In this episode of "Voices for The Poor," we continue our in-depth discussion on the crucial work of the Volunteer Lawyer Network (VLN) and Pro Bono Indiana with our guest, dedicated legal navigator Katherine Wines. Join us as we explore how VLN connects private attorneys with individuals facing civil legal issues, particularly focusing on housing and eviction cases. Our guest shares more about the challenges and rewards of helping people navigate the complex eviction process. We delve into the intricacies of Indiana's legal landscape, the significance of brief legal advice clinics held at local libraries, and the essential role of housing stability in combating poverty. We also highlight the broader issue of affordable housing, the impact of rising rent costs, and the often-overlooked barriers faced by low-income individuals in securing and maintaining stable housing. Through real-life examples and expert insights, this episode sheds light on the need for legal support and systemic change to address the housing crisis in St. Joseph County and beyond. Tune in to understand the intersection of law, housing, and poverty, and learn how organizations like VLN are making a difference in the lives of those most vulnerable in our communities. Here is the information for the Volunteer Lawyer Network and Pro Bono Indiana in South Bend, Indiana: Volunteer Lawyer Network - Website: [Volunteer Lawyer Network](https://www.volunteerlawyernetwork.net) - Phone Number: (574) 277-0075 - Email: [email protected] - Address: P.O. Box 1358, South Bend, IN 46624 **Pro Bono Indiana** - Website: [Pro Bono Indiana](https://www.probonoindiana.org) - Phone Number: (574) 234-8121 - Email: [email protected] - Address: 227 S. Main Street, Suite 200, South Bend, IN 46601 For additional resources and volunteer opportunities, visit the [Community Forum for Economic Justice](https://communityforum.typepad.com/my_weblog/). If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Community Forum for Economic Justice at [email protected]. Email the show at [email protected].

In this episode of "Voices for The Poor," we dive into the critical work of the Volunteer Lawyer Network (VLN) and Pro Bono Indiana with our guest, a dedicated legal navigator, Katherine Wines. Join us as we explore how VLN connects private attorneys with individuals facing civil legal issues, with a particular focus on housing and eviction cases. Our guest shares the challenges and rewards of helping people navigate the complex eviction process. We look into the intricacies of Indiana's legal landscape, the importance of brief legal advice clinics held at local libraries, and the essential role of housing stability in combating poverty. We also highlight the broader issue of affordable housing, the impact of rising rent costs, and the often-overlooked barriers faced by low-income individuals in securing and maintaining stable housing. Through real-life examples and expert insights, this episode sheds light on the need for legal support and systemic change to address the housing crisis in St. Joseph County and beyond. Tune in to understand the intersection of law, housing, and poverty, and learn how organizations like VLN are making a difference in the lives of those most vulnerable in our communities. Here is the information for the Volunteer Lawyer Network and Pro Bono Indiana in South Bend, Indiana: Volunteer Lawyer Network - Website: [Volunteer Lawyer Network](https://www.volunteerlawyernetwork.net) - Phone Number: (574) 277-0075 - Email: [email protected] - Address: P.O. Box 1358, South Bend, IN 46624 Pro Bono Indiana - Website: [Pro Bono Indiana](https://www.probonoindiana.org) - Phone Number: (574) 234-8121 - Email: [email protected] - Address: 227 S. Main Street, Suite 200, South Bend, IN 46601 You can visit their websites for more detailed information and additional resources. Email the show at [email protected]

Episode Description: In this episode of Voices for The Poor, we look into the critical issue of food insecurity in St. Joseph County, Indiana. We also explore how food deserts impact residents' health, learn about the roots of the problem, and discover the innovative local solutions and organizations working tirelessly to alleviate hunger. Listen to find out how you can make a difference in the fight against food insecurity. Source List for "Nourishing Hope: Tackling Food Insecurity in St. Joseph County" Segment 1: Understanding Food Insecurity Food Deserts in St. Joseph County: Segment 2: The Roots of the Problem Economic and Accessibility Challenges: South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership (SBERP) Impact of Food Deserts on Health and Diet: Stacker - Counties with High Food Insecurity in Indiana Innovative Local Solutions: Linden Avenue Farmers Market - South Bend, Indiana Feeding Indiana's Hungry - Member Food Banks Segment 4: Community Gardens and Local Initiatives Unity Gardens - South Bend, Indiana REAL Services St. Vincent de Paul Society Segment 5: How to Help and Get Involved Feeding Indiana's Hungry - Member Food Banks Linden Avenue Farmers Market - South Bend, Indiana Policy and Advocacy: Feeding Indiana's Hungry - 2022 Food Insecurity South Bend - Elkhart Regional Partnership Segment 6: Concluding Thoughts Food Insecurity Data in Indiana - Feeding Indiana's Hungry Food Pantry Map in St. Joseph County - South Bend Elkhart Regional Partnership Dispelling the Myth About SNAP Benefits and EBT Card Misuse USDA Food and Nutrition Service - SNAP Fraud Center on Budget and Policy Priorities - Setting the Record Straight on SNAP Myths and Realities USDA Economic Research Service - SNAP Economic Impact American Journal of Public Health - SNAP and Health Study USDA Economic Research Service - Characteristics of SNAP Households USDA Economic Research Service - SNAP Trafficking Rate Academic Sources: Walker, Keane, & Burke (2010) - Food Deserts Impact on Health Kelli et al. (2017) - Food Deserts and Cardiovascular Risk Beaulac, Kristjansson, & Cummins (2009) - Economic and Accessibility Challenges Bhattacharya, Currie, & Haider (2004) - Economic Factors Contributing to Food Insecurity van der Velde et al. (2019) - Cultural and Social Factors Supplementary Information: CDC - Food Deserts PMC - Food Deserts Research Food Unfolded - Why Do Food Deserts Exist? To contact the show email: [email protected]

In this episode we look into the numbers on the housing first model for addressing the unhoused in St. Joseph County as well as discuss the struggles organizations like Motels4Now have experienced when trying to establish a proper facility in the county. We discuss the recent meeting on February 6th and ask why it's so difficult to get over the fear of the unknown. Email the show via [email protected] Resources for further Reading: 1. National Alliance to End Homelessness and National Low Income Housing Coalition. "Housing First Research." https://endhomelessness.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Housing-First-Research-NAEH-NLIHC-Handout.pdf 2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. "Highlighting Housing First Strategies." https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/summer16/highlight3.html 3. South Bend Tribune. "South Bend public meeting on homeless shelter canceled." https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2024/02/01/south-bend-public-meeting-on-homeless-shelter-canceled/72444219007/ 4.https://www.wndu.com/2022/11/21/hope-avenue-homes-has-some-neighbors-concerned/ 5 New Day Intake Center (newdaysouthbend.org) 6 ⁠https://endhomelessness.org/wp-⁠ ⁠content/uploads/2020/03/Housing-First-Research-NAEH-NLIHC-Handout.pdf⁠ 7 Reducing Offender Recidivism; ⁠https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/summer16/highlight3.html⁠ 8 New Day Intake Center info: ⁠https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2024/02/01/south-bend-public-meeting-on-homeless-shelter-canceled/72444219007/⁠

In this episode we discuss affordable housing in St. Joseph County, Indiana. We look into the South Bend Housing Authority, define HUD, AMI, VLI, Section 8, and many other aspects of the affordable housing programs available to residents in the county. We also take a look at the history of the Housing Authority in South Bend to track the success and failures that have occurred over the years when trying to serve some of the most vulnerable in our community. Email the show at [email protected] Sources from The Show: Affordable Housing and Homelessness | USCCB Developers seek tax credits for affordable housing units in South Bend (wndu.com) Former director of South Bend Housing Authority charged with fraud (southbendtribune.com) Frustrated neighbors in South Bend speaking out about encampments due to lack of affordable housing (abc57.com) Housing Authorities - St. Joseph County, IN (Low Income & Section 8) (countyoffice.org) Saint Joseph County Housing Authority, IN Waiting Lists and Information (affordablehousingonline.com) South Bend Common Council votes against Housing Authority resolution (abc57.com) South Bend Homelessness Coordinator discusses concerns with Portage Manor closure (abc57.com) South Bend Housing Authority in need of new director (abc57.com) South Bend Housing Authority fails HUD inspections; most in Indiana (southbendtribune.com) South Bend ramps up effort for affordable housing, redevelopment in city center – Inside INdiana Business South Bend tenants refuse to speak about residential problems in fear of eviction (abc57.com) South Bend’s Vacant and Abandoned Housing Challenge: 1,000 Houses in 1,000 Days | HUD USER $14 million affordable housing development proposed in South Bend (abc57.com) Timeline of accusations, controversies at South Bend Housing Authority (southbendtribune.com)

In this episode of Voices for The Poor we conclude with the last half of our final speaker from the lecture series on Catholic Social Teaching. This lecture series was hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Mishawaka, Indiana. The Professor presents a look at what life in service to God can look like. They provide a powerful example of what one person can do for the good of others as well as provide proof that our faith is not simply one one of words. It is our hope that our final speaker helps shine a light on how one can work towards more fully living out a life forged by Catholic Social Teaching and help us become another voice for the poor. Dr. Margaret R. Pfeil holds a joint appointment in the Department of Theology and the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame and is a Faculty Fellow of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the Klau Center for Civil and Human Rights. She is a founder and resident of the St. Peter Claver Catholic Worker Community in South Bend, Indiana.  Professor Pfeil received her Ph.D. and M.A. (Moral Theology/Christian Ethics) From the University of Notre Dame. She has published numerous articles, essays, and books throughout her career.  Professor Pfeil currently resides on the Mayor of South Bend’s Implementation Team on Homelessness as well as the St. Joseph County, Motels4Now Coordinating Committee. Email the podcast at [email protected]

In this episode of Voices for The Poor we hear from the last speaker from the lecture series on Catholic Social Teaching. This lecture series was hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Mishawaka, Indiana. The Professor presents a look at what life in service to God can look like. They provide a powerful example of what one person can do for the good of others as well as provide proof that our faith is not simply one one of words. It is our hope that our final speaker helps shine a light on how one can work towards more fully living out a life forged by Catholic Social Teaching and help us become another voice for the poor. Dr. Margaret R. Pfeil holds a joint appointment in the Department of Theology and the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame and is a Faculty Fellow of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and the Klau Center for Civil and Human Rights. She is a founder and resident of the St. Peter Claver Catholic Worker Community in South Bend, Indiana.  Professor Pfeil received her Ph.D. and M.A. (Moral Theology/Christian Ethics) From the University of Notre Dame. She has published numerous articles, essays, and books throughout her career.  Professor Pfeil currently resides on the Mayor of South Bend’s Implementation Team on Homelessness as well as the St. Joseph County, Motels4Now Coordinating Committee. Email the podcast at [email protected]

In this episode Ssiter Mercy Briola discusses our preferential option for the poor, how we define poverty, saintly examples, and the importance of prayer. This is the fourth speaker for the St. Vincent de Paul speaker series on Catholic Social teachings hosted at St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Mishawaka, IN. Sister Mercy Briola entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in 2014 and professed perpetual vows in August 2022. She heard God’s call through an invitation from her Dominican chaplain and through contemplating the love of God during holy hours of adoration. She was attracted by the passionate nature of Francis of Assisi and a life lived in entire dedication to the adoration of God. She has a great devotion to the Divine Mercy as her name suggests and is especially inspired by the lives of St. John Paul II and St. Maximilian Kolbe who embody the merciful heart of the Good Shepherd. As a sister, she has earned an M.A. in Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville and an M.A. in Secondary Mathematics Education from Ball State University. She is completing her 4th year at Marian High School where she teaches freshmen and senior mathematics. 

In this episode, Dr. Brian Boyd gives a lecture on the central destination of goods for the lecture series on Catholic Social Teachings, hosted by the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. Dr. Boyd is a moral theologian whose interest in how personal virtue and communal flourishing are impacted by social structures has led him to focus on economic justice, with particular attention to wages and property rights along with the providential order of creation. Drawing on economics, history, and sociology, his work seeks to describe the situations we face, judge what is lacking from the perspective of integral human development and offer pathways towards action for justice. Dr. Boyd received his undergraduate, master's in theological studies, and his PhD. from the University of Notre Dame as well as a B.A. from Oxford University and has studied at Georgetown University and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. His talk in this episode will cover "God's plan for, and our responsibility to, the universal destination of goods.

In this episode our guest speaker discusses the background, development, and day to day operations of the Bishops of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Some background on our speaker; Brooke Tranten returned to the de Nicola Center in August 2022 after having been a Graduate Sorin Fellow during her studies in the Master of Theological Studies program, which she completed in 2019. After her graduation, she undertook Ph.D. work in American history at Marquette University and is currently writing a dissertation on the reception of the US Bishops' 1983 statement on nuclear weapons. Prior to joining the dCEC, she has worked at the Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism, the Hesburgh Library, and at the Morris Inn. She attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, graduating with a BA in Catholic studies and history in 2017. At the dCEC, Brooke employs her research and logistics skills in support of the Academic Research and Publications pillar. Staff // de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture // University of Notre Dame