CAJM brought its people power to bear big time on Tuesday, January 28, when 155 of us took over the County Commission chambers to persuade commissioners to adopt our proposal for setting aside 20 percent of the county’s annual Blueprint revenues for an affordable rental housing program modelled after Pinellas County’s. We did not get what we asked for, but did secure a commitment to consider funding as part of the 2026 annual budget. Powerful testimonies and all those green shirts were very effective in keeping them engaged with the problem.

We have good news on the gun violence front as well. The gun violence interruption program that CAJM advocated for is being implemented by the Council on Men and Boys through the Sheriff’s Office. Forty young men who have been involved in shootings have come forward seeking support.

CAJM’s agenda for this year’s Nehemiah Action has not yet been set but will likely address both affordable housing and gun violence. Members of UUCT’s Justice Network will be recruiting folks to attend that gathering on Monday, March 31, at 6:00 pm, at the Old West Florida Enrichment Center on Lake Bradford Road.

If each of our Network members succeeds in recruiting three others to join them, we will marshal over 100 people towards CAJM’s goal of turning out at least 1000 people this year. Please participate if you can. You need not wait to be invited. If you are willing and able to attend, please contact one of our Team Leaders: Jennifer Carver, Bob Deyle, Carolyn DuBard, or Janet Temkin.