In today’s rundown: The launch of a new effort to focus the 2010 election season on the damaging effects of poverty in D.C. | Why doctors are teaming up with attorneys to help low-income patients | A new look at housing affordability
— Today marked the launch of Defeat Poverty DC, a new coalition of residents and organizations (including The Women’s Foundation) working to bring greater focus during the 2010 election season and beyond to the damaging effects of poverty on the entire city. Click here to learn more about Defeat Poverty DC. Click here to read a preview of the launch in the Washington Post.
— More doctors nationwide are starting to partner up with attorneys to provide patients with legal help if they need it. Doctors and social workers say that medical care alone is not enough to address the health issues of the poor, which are often related to diet, living conditions and stress. Click here for more details.
— The Center for Housing Policy has released a new study that takes a look at the costs of renting and owning homes in cities around the country. According to the study, “in some high-priced communities, people who provide the bulk of vital services… cannot afford to live in the communities they serve.” The study also found that residents in moderately-priced communities still pay an excessive portion of their income for housing. The study found that Bethesda was the 19th most expensive city to buy a home in last year. Washington, D.C. was the sixth most expensive rental market. Click here for more information.
