireless EBT machine costs around $1200.
Despite these challenges, I am working with the Wheat Ridge Farmers Market (run through the Metro Denver Farmers Markets), the Colorado Farmers Market Association, the City of Wheat Ridge, Jefferson County and a non-profit called LiveWell Wheat Ridge to acquire an EBT machine (we will likely rent it) and set up a sustainable system that allows individuals and households who receive food stamps to buy produce at the market.
I'm excited by this project but recognize the significant challenges that lie ahead. Although we have a grant to cover all of the costs of this program for 2010, we will have to find another way to fund it for 2011. Additionally, we need to make sure that we find a responsible and honest volunteer who can help run the machine on market days. And we need to make sure that there will be someone at the Conservation District, or another organization, who will ensure the project continues in 2011 and beyond. And we need to educate all the vendors about how the program works. And, and, and...
There has to be a better way.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Press Rease: Edible Garden-in-a-Box
Release No. 0110.01
Elana Fox (720) 544-2870
EDIBLE GARDEN-IN-A-BOX OFFERED THROUGH
THE CENTER FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION
COLORADO, Jan 12, 2010 – The Jefferson Conservation District, in partnership with the Center for ReSource Conservation and The TSR Group, would like to announce the addition of an edible garden to the Garden-in-a-Box program for the 2010 season.
Garden-in-a-Box is a non-profit program run by the Center for ReSource Conservation intended to simplify water-wise gardening by providing professional ‘plant-by-numbers’ designs, a selection of xeriscape plants, and planting and care instructions at low cost to residents in participating cities. In 2009, the cities of Boulder, Golden, Longmont and Loveland participated in this program.
Designed by Jenny Redmond, Director of The TSR Group, this edible garden features perennial herbs and annual vegetables in a design that promotes efficient water use and scenic edible landscapes. Redmond states, “Edible gardening is at the core of what I believe we need to do with our landscapes. This is a really great program because it makes it easy for people to follow the plant-by-number design and care instructions.”
Elana Fox, the Jefferson Conservation District’s Urban Agriculture Program Coordinator and an AmeriCorps OSM/VISTA volunteer adds, “Sustainable urban landscaping is not just about xeric plants, it is about creating an environment that can sustain our urban lifestyle. Edible urban gardens are both useful and beautiful, the perfect addition to our homes and communities.”
The edible design, along with other xeric designs available through the Garden-in-a-Box program, will available for viewing on February 1, 2010 and for purchase in participating cities beginning March 1, 2010.
#
The Jefferson Conservation District (JCD) promotes stewardship of the land in Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties. The JCD’s Urban Agriculture Program aims to improve access to agricultural activities and locally produced food in urban Jefferson County.
The Center for ReSource Conservation is a Boulder-based non-profit organization which empowers the community to conserve natural resources.
The TSR Group offers unique spatial information methodologies and outstanding professional design services to the land development industries that increase project efficiency, improve design quality and reduce costs by centralizing and standardizing project information.
Elana Fox (720) 544-2870
EDIBLE GARDEN-IN-A-BOX OFFERED THROUGH
THE CENTER FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION
COLORADO, Jan 12, 2010 – The Jefferson Conservation District, in partnership with the Center for ReSource Conservation and The TSR Group, would like to announce the addition of an edible garden to the Garden-in-a-Box program for the 2010 season.
Garden-in-a-Box is a non-profit program run by the Center for ReSource Conservation intended to simplify water-wise gardening by providing professional ‘plant-by-numbers’ designs, a selection of xeriscape plants, and planting and care instructions at low cost to residents in participating cities. In 2009, the cities of Boulder, Golden, Longmont and Loveland participated in this program.
Designed by Jenny Redmond, Director of The TSR Group, this edible garden features perennial herbs and annual vegetables in a design that promotes efficient water use and scenic edible landscapes. Redmond states, “Edible gardening is at the core of what I believe we need to do with our landscapes. This is a really great program because it makes it easy for people to follow the plant-by-number design and care instructions.”
Elana Fox, the Jefferson Conservation District’s Urban Agriculture Program Coordinator and an AmeriCorps OSM/VISTA volunteer adds, “Sustainable urban landscaping is not just about xeric plants, it is about creating an environment that can sustain our urban lifestyle. Edible urban gardens are both useful and beautiful, the perfect addition to our homes and communities.”
The edible design, along with other xeric designs available through the Garden-in-a-Box program, will available for viewing on February 1, 2010 and for purchase in participating cities beginning March 1, 2010.
#
The Jefferson Conservation District (JCD) promotes stewardship of the land in Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties. The JCD’s Urban Agriculture Program aims to improve access to agricultural activities and locally produced food in urban Jefferson County.
The Center for ReSource Conservation is a Boulder-based non-profit organization which empowers the community to conserve natural resources.
The TSR Group offers unique spatial information methodologies and outstanding professional design services to the land development industries that increase project efficiency, improve design quality and reduce costs by centralizing and standardizing project information.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Biochar
Ok, I'm really sorry it's been so long since I've posted here. I have no excuse, really, except to say that the longer it got, the more daunting a task it seemed to 'catch up' with my blogging. So I've decided to pick up with today and maybe, eventually I'll go back and fill in the last few months. And if not, I guess you'll actually have to talk to me to find out what's happened.
Yesterday my colleagues from the Jefferson Conservation District and I went to see the new biochar machine we are looking into purchasing through a NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) Conservation and Innovation Grant (CIG). Biochar is a kind of charcoal that is created by, simply, putting a lot of pressure on wood chips. It is a great opportunity in conjunction with our forest management work because it allows the leftover wood from trees that were cut down to be put to good use. The biochar sequesters carbon and has been shown to be hugely effective as a soil supplement, like compost. Additionally, the machine we are looking at has the potential to create energy, meaning that, if used properly, it can have nearly zero net use of energy and carbon. Very cool.
This was the first time any of us had seen a biochar machine in action and we all felt a little like the kids visiting Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. In addition to being excited about a new toy, the machine functioned like that giant machine Willy Wonka uses to create the tiny piece of dinner gum (you know, the one that turns Violet violet). The wood went in to this behemoth of a machine and then all you hear are these gears creaking somewhere in the depths of the machine, some banging and, finally, the clunk clunk clunk of these small wooden biochar pieces falling to the end. Cool, but strange. And to think it might soon be ours.
Yesterday my colleagues from the Jefferson Conservation District and I went to see the new biochar machine we are looking into purchasing through a NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) Conservation and Innovation Grant (CIG). Biochar is a kind of charcoal that is created by, simply, putting a lot of pressure on wood chips. It is a great opportunity in conjunction with our forest management work because it allows the leftover wood from trees that were cut down to be put to good use. The biochar sequesters carbon and has been shown to be hugely effective as a soil supplement, like compost. Additionally, the machine we are looking at has the potential to create energy, meaning that, if used properly, it can have nearly zero net use of energy and carbon. Very cool.
This was the first time any of us had seen a biochar machine in action and we all felt a little like the kids visiting Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. In addition to being excited about a new toy, the machine functioned like that giant machine Willy Wonka uses to create the tiny piece of dinner gum (you know, the one that turns Violet violet). The wood went in to this behemoth of a machine and then all you hear are these gears creaking somewhere in the depths of the machine, some banging and, finally, the clunk clunk clunk of these small wooden biochar pieces falling to the end. Cool, but strange. And to think it might soon be ours.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Estes Park
Last Monday and Tuesday I attended the Colorado Statewide AmeriCorps Conference in Estes Park (right outside Rocky Mountain National Park). I did not have high expectations for the conference - these things generally feel like Kool-Aid drinking cult meetings.
However, I was pleasantly surprised that the conference was not that bad. The sessions themselves were very average, but could have been much worse when you consider that all the participants do very different work and have very different interests. We learned about the different programs associated with AmeriCorps, different leadership styles, identifying likes/dislikes about your workplace and resume writing (ok, that one was bad...and the trainer said some things I really disagree with). We also had the chance to build a trail for the YMCA, which was fun despite the drizzle.
The best part of the conference was reuniting with people I met in Albuquerque. When we all met for the first time, everyone was trying to acclimate to new cities, new jobs, new roommates, the AmeriCorps stipend, etc. I thought I was terrible because I did not stay in touch but, as it turns out, no one really did. This conference gave us the opportunity to meet again, now that we are settling in to our daily routines.
One of the hardest things about living in a new city and working in a very small office has been finding opportunities to meet new people. Having two days to play in the mountains with other AmeriCorps volunteers allowed me to find people with similar interests and living nearby. Now that I'm back, I'm excited to be have real friends (especially ones with similar financial situations).
PS, I also got to see elk!
PPS, And the Stanley Hotel!
PPPS, And reaffirm that I do not know how to roller skate.
However, I was pleasantly surprised that the conference was not that bad. The sessions themselves were very average, but could have been much worse when you consider that all the participants do very different work and have very different interests. We learned about the different programs associated with AmeriCorps, different leadership styles, identifying likes/dislikes about your workplace and resume writing (ok, that one was bad...and the trainer said some things I really disagree with). We also had the chance to build a trail for the YMCA, which was fun despite the drizzle.
The best part of the conference was reuniting with people I met in Albuquerque. When we all met for the first time, everyone was trying to acclimate to new cities, new jobs, new roommates, the AmeriCorps stipend, etc. I thought I was terrible because I did not stay in touch but, as it turns out, no one really did. This conference gave us the opportunity to meet again, now that we are settling in to our daily routines.
One of the hardest things about living in a new city and working in a very small office has been finding opportunities to meet new people. Having two days to play in the mountains with other AmeriCorps volunteers allowed me to find people with similar interests and living nearby. Now that I'm back, I'm excited to be have real friends (especially ones with similar financial situations).
PS, I also got to see elk!
PPS, And the Stanley Hotel!
PPPS, And reaffirm that I do not know how to roller skate.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Three strands: Strategic Planning for Urban Agriculture in Jefferson County
This blog was created to share my experiences as an AmeriCorps VISTA with friends and family. However, I feel strange writing solely about AmeriCorps when my daily work experience does not involve them (outside of the fact that they are paying me). So I thought I'd take a few minutes now to tell you about the actual work I'm doing.
I am working for the Jefferson Conservation District, a quasi-governmental agency that operates like an independent nonprofit, to develop an Urban Agriculture program. The JCD has always worked on conservation, sustainability and land stewardship issues, but this is our first venture into urban conservation and it is very exciting to be leading the charge.
Much of my work in the past 6 weeks has focused on learning about the issues surrounding urban agriculture and creating a strategic plan for the next three years of this project. The JCD did not have a particular project or particular goals in mind when they brought me on and it has been both exhilirating and terrifying to create an entirely new and (hopefully) innovative program for 4 urban communities in Jefferson County, Colorado (Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Golden and Arvada).
Because I am working for/with several organizations (Jefferson Conservation District, Upper South Platte Watershed Association, Western Hardrock Watershed Team and AmeriCorps VISTA), an important piece of this project development process was to identify the major goals of each organization and find a way to create a project that encompasses and exemplifies all of these goals. For example, AmeriCorps VISTA is all about poverty alleviation but the JCD really focuses on providing technical assistance to land owners - how does this all fit together?
Combined, all of these organizations are interested in creating partnerships within communities, working with various stakeholders(local government, community organizations and individuals) and providing technical/capacity assistance towards the end goal of sustainable natural resource management and the reduction of environmental and human poverty.
In order to incorporate all aspects of this larger multi-organizational goal, the Urban Agriculture project will incorporate three separate yet overlapping strands. The first strand is to create a toolkit for individuals interested in urban agriculture/gardening, providing technical assistance for planting, methods of efficient water use, zoning regulations for their community, etc. The second is to develop an online tool to connect local producers and consumers. This tool will not only act as an online farmers market, it will also provide a forum to connect local growers, restaraunts interested in local food, etc. And then the third strand, which ties it all together, is to work with the 4 local governments to create community projects to increase access to urban agriculture and improve food security for all residents. These community projects might include anything from the acquisition of open space for a community garden to working with the city forester to create edible landscapes to ensuring that local farmers markets are able to accept food stamps.
Now that the goal setting and strategic planning process is largely complete (or, at least, at a good stopping point) I am able to begin meeting with community leaders and establishing the Jefferson Conservation District as the lynchpin of urban agriculture in the community - the #1 place to go if you have a question or are looking for a community resource.
It's pretty awesome, don't you think?
I am working for the Jefferson Conservation District, a quasi-governmental agency that operates like an independent nonprofit, to develop an Urban Agriculture program. The JCD has always worked on conservation, sustainability and land stewardship issues, but this is our first venture into urban conservation and it is very exciting to be leading the charge.
Much of my work in the past 6 weeks has focused on learning about the issues surrounding urban agriculture and creating a strategic plan for the next three years of this project. The JCD did not have a particular project or particular goals in mind when they brought me on and it has been both exhilirating and terrifying to create an entirely new and (hopefully) innovative program for 4 urban communities in Jefferson County, Colorado (Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Golden and Arvada).
Because I am working for/with several organizations (Jefferson Conservation District, Upper South Platte Watershed Association, Western Hardrock Watershed Team and AmeriCorps VISTA), an important piece of this project development process was to identify the major goals of each organization and find a way to create a project that encompasses and exemplifies all of these goals. For example, AmeriCorps VISTA is all about poverty alleviation but the JCD really focuses on providing technical assistance to land owners - how does this all fit together?
Combined, all of these organizations are interested in creating partnerships within communities, working with various stakeholders(local government, community organizations and individuals) and providing technical/capacity assistance towards the end goal of sustainable natural resource management and the reduction of environmental and human poverty.
In order to incorporate all aspects of this larger multi-organizational goal, the Urban Agriculture project will incorporate three separate yet overlapping strands. The first strand is to create a toolkit for individuals interested in urban agriculture/gardening, providing technical assistance for planting, methods of efficient water use, zoning regulations for their community, etc. The second is to develop an online tool to connect local producers and consumers. This tool will not only act as an online farmers market, it will also provide a forum to connect local growers, restaraunts interested in local food, etc. And then the third strand, which ties it all together, is to work with the 4 local governments to create community projects to increase access to urban agriculture and improve food security for all residents. These community projects might include anything from the acquisition of open space for a community garden to working with the city forester to create edible landscapes to ensuring that local farmers markets are able to accept food stamps.
Now that the goal setting and strategic planning process is largely complete (or, at least, at a good stopping point) I am able to begin meeting with community leaders and establishing the Jefferson Conservation District as the lynchpin of urban agriculture in the community - the #1 place to go if you have a question or are looking for a community resource.
It's pretty awesome, don't you think?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Food Stamps
When I applied for this position, I was told, 'As an AmeriCorps VISTA member you will be eligible for food stamps...'
Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need. SNAP eligibility is largely based on income. People living at or below the poverty line and with minimal additional assets are eligible, according to the federal standard. States have the option of expanding eligibility to include people who might be technically living above the poverty line but still need help accessing adequate and nutritional food. Colorado and Jefferson County (where I live) generally sticks to the federal guidelines when determining who is eligible and at what assistance level.
Although SNAP gives AmeriCorps the option of not paying their 'volunteers' more because they are eligible for SNAP assistance (an ethical choice? perhaps not.), the process of actually accessing this aid has been quite difficult. Let's take a look at why.
Firstly, what remained unsaid by the AmeriCorps representatives was this aid would be dependent on other assets I was holding prior to joining AmeriCorps. I only discovered this fact when trying to plan out my budget and I discovered that, according to some random benefits calculator, I was not eligible for SNAP aid. When I brought this to the attention of my AmeriCorps liasons, they made me feel like I was the dumb one for not realizing this in advance. I recognize that, if I have savings, I might be in less need than someone who is truly living on edge. That said, I volunteered a year of my life to domestic service - it seems the least the government could do is ensure that I don't have to dip into my savings to buy basic food.
Secondly, this is a long process. And I mean looonnnnggggg - so far it's taken 6 weeks. About 10 days ago, I finally received a letter from the Jefferson County Department of Human Services, saying that I had an interview at 2pm...that afternoon. During my interview, it was clear my case worker had never heard of AmeriCorps and was totally confused by the concept. Here's an example (not verbatim) of how our conversation went.
Case worker: So you're unemployed?
Me: No. I have a full time job working with the Jefferson Conservation District. It's a part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, which means that I basically volunteer for the District and am paid a living stipend by AmeriCorps.
Case worker: Ok. So you're unemployed.
Me: Um, no.
(Later)
Case worker: So where do you live?
Me: I live in an apartment with a friend. We are both on the lease and split the rent.
Case worker: Where do you get the money to pay rent if you're unemployed?
You get the idea. Our interview lasted about an hour and left me feeling like my case worker has no idea what I'm doing and no sympathy for my situation. Yesterday I sent in the last of the paperwork she requested and now I'm waiting to hear the final verdict. Although the lack of clarity on the part of AmeriCorps and the lack of knowledge on the part of the county has been hugely frustrating, I'm still hoping to get some food assistance so I'm not stuck eating Ramen all year.
Wish me luck!
Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need. SNAP eligibility is largely based on income. People living at or below the poverty line and with minimal additional assets are eligible, according to the federal standard. States have the option of expanding eligibility to include people who might be technically living above the poverty line but still need help accessing adequate and nutritional food. Colorado and Jefferson County (where I live) generally sticks to the federal guidelines when determining who is eligible and at what assistance level.
Although SNAP gives AmeriCorps the option of not paying their 'volunteers' more because they are eligible for SNAP assistance (an ethical choice? perhaps not.), the process of actually accessing this aid has been quite difficult. Let's take a look at why.
Firstly, what remained unsaid by the AmeriCorps representatives was this aid would be dependent on other assets I was holding prior to joining AmeriCorps. I only discovered this fact when trying to plan out my budget and I discovered that, according to some random benefits calculator, I was not eligible for SNAP aid. When I brought this to the attention of my AmeriCorps liasons, they made me feel like I was the dumb one for not realizing this in advance. I recognize that, if I have savings, I might be in less need than someone who is truly living on edge. That said, I volunteered a year of my life to domestic service - it seems the least the government could do is ensure that I don't have to dip into my savings to buy basic food.
Secondly, this is a long process. And I mean looonnnnggggg - so far it's taken 6 weeks. About 10 days ago, I finally received a letter from the Jefferson County Department of Human Services, saying that I had an interview at 2pm...that afternoon. During my interview, it was clear my case worker had never heard of AmeriCorps and was totally confused by the concept. Here's an example (not verbatim) of how our conversation went.
Case worker: So you're unemployed?
Me: No. I have a full time job working with the Jefferson Conservation District. It's a part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, which means that I basically volunteer for the District and am paid a living stipend by AmeriCorps.
Case worker: Ok. So you're unemployed.
Me: Um, no.
(Later)
Case worker: So where do you live?
Me: I live in an apartment with a friend. We are both on the lease and split the rent.
Case worker: Where do you get the money to pay rent if you're unemployed?
You get the idea. Our interview lasted about an hour and left me feeling like my case worker has no idea what I'm doing and no sympathy for my situation. Yesterday I sent in the last of the paperwork she requested and now I'm waiting to hear the final verdict. Although the lack of clarity on the part of AmeriCorps and the lack of knowledge on the part of the county has been hugely frustrating, I'm still hoping to get some food assistance so I'm not stuck eating Ramen all year.
Wish me luck!
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