As the Mudslides and Rain Continue...

The Brazilian government is talking about relocating the people in the slums...but where and how will they house them? The slums perched atop precarious hillsides around Rio are out of necessity,,,people trying to carve out a space to call their own. Is the government going to help provide affordable housing or are they just going to clear out the favelas and continue to let the poor fend for themselves?

Here is a quote from the Washington Post about the slums slammed by mudslides that were built on top of a dump that Jake and I found particularly powerful:

"Yes, it was a dump. But people are desperate to have a home anywhere," she said. "What else were they going to do? Where else were they supposed to go? This is our reality. They knew the risks, but when you have no money, you have no choice," she said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/08/AR2010040800860_2.html?wprss=rss_world/wires

In many places in the U.S. the poor are out of sight and mind. We can skip the exit off of the highway to the "bad" neighborhood. Most of us have the wealth and power, and education to move, to relocate, to advocate for ourselves. The poor are a visual part of Rio...their houses climb the rainforest hillsides throughout the city. People daring to live where others refuse... risking safety and convenience for a spot to call their own. Don't we all desire as much?

I encourage you, to look around wherever you live. Ask questions. Think about where the poor are. What are their options? Most are working hard, trying to care for their families, put food on the table. Are we really so different?