In addition to registering 16,000 voters since September, here are a few other things that Allegheny County ACORN has been up to…

Beltzhoover ACORN members raised $200.00 to clean up the park at the corner of Gearing and Chislett Streets. It was a fine day, and 20 men, women, and children worked together to clean up the park. They wore bright red smocks and some had on ACORN hats, so that everyone would know that ACORN was on the job. The clean-up was followed by hot dogs and soda-pop, compliments of members John and Sarah Reed. The city-sponsored dumpster never showed up, so Beltzhoover President Nettie Pelton called the City and told them, "We put the trash on the curb, and Public Works better come and pick it up, or we're going to bring it right downtown and put it in your office!"

In other news, Allegheny County ACORN members have marched on the past three sheriff sales and saved 10 people from losing their homes. Members have declared a county-wide state of emergency and are fighting to save people's homes. Members are hoping to build upon a precedent set in 1983 when, in response to suddenly rising foreclosure rates and grim economic conditions, the sheriff called a moratorium on foreclosures to allow families the time they needed to save their homes. In recent months, Allegheny County ACORN members have held a series of actions on the Sheriff's office and at Sheriff sales of foreclosed homes, organized community meetings, built a coalition of community groups and legal advisors, and created a foreclosure hotline for residents in distress. Call the Allegheny County ACORN office at 412-441-6551 to find out how you can get involved in the fight.

ACORN members have also introduced a law to stop rapid refunds. Please call your state rep and ask them to vote in favor of House Bill 2671 to keep tax preparers from charging huge interest rates on their "rapid rip-offs." Also, ACORN is looking for community organizers. If you want to work for change, give us a call at the number above.

ACORN organizers Mary Ellen Hayden and
Jerry Myles. (Photo by Kenneth Miller)