An open letter to the city of Sarasota:

December 29, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I greet you in the matchless name of the Christ.

My name is Valerie Buchand. I am a resident of the Janie Poe Development and President of the Public Housing resident organization in Sarasota, Florida. We have over 400 units in Sarasota Public Housing with over 1,000 residents.

We would like to invite you to a Public Housing Reunion to be held Friday and Saturday, March 10 & 11, 2006. People will be coming from around the country who have lived in public housing and they will be sharing in this reunion.

Many residents have gone on in life accomplishing their goals and following their dreams. Now we are asking them to come and share how God has blessed them and their families.

There is a stereotype of people who live in public housing, but, we know that many people have overcome obstacles and have broken through barriers and that God has blessed them. Because of God's love, many have succeeded and are succeeding. That's why we want to come together, to testify and celebrate.

Our guest speaker will be the Reverend Cupid Poe, the son of Mrs. Janie Poe, an activist and Sarasota school teacher remembered by many in public housing.

We have planned a wonderful two days of events for you to enjoy.

I pray your heart will be touched to the point that you will attend and bless us with your presence.


Please make your reservations for accommodations. I can provide a list of reasonable hotels in the area. (Explain some of the events you hope to plan besides the light lunch...)

Please RSVP by February 30, 2006. You may call (941) 366-6100 and leave a message or fax your response to (941) 362-7928 or for more information, call me at (941) 544-3262.

Sister in Christ,
Valerie Buchand

For more information on Janie Poe Residents Association:

2228 Janie Poe Drive, Sarasota, FL 34234

Telephone:  (941) 366-6100

E-mail: info@janiepoe.org