Newsroom Round-Up

Co-authored by @blondedblogger and @becomingsoftcalmlove

Local

Affordable housing Project in Harrisonburg

As reported by local news station, WHSV (Oct. 20, 2023), The Central Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Suter Street Project in Harrisonburg, Virginia is in progress, with walls already going up after six weeks of work. Project Manager Tim Godshall says that he is optimistic about completing the framing by early to mid-November and getting the homes weatherproofed before winter. The project will consist of four duplexes and a triplex, providing affordable housing for 11 families.

Additionally, a private developer is contributing ten more homes to be sold at the lower end of the housing market. Volunteers, trade partners, and future homeowners are all working together to expedite the construction. Future homeowners are contributing “sweat equity” in place of a down payment to make the homes more affordable. Despite some rain, the project is on schedule, and organizers are grateful for the dedicated workers involved. The cities of Harrisonburg and Charlottesville lead the way for refugee resettlement in Virginia. Due to this, the availability of affordable housing is an essential resource for us to offer to this community. 

National

Abortion access

A New York Times article, “As Abortion Access Shrinks, Hospitals Fill in the Gaps (Oct. 23, 2023),”  discusses the challenges faced by women seeking abortions, particularly those with complex health issues or residing in states with abortion bans. It shares the story of a woman, “A,” who traveled to Chicago from Indiana for an abortion due to placental complications, which required a hospital procedure. Hospital-based abortions have become more significant, especially in states with abortion bans, with a 69% increase in Illinois during the first half of 2023. Women with health complications often opt for hospital-based procedures for safety, and those from states with abortion bans encounter barriers to routine medical care. The article underscores the need to address broader health issues in these states and the role of postpartum care in improving maternal health. It also discusses the challenges women face in accessing abortions and efforts by hospitals and organizations to provide support.

Illinois allocated $600,000 to the CARLA program, aiding patients with complex health issues by coordinating referrals between abortion clinics and hospitals and covering expenses like food, travel, lodging, and the procedure. Financial support from organizations like the Chicago Abortion Fund, the city, and the state of Illinois helps women access the care they need.

The article concludes by emphasizing the concerns and anxieties of women facing these challenges and the importance of ensuring access to safe abortion care for all. Women in states with abortion bans are less likely to have access to routine medical care to treat their chronic health issues, and providers said they are also less likely to seek obstetrical care back home, for fear that a physician might disclose their desire for an abortion. Several pregnancy risk factors like eclampsia and previous C-section delivery are also higher in these states, particularly among Black women.

Global

Israel-Hamas war

As outlined by the New York Times in, “Israelis and Gazans Flee Amid Clashes and Warnings of Wider Regional War (Oct. 22, 2023),” the longstanding conflict in the region known as Israel or Palestine has escalated into a war.

Gaza is occupied by Palestinians and the militant group, Hamas. This group somewhat governs Gaza and is committed to armed attacks on Israel. Hamas has made surprise attacks in the last few weeks on Israel and the Israeli government has responded with a declaration of war.

Civilian Palestinians have been left to deal with the devastating effects of air strikes, hostages and other brutalities of war. “More than half of Gaza’s approximately 2.3 million residents have been displaced, ” Says the New York Times. Not to mention the bombings of hospitals, Mosques and densely populated civilian areas like refugee camps in both Gaza and West Bank.