democracy

a few weeks ago, one of our long-time filipino staff members went in for her citizenship interview and came out a U.S. citizen. it was a day of great celebration at IDHA; one that signified why we do the work we do. we believe that access to wealth and opportunity in the u.s. should be available to all who seek and desire it, not just to those who come with pre-existing privilege and advantage.

what is so inspiring about her newfound status is this: she values what it means to be a u.s. citizen. today during our staff meeting, she engaged other staff members in discussions about the elections, what she'd vote for if she could (her citizenship came after the deadline to qualify for this fall's election) and how excited she will be to finally participate in the election process of the country in which she's lived for 15 years. although having had a career as an educator in the philippines, she's spent the majority of her career here working on behalf of other filipino immigrants. at IDHA, she is our primary housing specialist. she helps the homeless finds safe and permanent places to live. she helps the disabled secure affordable and ADA-compliant housing. she finds refuge for the displaced and offers encouragement to the despondent.

it is days like these that i'm so proud of our country - that we are a nation that stands for liberty and opportunity. tonight, as election results roll in, i am inspired by the higher than expected turnout rates at the polls. there is no room for cynicism tonight; there is only room for hope.