H-II: Stephen Michael Apatow - Lead, Follow or Get Out of The Way

On 6 October 2010, CMA Artist H-II: Stephen Michael Apatow, Founder of Humanitarian Resource Institute and the United Nations Arts Initiative presented an appeal to members of the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSNBP) in the United States. Though the scope of the U.S. economic crisis is considered far less severe than other G-20 countries, it is nothing short of catastrophic for countries outside of G-20. The community level needs assessment focus outlined in the EFSNBP appeal is needed on the grassroots level in every UN member country, as a foundation for strategic planning, grassroots stabilization and long term recovery. As we move ahead to advance these objectives, we hope these challenges will be a focus for discussion at the G7/IMF emergency meetings this weekend.

The EFSNBP appeal reads as follows:

Subject: Election 2010 - SOE: Foreclosures: 16,793,772 Notices Published for 7,278,294 Properties

Dear Members of the National and County Emergency Food and Shelter Nation Board Program:

The size and scope of the state of emergency, facing every US city is demonstrated by a simple zip code search of pre-foreclosures and foreclosures. One the web site www.foreclosures.com you will note 16,793,772 Notices Published for 7,278,294 Properties. For analysis of the crisis in your community, visit:

www.foreclosure.com
www.realtytrac.com

Today, every unemployed family, that has lost their unemployment compensation is in a state of emergency. How we are going to cope, with the true scope of this crisis, can only be comprehended by a process of crisis management. In short, the problem is not only the families facing foreclosure, it is survival for families and small businesses that has been crushed 3 years into an economic depression or a recession that began with the collapse of the US housing market and according to Warren Buffet, continues today. [1]

As we approach Election Day 2010, it is obvious we need a clear picture of the State of our Local and State Economies. This can picture can be established by an immediate household and small business level survey in every city. The needs defined will encompass the task at hand for our leaders following the November election....

As an advocate for hunger, homelessness, poverty and community service since 1993, [2] and operations of Humanitarian Resource Institute since 1994, I would have to say that our current crisis is nothing short of a hidden nightmare that needs the light of day. As an advocate, who begged our senate, congress and local elected officials to stop the unregulated criminal predatory lending 2000-2007, I would say that the word stress is not sufficient to describe the challenge of trying to help these victims, many family and friends who just had no clue.

Regarding stress that has contributed to immune challenges such as cancer and disease in our communities, this is a topic for another study.

The bottom line mission of Humanitarian Resource Institute was and continues to be unmet needs analysis, as a foundation for strategic planning and development, a message no one has wanted to hear for close to 20 years, especially the churches [3] in every US city who were the primary focus of my appeals. [4]

References:

1. Warren Buffett to CNBC: "We're Still In a Recession" - CNBC. Url: http://www.cnbc.com/id/39320992/Warren_Buffett_to_CNBC_We_re_Still_In_a_Recession
2. Run Across America for Hunger, Homelessness and Poverty: Url: http://www.runacrossamerica.org
3. National Council of Churches: Url: http://www.nccusa.org
4. The Ultimate Objective: Humanitarian Resource Institute and United Nations Arts Initiative. Url: http://www.humanitarian.net/interfaith/studycenter/Omnia_vincit_amor

In the hope of progress,

Stephen Michael Apatow
Founder, Director of Research and Development
Humanitarian Resource Institute
United Nations Arts Initiative
Internet: www.unarts.org
Email: s.m.<hidden email> at unarts.org