Updates

Recent Updates

Calendar

Press

Past Updates
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998

March Diaries

Back to Home

Subscribe
Subscribe to kwru-announce, our e-mail list.

Updates:

[February 15, 2005] Dozens of KWRU members joined Unions, Community Groups, and Septa Riders in Harrisburg on Monday February 14, 2005 to protest to proposed increases in fares and cuts in service to Septa. Read More

[February 14, 2005] Members of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign participated in the 8th Annual Homeless Marathon. National Organizer Cheri Honkala spoke on Homelessness Abroad Read More

[January 31, 2005] The Inter American Commission on Human Rights has granted the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign's request for a hearing, and scheduled it for Mar. 4, 4.15-5.15 pm. Read Letter

[January 31, 2005] The Inter American Commission on Human Rights has granted the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign's request for a hearing, and scheduled it for Mar. 4, 4.15-5.15 pm. Read Letter

[January 27, 2005] World Social Forum Brazil: The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign participated in a panel today on with the People's Health Movement called "Building a Global Movement for the Right To Health." Read More

[January 12, 2005] KWRU participates in National Trade Strategy Meeting in Washington D.C. On January 6 – 7, KWRU/PPEHRC participated in the National Trade Strategy Meeting in Washington DC. read more

[December 21, 2004] Thank you to Rob and Deanne Vibbert for their Donation in memory of Stephanie Vibbert Read More

[December 14, 2004] Update on Homes for the Holidays: Operation Bring the Money Home! KWRU Meets with HUD Officials in Philadelphia: City Meets Initial Demands! Read More

[December 10, 2004] On this International Human Rights Day, members of the Kensington Welfare Rights Union and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign are attending the Southern Human Rights Organizing Conference in Memphis, Tennessee; and the Bring Human Rights Home: A public prayer vigil for housing as a human right, in Chicago, Illinois. Read More

[December 6, 2004]KWRU Family Suffers Tragedy. Raul a two year old child was hit by a car this morning at the Bushville tent city. He is in stable condition at Temple Hospital. We need your help, prayers and support. This family desperately needs affordable housing. To cheer the spirits of this traumatized family please send gifts to our office at 2825 N 5th in Philadelphia or to our PO Box at 50678, Philadelphia, PA 19132.

[November 30, 2004] Families of Bushville USA take over Army Recruiters Office:
Money For Housing Not For War! On Tuesday November 30th, members of the Kensington Welfare Rights Union attempted to meet with the Office of Housing and Urban Developement in Philadelphia. Soon after the families entered the building the elevators were turned off and we were denied our right to speak with government officials. Read More Photos

[November 24, 2004] THE KENSINGTON WELFARE RIGHTS UNION BUILDS WINTERTIME TENT CITY Group Protests Lack of Affordable Housing for Homeless Families this Holiday Season. On Wednesday, November 24, homeless families from the Kensington Welfare Rights Union erected a “Bushville” Tent City in Philadelphia to demand the human right to decent, affordable housing. The Bushville is located at Broad and Clearfield in North Philadelphia. Read More Press Release Needs List

[November 15, 2004] HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS OPERATION BRING THE MONEY HOME In the next couple weeks homeless families from the Kensington Welfare Rights Union will be setting up a Bushville Tent City for homeless families to demand the human right to decent affordable housing. Read More / Needs List

[November 7, 2004] Statement on the Election by Cheri Honkala: The re-election of President Bush is both devastating to the poor in the U.S. and throughout the World. Read More

[October 26, 2004] EVERY VOTE COUNTS: KWRU to hold an action outside of the federal court house 8am on November 3 if the election is close. NO MORE STOLEN ELECTIONS. More Information

La Campana de Los Pobres por Los Derechos Humanos Economicos en Los EEUU Dice NO a Otra Eleccion Robada Leer Mas

[September 22, 2004] KWRU joins with the Philadelphia Affordable Housing Coalition in commerorating the "Day of Atonement" for the political sins of homelessness and lack of affordable housing in Philadelphia. Read More Read Press Release

[September 20, 2004] Patti Scialfa and her band made concert tour stops in Philadelphia, Asbury Park Boston, New York City and Los Angeles in September 2004, following the release of her new CD, 23rd Street Lullaby this summer. Read More

[September 19, 2004] Cheri Honkala's speech at the closing of the Colloquium. University of Quebec at Montreal Read the speech

Discurso de Cheri Honkala, la Coordinadora Nacional de la Campaña de los Pobres por los Derechos Humanos Económicos (PPEHRC), al fin del Coloquio Tri-Nacional: El Tratado de Libre Comercio de Norteamérica (TLCAN) Después de Diez Años: El Impacto Social y Perspectivas Futuras, que tuvo lugar en Montreal este fin de semana. Leer Mas

[September 17, 2004] Cheri Honkala, the founder of the KWRU and National Coordinator and Spokesperson of the Poor People' Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC), will speak this weekend at the Tri-national Colloquium: NAFTA After Ten Years: Social Impact and Future Perspectives in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Read Press Release
Read Update from Day One

Cheri Honkala, Coordinadora Nacional por la Campaña de los Pobres por los Derechos Humanos Económicos hablará en Canada sobre el Efecto del TLC Norteaméricano a las personas pobres y trabajadoras de los EEUU Leer Mas

[Sep 11, 2004] The following is a formal request for a hearing by the PPEHRC Legal Committee to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States (OAS), for a hearing before that body. The PPEHRC accuses the US government of human rights violations on the issues of social security (welfare in the US), health care and housing. Read More

[August 31, 2004] The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign Holds a Successful, Unpermitted, Peaceful March Read More

[August 6, 2004] Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign Mobile Bushville arrives in Philadelphia. Read More

[August 4, 2004] Kensington Welfare Rights Union and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign Announce Plans to Bring Pennsylvania Residents to RNC Protest in New York City. The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC) will hold a press conference on the south side of City Hall in Philadelphia Friday morning August 6th at 11 A.M. Read Press Release

[August 1, 2004] Final Report from the Social Forum of the Americas , Quito Ecuador. Cheri and Jen joined a delegation of human rights leaders from all over Latin America and members of the PIDHDD, and went to visit two sites where elderly people are currently engaged in a hunger strike. Read More Espanol

[July 26, 2004] Cheri Honkala of the Kensington Welfare Rights Union and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign is currently in attendance at the Social Forum of the Americas in Quito Ecuador. Cheri had an opportunity to speak at an open forum organized by the Permanent Assembly for Human Rights (APDH), Ecuador and the hemispheric Inter-American Platform for Human Rights, Democracy and Development (PIDHDD). Read More Espanol

[July 24, 2004] PPEHRC ATTENDS 5th MESOAMERICAN FORO IN EL SALVADOR

The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign was represented at the 5th Mesoamerican Foro (5th Central American Forum) by Bob Brown. The Foro was held July 19-21 in San Salvador, El Salvador. More than 1400 delegates registered and attended the Foro, representing people's organizations from all of the countries of Central America. Those registered and attending also included a small number of representatives from other countries in South America, North America, Africa, Europe and Asia. read more espanol

[June 19, 2004] National Spokesperson, Cheri Honkala, of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign to Speak at Juneteenth Celebration: "Cabrini-Green is Here to Stay"

[June 22, 2004] Bushville shut down again. We are currently looking for another public lot in Jersey City, NJ read more

[Jun 9, 2004] The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign reconstituted a legal committee charged with refiling a petition with the Inter-American Human Rights Commission of the Organization of America States for economic human rights violations in the United States. After a long discussion of the case based on TANF time limits, the committee decided to postpone pursuing this claim until more cases can be identified. read more

[Jun 8, 2004] Cheri Honkala named one of twelve US human rights defenders in danger for their human rights work in the USA. Front Line launched it’s new report Front Line USA: Threats, Attacks, Arrests and Harassment of Human Rights Defenders on the 9th of June. It took place at the Capitol Building in Washington DC and is co-sponsored by the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center. Read more

[Jun 7, 2004] KWRU joins other Philadelphia Residents to Demand a Stop to Forced "Takings" of Occupied Homes by the City and Decent Affordable Housing for Families Under Threat of Losing Their Children for Lack Housing. Read more

[Jun 6, 2004] Cheri Honkala speaks at ANSWER Rally in Washington DC. read article

[Jun 4, 2004] BUSHVILLE DENIED INJUNCTION TO STOP DESTRUCTION OF VIGIL. The Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign vows that Bushville would return. The silencing of America's will not be an option. Read more

[Jun 2 , 2004] BUSHVILLE VEHICLES TOWED, KWRU LEADER RUSHED TO HOSPITAL Bushville is erected in Jersey City, New Jersey. Your support is needed. Read more

[May 28, 2004] THE POOR OF THE UNITED STATES SAY NO TO CAFTA! The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign joins with organized labor and people across the hemisphere in rejecting the "Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), which is to be signed by the governments of the US and Central America in Washington DC today. Read more

[May 20, 2004] Representatives of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign from across the United States gathered in front of United Nations with photographs of loved ones who have had died or are not surviving the policies of this administration. Read More

[May 19, 2004] Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign National Coordinator Cheri Honkala to take part in "Fast for
Farmworker Justice" in solidarity with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and the Taco Bell Boycott. Read More

[May 12, 2004] Faces of the Fallen Vigil in front of United Nations. Read More

[Apr 26, 2004] The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign traveled to the National Mall on Sunday to join the 1 Million plus to take a stand on Women's healthcare as part of the March for Women's Lives. Read more

[APR 21, 2004] Photos Now Available from Venezuela. A Comprehensive Human Rights Report on the trip to Venezuela made by the Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign will be posted soon. en espanol

[APR 14, 2004] Updates from the PPEHRC in Venezuela. Photos and more reports soon. Read more

[APR 14, 2004] Reportaje de PPEHRC en Venezuela: Pronto habra fotos y traduccion en espanol

[APR 12, 2004] Cheri Honkala has been asked to be a part of an international delegation of "human rights defenders" to travel to Venezuela from April 12th to the 16th. Read more spanish

[APR 6, 2004] Updates from NASW-PA lobby Day now available. Read More

[APR 5, 2004] A reminder of God's Message during this Passover. Read More

[APR 5, 2004] Students: There are still spots available for our Summer of Social Action!

[Mar 31, 2004] Stop Putting Families Up For Adoption -- Provide Affordable Housing. Join us at Family Court (1801 Vine St) Thursday April 1, 12 noon. Download Flier update and photos now available read more

[Mar 22, 2004} DRUG WAR REALITY TOUR -- Thursday, March 25th @ 9:30 AM. read more

[Mar 21, 2004] Kensington Welfare Rights Union (KWRU) and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC) joined millions of people around the world in protesting the war and occupation of Iraq on the first anniversary of the beginning of the war. Read more

[Mar 19, 2004] Social Work Organization Honors Willie Baptist of Philadelphia as Public Citizen of the Year. Social workers from across the Commonwealth will gather in Pittsburgh, PA March 18-20 for a conference hosted by the National Association of Social Workers, Pennsylvania Chapter (NASW-PA) entitled: "2004: New Routes to Social Work Success." Read more

[Mar 18, 2004] Mayors Address Announces Cuts to Affordable Housing. Early Thursday morning KWRU gathered outside of City Hall to rally against the proposed cuts to housing in the city of Philadelphia. Read more

[Mar 17, 2004] Join the KWRU at City Hall for the mayor's address on the budget cuts for this year. We'll be meeting on the west side of City Hall on Thursday March 18, at 8 AM. Wear your KWRU t-shirts! The people of Philadelphia are dealing with an affordable housing crisis! It's time to raise our voices about it! Article from Philadelphia Inquirer.

[Mar 17, 2004] Stay away order modified to allow use of City Hall during normal business hours. Article from the Daily News.

[Mar 10, 2004] Support the Kensington Welfare Rights Union in their continued protest against the City Hall Stay Away Order. Read more petition

Mar 8, 2004] The Kensington Welfare Rights Union Will Speak Out Against Judge's Decision to Extend a Stay Away Order Banning Members From City Hall Just Weeks Before Mayor's Budget Address. Press Conference Scheduled for Wednesday, March 10th 2004 at 11:00 am in front of the Municipal Services Building, 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, across from City Hall. Read more press advisory

[Mar 4, 2004] Updated information available for the March for Our Lives

[Mar 4, 2004] Urgent Request for Letters of Support. Read more

[Mar 1, 2004] JUDGE EXTENDS STAY AWAY ORDER FROM CITY HALL. On Monday March 1, 2004 five members of KWRU stood before the court facing charges of criminal trespass and a stay away order from city hall. Read more

[Feb 24, 2004] KWRU highlighted in Daily Pennsylvania

[Feb 22, 2004] Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC) announces plans for Bushville Tent City and March For Our Lives on Opening Day of the Republican National Convention in New York City. Read more Spanish press

[Feb 21, 2004] Urgent Request for Support for Upcoming Trial. Please support KWRU leader Cheri Honkala on March 1 as she goes to trial for attempting to ensure affordable housing for victims of domestic violence. Read more photos

[Feb 18, 2004] The KWRU and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign are saddened by the loss of our brother in struggle, Professor Nanjundaswamy, the founder and leader of the Karnataka State Farmers' Association of India (KRRS). Read More

[Feb 17, 2004] MARCH FOR OUR LIVES: STOP THE WAR AT HOME
Flier now available

[Feb 11, 2004] Students: The application for our Summer of Social Action is available online!

[Feb 11, 2004] KWRU member a finalist in poetry contest. Carolyn Caesar, a currently homeless mother and leader of the KWRU has been named as a semi-finalist in the International Library of Poetry's poetry contest for her poem, "Together," written during the Poor People's March for Economic Human Rights from Mississippi to Washington DC this past August.

[Feb 6, 2004] KWRU Demands Safe Shelter: Dozens of KWRU members today protested in front of the offices of the Office of Emergency Social Services (OESS) in Philadelphia demanding emergency safe shelter for seven women who are currently fleeing domestic violence, and their children. Read more

[Jan 21, 2004] Updates from KWRU's participation in the World Social Forum
January 18, 2004 Spanish
January 19, 2004 Spanish
January 20, 2004 Spanish
Pictures

[Jan 17, 2004] The Kensington Welfare Rights Union participated in a forum called Towards the Urban Way today. Read more Spanish

[Jan 16, 2004] KWRU today joined more than 200,000 people from around the world today in the inauguration of the World Social Forum here in Mumbai, India. Watch for more reports soon as KWRU carries the voice of the movement of the poor in the USA to this world gathering of movements to reject corporate globalization, and the deadly impoverishment and militarization it brings, and to reclaim our future. Spanish

[Jan 15, 2004] INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR THE DEFENSE OF PEOPLE'S HEALTH:Today, January 14th, KWRU members participated in the International Forum for the Defense of People's Health organized by the People's Health Movement to coincide with the Fourth World Social Forum in Mumbai, India. Read more Spanish

[Jan 14, 2004] KWRU to participate in the 7th annual Homeless Marathon: Contact us for more details about events in Philadelphia.

[Jan 13, 2004] KWRU Speaks Internationally about Health Care Crisis in the USA: As the World Health Organization (WHO) declares lack of access to simple Health care one of the main causes of "natural" death (WHO report for 2003), millions of people in the world's richest country live in daily terror of getting sick or losing their health care. The poor and uninsured of the United States are taking their case to the world community. Read more

[Jan. 11, 2004] A Cry for Human Rights from Bush's America: Movement of the Poor of the US speaks out in Mumbai The KWRU will be joining tens of thousands of people and movements of the poor from around the world this week at the WORLD SOCIAL FORUM in Mumbai, India. Read more