Hartford Hunger Game Tributes

My Birthday was today

it's gone and passed.

I've been here so long...I've forgotten how to laugh.

I was a young man when I committed my  sin,

I was a hustler who thought he could win.

I was sixteen when I entered this hole

labeled as a mentally disabled, attention deficitd efect

rocking rejects from the North End projects. 

no disrespect - It was all good in the neighborhood.

I was young and dumb, one chain, two guns... 

bread & butter eating on the run.

Disrespecting my son and daughter, I was out of order.

Life in jail has taught me something. 

when I get out, I still wont be nothing.

The School Breakfast Program

Program Description

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides cash assistance to states to operate nonprofit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare institutions. The Food and Nutrition service administers the SBP at the Federal level. State education agencies administer the SBP at the state level, and local school food authorities operate the program in schools.

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day.

General Program Requirements

For this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Connecticut.

Income eligibility guidelines are used to determine eligibility for free and reduced priced meals or free milk.

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Household Size*	Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1	$21,775
2	$29,471
3	$37,167
4	$44,863
5	$52,559
6	$60,255
7	$67,951
8	$75,647

*For households with more than eight people, add $7,696 per additional person.

If you are earning at or below current Income Eligibility Guidelines, we encourage you to contact your school to fill out a school meal application. The school or local education agency will process your application and issue an eligibility determination.

If you are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, your child automatically qualifies for free school meals. If you are eligible for unemployment compensation, you might also be eligible for free or reduced price school meals.

Because many programs offer services to families that may qualify them under other local criteria, we strongly recommend you contact the program in your community for more information and guidance.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process

Schools send school meal applications home at the beginning of each school year. However, you may apply for school meals at any time throughout the school year by submitting a household application directly to your school. Your school will provide you with an application upon request.

Contact your state's agency to participate.

You may also visit the Connecticut State Department of Education Child Nutrition Program's Online Claim System to file a claim online.  

Program Contact Information

For more information, please visit the Connecticut School Nutrition Programs website.

Or visit the following websites:
USDA's National School Breakfast Program

Check Mate

 “Genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political or cultural group.”

My father didn’t attend church on a regular basis, some would say that he was not saved or a Christian. Yet, on my thirtieth birthday my dad prophesied into my life, while playing a game of chess at five in the morning.  He said daughter one day “you will open the eyes of the blind, you will greet the captives released from prison, liberate those who sit in dark dungeons”.

Listen, “In Washington, D.C. its called corruption…In Hartford, CT. It’s called lobbying Check, well, if you live in any housing that’s affiliated with HUD multi-family housing projects it’s called hustling.  Mate! Pay attention, Only in Connecticut…is where they do this!”  At the time I was not sure what he meant until I found the same passage in the bible {Isaiah 4:27}.

There is a certain amount of honor in being chosen by your fellow citizens to manage public affairs, but there is also the element of accountability, elected office holders are subjected to being torn down for the smallest transgressions. Thomas Jefferson once said: “when a man or woman assumes public trust he should consider himself public property.”

So I smile when I am asked to prove that ethnic disparities exist in North Hartford. When it comes to describing politics in Connecticut; it’s hard not to align the word conspiracy to the mission statements of political candidates running for office throughout Hartford, Connecticut.

Are you broke or better?

 In any conspiracy theory there would be two major players- active and passive. The active conspirators can be described as the city of Hartford’s court of common council. The passive conspirators are African Americans who participate via their, self hatred, apathy and miss education of common laws.

When White Hartford gets a cold…Black Hartford gets pneumonia

In 1964, the same year that the land mark civil rights act was passed, a host of anti-poverty programs were breed; including the economic opportunity act and the food stamp legislation, and programs for mass transportation. In 1965, additional legislation included Medicare and Medicaid, the elementary and secondary education act, the higher education act, the public works and economic act had additional changes.

I constantly challenge community leaders, non-profit agencies, city council members and the mayor in debates to review the ethnic and economic disparities that run rampant in impoverished neighborhoods throughout Hartford, Connecticut.

My challengers asked me to document who were the plotters in the conspiracy to create ethnic and economic disparities in North Hartford? I smile and listen, yet I remain confident in knowing that video tapes of racial discrimination as shown on national television: in banking, employment, and housing is not a figment of anyone’s imagination. In essence the poverty programs were advertised as the means to fulfilling the civil rights promise in a nation burdened by the quilt of a history of racial discrimination.

 “The fruits of political activity are enjoyed in a monetary way by all of the servants of the Democratic Party; there is no increased recognition of the contributors that are committed to the improvement of human rights”. Martha Hood PhD

Not a day goes by that I don’t think of the legacy my paternal and maternal elders instilled in me. The fight for equality is to benefit everybody, so that nobody gets left behind.

Sometimes -Something is not better than nothing. GranGeorge

Rest in Peace to my Father,

Martha Hood PhD

Homicide Hartford

Today as I reflect on my involvement in politics’ and community leadership, I am left with a bitter taste on my tongue. Although, I was treated unjustly and betrayed, it is still my firm belief that God can and will work through any situation. I’m going to have to ask you to accept some information on faith the way I did. Every morning before sun rise, I walk among the ruins of inner-city neighborhoods, anointing the drug infested blocks of North Hartford.

History teaches us that “advocates” of the poor do not always recognize the value of the insight of their constituents. In light of a fundamental disagreement, between the black leadership of Hartford and populace on issues that is critical to the black community. Prime example being, Civil rights leaders, who continue to pursue the agenda of the sixties: using poverty programs to mandate integration and recompense for past discrimination. If race and economic disadvantage were the cause of the crisis that currently confronts us, why do we invest millions of dollars to hire researchers to conduct “failure studies” of the poor?

Our local news media consistently emphasizes the dysfunction of low –income communities. Multiple murders and street violence sells newspapers. Salvaged lives do not.  Black - on- black street violence in Hartford has become so common that my husband’s death was newsworthy only because he was used as a prop in a community activist sound bite describing how black –on-black crime had destroyed a family.

So the City of Hartford is presented daily with a portrait of moral deviance- youths who have committed violent crimes, men who have had sex with their girlfriend’s sons, and mother’s who date their daughter’s boyfriends. They fail to document the efforts of local community activist who have prompted literal transformations in lives that were being wasted on addictions and violence.

North Hartford must wake up! When White Hartford gets a cold, Black Hartford gets pneumonia.

W.E.B Dubois identified the color line as the greatest challenge of the 20^th century; “our greatest challenge in the 21^st century is the economic line between blacks and whites; rich and poor; the haves, have-not and have mores”.

In economic terms, what is the state of Hartford, Connecticut today? How much progress has really been made in the “Second Chance Promise Zone”? More importantly what must be done to reverse the economic stagnation that continues to plaque impoverished families living in North Hartford?

What this means is that without the wealth and equity of homeownership or employment to fall back on, impoverished residents of Hartford stand on shaky ground. There is no hiding place from the realities, hardships, and challenge that reflect economic progress among the impoverished residents living in North Hartford, CT.

My Grandmother used to say, "if you can’t stand the heat, get out the kitchen." But, what if it’s hot in every room Grandma? Comfort is the enemy of achievement, the most powerful tool you have is your voice.  Speak loudly until your voice shakes!

So I say to my Neighbors…This is our minute!!

We must take ownership of our own economic destiny as well as influence all leaders to develop policies to help working families. We as a community must fight for good jobs, not just entry level jobs, we must say no to becoming ass-wipers, sandwich wrappers, and coffee makers. We must access career making jobs; we must encourage our children to become lawyers, doctors, and advocates for all people of color.

We, as a community must raise our voices to be heard. We must VOTE! The community as a whole must be committed to closing the equality gap.

“A hustler knows how to build an empire with the same stones that are thrown at her”.

Martha Hood PhD

Girl Bye

Martha Hood Tips

Would your friends be there for you in a catastrophe?

Several years ago, during an emergency I realized that I had many sister friends that would help me pop the cork on a bottle of wine; they will even raise a glass to toast me. I called them my sisters, a group of friends whom I thought I could rely on during a tragedy or most cheerful moment of my life. Yet they are emotionally unavailable when I needed them. Not everyone will come running if you call for them. Some people become lifesavers while others run from the scene, it hard to heal broken relationships.

For a whole year I tried hard to repair broken friendships, I picked up the phone and called several friends- and got straight to the point: “why haven’t you contacted me? The last time I heard from you was when you needed my assistance with a personal problem.” Several stated that they were preoccupied with work and family. Some stated they often prayed for me. One friend responded “I am not very good at this sort of thing; I am used to you being supportive of me.”

Those excuses were not good enough for me, I replied “in order to have a friend you must be a friend”. I was able to confess and confront them with their opportunist behaviors; my directness scared many friends away, Yes, they desired my help financially, emotionally, and spiritually; however when it came to me needing them they failed to past the friendship test. But here’s what I learned: In order to have a friend you must be a friend.

Months would go by before they contacted me. Some people need to believe that I have a perfect life. They don’t want to be a part of someone else crisis.  None of my friends realized that I had helped them because I was able to empathize with their situations. I knew what it felt like to not have someone listen or be concerned. So I thought that I could teach my friends to be better friends if I showed them compassion. No matter who I confronted, I answered all their questions and told them everything they wanted to hear; Honesty is always the best policy.

I try not to push my problems on others unless they ask, yet, my friends have a habit of asking me to help them with their problems on a daily basis. I learned quickly that all friends do not know how to be friends. Some can be opportunist; they will call you if they want something, and God forbid if you ever need anything, as a woman of many words, I thought their behavior was immoral. It was hard for me to digest their behavior knowing, any individual will not be there to back you up as needed is the ultimate betrayal in any friendship.

However, I became angry by the lack of support that they showed me. I had to let several relationships go, it was hard for me. But it was in the best interest of self preservation. I weeded out the entire group and removed the opportunist and was left with a few sister friends. I understand that crisis’s may be difficult to handle, I was not asking for deep conversations. I was asking for support and respect, the same respect and support I had provided during our friendships.

So when you see me walking by myself! Don't get it twisted I am my own team.

Martha Hood PhD

👧

Community Social Intelligence

Dear Neighbor:

The Brick House Foundation advocates on the behalf of women, children, men, prisoners, students, tenants, gays, welfare clients and Aid to families with dependent children.

We, most of us live on the edge of poverty. Some of you own a home but can’t afford Oil to heat it; others mortgage their property in order to pay a car note, only to find that they may be evicted. Many more are homeless and live on the streets; and stand on the corner in front of bodegas; package stores and the library then they get arrested for loitering.

A great majority of people living in Hartford don’t have enough to eat. There are a limited number of organizations that hand out blankets or hot meals. None of these charities ( at least none that I know of) are revolutionary. They don’t organize the people to demand what is their rightful inheritance. They enable the poor to survive one day at a time until they fall.

During election time “Political Prostitutes” pass around the tin cups and begin to door knock. Between the Governor, mayor and State representative we have been lulled into accepting poverty disease homelessness, illiteracy, substance abuse, and the loss of our claim to dignity. We are encouraged not to question the basic lies of our elected officials. We are told many things, some of them are true, and many are not.

In such instances, The Governor, Mayor and State Representatives have told the citizens of Hartford not to become dependent on the Department of Social services, or organizations to provide resources to their families. There is a gap between civil rights and social benefits; there is an inconsistency when it comes to protecting the rights of the impoverished citizen living in Hartford.

  The social status and social value of the average voter has been degraded by the “Political Prostitute” who door knocks for candidates who seek to gain power and status. Every citizen has the “right to have rights”, there is a citizenship contradiction facing the impoverished communities of Hartford, Connecticut.

  I am calling a “War on Poverty”!  The revolution I am recommending does not call for bloodshed or physical violence of any kind.  Instead of marching in the streets, I encourage you to march to the voting polls. A common cause of homicide and crime in Hartford, Connecticut is Poverty, economic, insecurity and the lack of democracy.

A Federal program, also known as welfare or financial assistance to needy American families, was created in 1935 as part of the Social Security Act: abolished in Hartford, Connecticut by former Governor John Rowland in 1996. City leaders have since failed to protect to the impoverished citizens of Connecticut; so the mission of  Brick House Foundation is to encourage the residents living within the City of Hartford to demand economic development in the Second Chance Promise Zone. 

 State representatives need to expand their sound bites and accept the responsibility for public health, welfare and education. Political corruption is rife in Hartford, Connecticut on Federal and state levels; “The galleries and lobbies of every legislature, are thronged with men and women seeking to procure an advantage for one corporation or another.

Some people are wealthy, others poor; but we are all individuals.  My approach is simple. What we intend to do is explore the ways in which systems and institutions of Hartford, Connecticut created contagious housing and hidden mental addictions on our bodies and minds at the earliest age possible, and then expect the impoverished citizens to bear the weight of poverty until they die.

Martha Hood PhD

The Fair Housing Act of 1968

The Fair Housing Act of 1968

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 (FHA) (42U.S.C.A. §§ 3601-3631) is also known as Title VIII of the civil rights act of 1968. Congress passed the act in an effort to impose a comprehensive solution to the problem of unlawful discrimination in housing based on race, color, sex, national origin, or religion. 

The Fair Housing Act has become a central feature of modern Civil Rights enforcement, enabling persons in the protected classes to rent or own residential property in areas that were previously segregated. The department of housing and urban development (HUD) is charged with enforcement of the act. It issues regulations and institutes investigations into discriminatory housing practices.

The passage of the Fair Housing Act came after the failure of two earlier federal initiatives. A 1962 Executive Order directed all departments of the Executive Branch to take appropriate action to prevent discrimination in all federally administered housing programs. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 contained language in Title VI that prohibited housing discrimination in any program receiving federal financial assistance. Although Title VI provided that a recipient of funding who was found in violation could be prevented from continuing receipt of governmental assistance, this sanction was rarely used.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discriminatory conduct by a variety of legal entities. The act defines "person" to include one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, receivers, and fiduciaries. In addition, municipalities, local government units, cities and federal agencies are subject to the law.

The act explicitly defines a list of prohibited practices involving housing, including sales, rentals, advertising, and financing. Its primary prohibition makes it unlawful to refuse to sell, rent to, or negotiate with any person because of that person's race, color, religion, sex, familial status, handicap, or national origin. The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 added extensive provisions that apply to discrimination against disabled persons and families with children 18 years of age and under.

It is illegal under the Fair Housing Act to discriminate in the sale or rental of a dwelling because of the disability of (1) the buyer or renter, (2) a person who will reside in the dwelling after it is sold or rented, or (3) any person associated with the buyer or renter. It is not illegal, however, to refuse to rent or sell housing to an individual, with or without a disabling condition, whose tenancy would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or whose tenancy would result in substantial physical damage to the property of others. Newly constructed multi-family dwellings must be designed so that the public and common-use portions are accessible to people with disabilities.

The Fair Housing Act also prohibits discriminatory advertising practices in the sale or rental of housing. Advertising may not disclose a "preference, limitation or discrimination" based on any of the protected categories of persons. The media company that runs an offensive advertisement or other statement may be held liable, as may the advertiser. Subtle advertising strategies, such as the selective use of minority-identified media for the marketing of segregated and over-priced housing to minorities, and the use of code words, such as "exclusive" neighborhood, in the text of the realty classified advertisements, violate the act. The law reaches unpublished statements including discriminatory expressions and conduct, such as a landlord's instruction to his rental agent, superintendent, or other employees that they should either not rent to blacks or that they should give a preference to whites or certain ethnic groups.

The law makes it illegal for an owner or his agent to represent to any member of any statutorily protected class that a dwelling is unavailable for inspection, rental, or sale, when, in fact, it actually is available. The act has been found to have been violated by a realty firm that posted "sold" signs on the lawns of a white neighborhood in an attempt to discourage minorities from purchasing houses in the neighborhood.

The Fair Housing Act also sought to end a practice called "blockbusting": the practice by realtors of frightening homeowners by telling them that people who are members of a particular race, religion, or other protected class are moving into their neighborhood and that they should expect a decline in the value of their property. The purpose of this scheme is to get homeowners to sell out at a deflated price. In alleged blockbusting cases, the courts have focused on what was heard, rather than what was said. Even in the absence of wrongful intent by the real estate salesman, or explicit reference to a protected class, liability will attach if the reasonable homeowner believes that the salesman is trading on his assumed fear of minorities to stimulate that homeowner to list his house for sale.

Although the primary focus of the law is to protect prospective renters and buyers of real estate, the Fair Housing Act also protects real estate agents who are members of the protected classes. Real estate brokerages may not set different fees for membership in multiple listing services, and may not deny or limit benefits accruing to members in real estate brokers' organizations. In addition, brokerages may not establish geographic boundaries, office location, or residence requirements for access to, or membership in, any real estate-related organization, based on an individual's membership in any of the statutorily protected categories.

Congress worked to identify all components of the housing industry that might discriminate against persons in the protected classes. This explains why the Fair Housing Act governs the housing financing industry. Banks and financial institutions may not discriminate when financing the purchase, construction, improvement, repair, or maintenance of a house. This section of the act also applies to the selling, brokering, or appraising of residential real estate.

Despite the apparent breadth of the law, Congress did exempt several classes of defendants from coverage. It does not apply to single-family homeowners if they sell or rent their homes without the use of a real estate agent or other person who is in the business of selling and renting homes. In addition, the homeowner must not use advertising that indicates a discriminatory preference. This exemption applies to only one sale within a 24-month period. Multiple-family homeowners are exempt if no more than four families reside in a dwelling, including the owner. The act also grants exemptions to religious organizations, private clubs, and Senior Citizens, subject to some limitations.

The provisions of the Fair Housing Act may be enforced by HUD and through "pattern and practice" lawsuits brought by the attorney general. A person who alleges discrimination may file a complaint with HUD. If the department believes that the claim has merit, the matter will be referred to an administrative law judge for a hearing. The judge is empowered to award actual damages, equitable relief, and attorneys' fees to the prevailing party. The judge also may assess civil penalties against the violators, which can range from $25,000 to $50,000. 

The judge may not award Punitive Damages nor require Affirmative Action of the violator, however. In addition, a private citizen may also file a civil lawsuit in federal court against the alleged violator of the act. Finally, the attorney general may file a civil lawsuit when there is evidence of a pattern or practice by the alleged violator that extends beyond one or two victims. When the attorney general prevails in these types of lawsuits, the act allows the awarding of injunctive relief and monetary damages to the aggrieved party. In addition, the court may assess civil penalties against the violator up to $50,000 for a first violation and up to $100,000 for any subsequent violation.

M is for Methadone

 M is for Methadone

 Methadone has been in use in the United States for over 40 years. There are currently hundreds of methadone treatment programs in operation across the USA.

Hartford is hungry, high, and thirsty.

 

Treatment:

For those suffering with an opiate dependency, methadone treatment may become an important next step in your personal  recovery.

 Trick:

Addiction is a treatable illness, this illness can be managed successfully just like diabetes or heart disease.

Methadone medication becomes a part of this health management approach.

Entering a methadone treatment program is a very personal decision. Hopefully, you have given this decision some careful consideration, and examined your options before committing to methadone treatment.

Most methadone clients are happy to realize that their daily struggle with opiate withdrawal comes to an end. This provides a sense of relief that is enormously valuable.

No doubt, someone in your life may be critical of your decision to exploit methadone.

 Treatment:

Clinics routinely begin clients on a lower dose of methadone and then increase the dosage slowly every few days. This is an important safety measure to help you get adjusted to the proper amount of medication that will be effective for you.

 The induction period may last for several weeks. Since methadone is a powerful medication with slower onset & longer duration than most opiods, the medical staff should carefully monitor your response to methadone during the induction period to  any potential risk of overdose.

Effective methadone treatment incorporates daily methadone medication in conjunction with behavioral health counseling.

These interventions in combination provide clients with an opportunity to regain their quality of life.

Listed below are positive aspects of methadone. Also addressed are some potential methadone medication risks & considerations which merit close attention.

Benefits of Methadone

Methadone is a legal medication that is prescribed by a physician and carefully monitored.

§  Methadone is administered orally and reduces the dangers associated with injection drug use.

§  Methadone is typically administered by a treatment clinic that provides ongoing counseling and support.

§  With stable daily dosing, methadone does not produce a drug high or interfere with daily functioning.

§  Methadone patients have access to medical and social services that are important for rebuilding health and quality of life.

§  When given in the proper dosage, methadone eliminates opiate withdrawal symptoms and drug seeking behavior.

§  As a result of not being sick from withdrawal, individuals are able to refocus on work, family, and other responsibilities.

§  Methadone (combined with counseling and support) provides a new start and the ability to reclaim one's life.

§  Methadone is slow acting & provides long lasting relief (24 hours or more).

§  Methadone causes no harm to tissues or organs and is medically safe when taken responsibly.

§  Pregnant women in a methadone treatment program have a much higher chance of giving birth to a healthy baby.

§  Compared with buying illicit drugs, becoming a client in a methadone treatment program is an affordable option.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Like most any opioid pain medication, methadone overdose can occur if the medication is not taken as prescribed.

• Before taking methadone, it is important to report all medications to your doctor to avoid potential harmful medication interactions.
• Methadone is utilized as a safe opiate replacement in the treatment of opioid dependency. However, abruptly ceasing methadone will typically elicit uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
• These can be avoided by following a gradual taper off of the medication while under the supervision of your physician.
• Methadone replacement therapy is typically not short-term. Many clients will remain on methadone for a year or more before becoming ready to taper off of the medication.
•  Some clients may remain on methadone for an indefinite period of time.
• Individuals receiving methadone should not consume alcohol or mix methadone with illicit drugs. If you are taking benzodiazepines (valium, xanax, ativan, klonopin), be sure to discuss this thoroughly with your methadone prescribing physician due to the increased risk of medication interaction and potential overdose. 

§  Keep methadone in a secure location away from children. Accidental ingestion by a child could result in a medical emergency or death.

Trick or Treatment: 
Many clients report feeling normal after becoming stabilized on methadone. 

Martha Hood PhD
Povertyinaflowerpot.blogspot.com