United Workers Baltimore regional committee is raising funds for one of our dedicated leaders, Annette Blake, who has shown extraordinary dedication toward her family and community for many years.

After a long period of homelessness, Annette and her two granddaughters recently secured a Section 8 apartment — a huge step toward stability. She was able to cover the first month’s rent, but she still needs $435 for the security deposit by the end of October in order to keep this new home.

Watch Annette’s testimony at our recent Nonviolent Medicaid Army (NVMA) Day of Action to hear more about her taking on the role of full time provider for her ailing mother and the extreme financial challenges she and her family experienced due to limitations in her mother’s medicare coverage. We live in one of the richest states in the richest country in the world. How is it that so little money is allocated towards healthcare and housing for families like Annette’s? No one should have to make the choice between caring for their ailing parent or keeping a roof over their head. Everyone should have a right to healthcare. Everyone should have a right to housing.

By contributing to this fundraiser, you are not only helping Annette and her granddaughters secure safe housing — you are also sustaining Annette to continue growing her leadership in the movement to end poverty. For years, she has been a cornerstone in Pigtown, distributing food and bringing hope to her neighbors even during her own hardships. Now she is uniting and organizing with members from across the state and nation to uproot a system that causes hunger, homelessness and premature death for poor people. Every contribution helps Annette and her granddaughters achieve stability while strengthening her ability to stick and stay in the fight.