Contact: Dave Henderson, Director, Jesus House Ministries, 571-243-4291 

WASHINGTON, October 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The DC Housing Authority sends out letters threatening eviction for those in public housing if they do not comply with the Welfare Reform Act by October 31.
 
Evictions would begin immediately.
 
Housing advocates, Christian leaders and those living in public housing will sponsor a protest and prayer vigil on Thursday, October 30, at 11:30 A.M.
 
The location will be at 1804 Alabama Avenue SE in Washington, D.C.
 
The group contends the DC Housing Authority is misinterpreting the Welfare Reform Act and applying it in an unjust manner.
 
The housing advocates also maintain that many are being forced to leave so the city can sell these units at a significant profit.
 
The event is being led and organized by Dave Henderson, the Director of Jesus House Ministries.  Mr. Henderson has worked with the poor and needy of Washington, D.C. for over 20 years.
 
Mr. Henderson comments, "These eviction letters are a clear attempt to drive families out of places that have given them a dignified and beautiful place to live and drive them back to the 'concrete jungle.'  There is no doubt that the overwhelming majority of these families are going to end up on the streets as a result of the action by Washington, D.C. city officials.
 
Many of these people have, for the first time in their lives, had a place to live that affords them dignity and security.  I have worked with these decent people for over 20 years and they need a hand up not a kick to the curb.
 
The shelters in Washington, D.C. are always full in the winter, so where are these people going to go?  I feed the struggling on the streets of our nation's capitol every evening in the winter and there are very little resources available.  I greatly fear what will happen to these wonderful people that I proudly call my friends."
 
Rev. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition and a housing advocate for over 30 years adds, "It is a disgrace that Washington, D.C. can pass a 700 billion dollar bailout for corporate America and Wall Street, yet threaten to evict struggling people during the Holiday Season who are virtually living in the shadow of the United States Capitol building.

"During these challenging and difficult economic times, we should be doing all within our power to help the most vulnerable and needy in our society...not crush them."
 
For more information or interviews contact:
Dave Henderson at 571.243.4291