Dear Friends,

The Dome Village, a center for the homeless here in LA, is being forced out of its current location because the landlord, a Democrat, discovered that Ted Hayes, the leader of Dome Village, is a Republican. Ted Hayes is one of LA's most prominent advocates for the homeless, and is also a ceaseless worker for African-American civil rights. He spoke at the Liberty Film Festival this fall. It is outrageous that the Dome Village would be forced out of its location simply because of Ted Hayes' conservative politics. Please read the press release below for full details.

Govindini Murty
The Liberty Film Festival
http://www.libertyfilmfestival.com
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December 22, 2005

PRESS RELEASE

Dome Village Threatened With Closure

After 12 years, and just a few days before Christmas, Dome Village transitional housing community has received a notice of a rent increase of nearly 800% that will force residents back on the street. This issue will be addressed at a Press Conference conducted by Ted Hayes and the Directors of Justiceville/Homeless, USA

WHEN: Friday, December 23rd 2005 at 10.00 AM
WHERE: The Dome Village, 847 Golden Avenue, Los Angeles, CA., 90017
CONTACT: Ted Hayes (213) 892 9065

After learning that Ted Hayes visited a Republican women¹s group, landlord and retired attorney Milton Sidley wrote a one-line letter informing Justiceville/Homeless, USA (JHUSA) that he will raise the rent from $2,500/mo plus property taxes to $18,333/mo plus property taxes in late 2006. When asked why he raised the rent, Sidley replied, ³This Democrat is tired of supporting Ted and his Dome Village.²

Sidley, knows that Justiceville/Homeless USA cannot survive this punitive increase. The multi-millionaire sent the rent-increase notice two days after reading a Los Angeles Times article that referenced Ted Hayes¹ support for President Bush. Sidley, has retaliated against Hayes in a way that will displace 32 men, women, and children.

The directors and residents of Dome Village are making an urgent appeal for public assistance to find another site to build a new village. We cannot allow this innovative project, working to end the cycle of homelessness in the United States to come to a tragic end.