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JBy Carolyn Presutti
Washington
13 March 2009
U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday spoke to state representatives
about how to spend their portion of the $787 billion stimulus plan. Many
Americans hope the money trickles down to their communities to create
jobs and ease financial stress.
Residents wait in line for the opportunity to qualify to be placed on
the waiting list for an apartment house
The line stretches down a city block and around the corner. Residents
clutch applications for affordable apartment rentals. Jessica Burnett
stood in line overnight with her baby.
"This is the only subsidized place, low income place open in God knows
how long," she said. "I got out here at nine last night with my baby and
I'm just praying that I get a place."
But the wait doesn't guarantee an apartment. It simply gives qualified
applicants a place on the waiting list for apartments that might become
available. A spokesman for the management company says right now, none
of the 460 units is vacant.
Marina Iraheta and her brother are both unemployed. They live with their
father. Rent would be based on his income.
"Right now we're living in an apartment, but it's very expensive now,"
Marina said.
Harvie Dukes
Harvie Dukes wants a place close by to take care of his 74- year-old
mother.
"Only thing I need right now, is to just get me an apartment," he said.
"Get my place of my own where I have my own keys and everything. That
way I can call it home."
This is what can happen in the inner city as the United States suffers
through an economic crisis.
President Obama on Thursday greeted representatives of the 50 U.S.
states who are learning about their share of the $787 billion stimulus
package approved by Congress. The plan contains grants to finance
construction and modernization of low income housing.
"I think you guys will do extraordinary work with using these precious
tax dollars that the American people have given up in order to deliver
on the kind of economic growth -- short-term and long-term - and job
creation that's going to be so important. But we're going to need to
work really hard and we're going to have to make sure that every single
dollar is well spent," President Obama said.
It's money that gives these residents hope.
"It will mean a lot to me, me and my family," Marina said. "[To] finally
have a place to be at, it will be nice."
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