BOUDREAUX’s Post

I’m the shameless nonprofit fundraising guy so I’m going to be blunt: Movements need money. Messages of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community after the recent protests and bomb threats over Lancaster Pride's drag story time are great to see and give me hope for the world! But, Lancaster Pride’s work to raise visibility, acceptance, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community doesn't happen without money. Hosting events and running nonprofits isn’t free. Luckily for all the folks who have expressed their support of Lancaster Pride, there are ways to be a part of this movement through sponsorship opportunities for the Lancaster Pride Festival (June 15 at the Lancaster County Convention Center by the way) for as low as $250 and as high as $15,000. I’m going to be blunt again. You and your company likely spend way more than $250 on things you barely care about, such as staff lunches, a new coffee machine, and random promo items. While all of these expenses matter, I hope you don’t say that you are part of a lunch, coffee, or tchotchke movement for a loving community. If you truly believe in the work Lancaster Pride is doing and are able, it’s time to support their amazing work with money. Yes, you will have less money going towards your bottom line and may have to cut back on other things, but consider the alternative. If we all keep putting money towards the same things we’ve always had, things are never going to change. People will still express hate and LGBTQ+ folks will still feel like they don’t belong. And we don't have time to waste. One LGBTQ+ individual attempts suicide every 45 seconds, not because of any fault of their own, but because of the hateful messages and treatment they get almost every single day. However, if we start putting our money towards movements like Lancaster Pride, maybe, just maybe, we will find ourselves in a world where people can be their authentic selves without fear of violence or hate. I volunteer to help raise money for Lancaster Pride because I have experienced how they are making a loving and caring community and will work with my team at Maneval Consulting to make sure we support them financially. Dear person who has read this far, please join me in sponsoring Lancaster Pride this year because last weekend showed us that we have so far to go to create a world where everyone feels welcome and loved. You can be why we see messages of support for the LGBTQ+ community, not after traumatizing and tragic events, but after inspiring celebrations of diversity.

Biden-Harris Administration Expands Access to Housing for Veterans New HUD policy changes will enable veterans with service-connected disability benefits access more housing opportunities In Brief: - making mandatory PHA's that administer HUD-VASH raise income limit to 80% AMI from 50% - excluding Service Related disability income from the calculations - approved "exception payments" of up to 140% of FMR Comment - Gastonia Housing Authority does not participate in the HUD-VASH program, perhaps it is time, since the Gaston County area has over 17,000 military veterans? *Foothills Region Authority (Foothills Region Planning Commission) coverage includes Cleveland County and do administer the HUD-VASH program in partnership with the Asheville VA and Veteran Services of the Carolinas. #veterans #homelessness #GastoniaHousingAuthority #VA #affordablehousing #GastonCounty #VeteranServicesoftheCarolinas #SSVF

Every year, City of Philadelphia is required to submit a Five-Year Plan (5YP) for PICA’s approval. Here’s what you need to know about the FY25-29 5YP Mayor Parker introduced last week. The PICA Board will vote on the adopted version of the 5YP in July. #PICA #FiscalOversight #FiscalStability #FiveYearPlan #FinancialPlanning #Philadelphia #BudgetSeason

Today, on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, we pause to acknowledge the painful legacy of Canada’s residential school system and its lasting impact on Indigenous communities. Orange Shirt Day also serves as a reminder that Every Child Matters. It is a call to action for all Canadians to educate themselves on the true history of residential schools, to listen to Indigenous voices, and to contribute to the ongoing process of reconciliation. At the Coalition of Black Small and Medium Enterprises (COBSMEs), we recognize the importance of standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples. We share a history of systemic oppression that has deeply affected both Black and Indigenous communities. As we work to build equitable spaces for Black business owners and professionals, we recognize that reconciliation is essential to this work, and we commit to supporting efforts that uplift Indigenous voices and promote healing. Let us reflect on the ways we can work together to create a future rooted in respect, equity, and justice. #TruthAndReconciliation #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #COBSMEs #IndigenousVoices #BlackAndIndigenousSolidarity #CommunityHealing #ReconciliationJourney #SharedHistory

Today, Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia recognizes the start of African Heritage Month. African Nova Scotian and Black communities have played a large part in adding to Nova Scotia's cultural richness and economic prosperity. African Heritage Month is a time to celebrate those contributions and recognize not just the tragedies and injustices faced by Black communities but also the resilience shown by Black individuals and communities in the face of these struggles. As a non-profit housing developer, we recognize that homeownership in Nova Scotia is not equal. Black people in Nova Scotia experience systemic barriers and discrimination that has contributed to a disproportionate lack of homeownership opportunities. In 2020, Habitat for Humanity Canada introduced the Black Families Funding Initiative to combat this inequality, and we are excited to work with Habitat for Humanity Canada and people and communities across Nova Scotia to create more opportunities for affordable homeownership for Black families in the province.

A passion for community as demonstrated in fabric arts is another exploration of the power of creativity in building culture.

Creating a memorial to a city’s industrial heritage. Step 1 Let a Georgian cum Victorian shirt factory complex become derelict . Step 2 leave the building open to access by arsonists Step 3 Wait for local residents to complain about rats and eyesore. Step 4 Allow the local authority to spend ultra viries rates on erecting barriers to keep traffic flowing while you start to to demolish the building for public safety reasons. Step 5 publish plans to erect a modern replica of the building incorporating the original salvaged signage and a museum to the Shirt Industry. Step 6 Collect your knighthood. Step 7 Hope that the Department of Communities will fund a housing association to build an apartment building with a mural to the Factory Girls. #planningni #trashingtheenviroment #heritageinaskip

Happy Juneteenth! Today, we join millions across the nation in commemorating Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history that marks the end of slavery in the United States. This day, also known as #FreedomDay or #EmancipationDay, is a celebration and reminder of resilience, liberation, and the enduring fight for justice and equality. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of all enslaved people, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. WHY JUNETEENTH MATTERS Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone; it is a call to action. It underscores the importance of acknowledging the past, understanding the systemic injustices that persist, and committing to the ongoing struggle for racial equity. For the construction industry, it is a time to reflect on our practices and policies to ensure they foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (#DEI). Learn more this October by registering for #ConstructionInclusionWeek https://bit.ly/CIW2024

🌟 Highlighting the Community 🌟 Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a remarkable historical treasure with contemporary conveniences that cater to all family members! Discover our insights on the housing market in Fredericksburg in our most recent blog entry. https://buff.ly/3zf1jpm #fredericksburgVA #fredericksburgrealestate #virginiarealestate #realestatedevelopment #realestateblog

The good momentum and growth along Howard Street (both on the north side in #Evanston and the south side in #Chicago) is due in part to smart city planning and collaborative economic development.