ACORN Peru fights for the rights of the poor

ACORN Peru's mission is to empower low- to moderate-income communities by building a multiracial, multi-regional and multi-issue organization, uniting all Peruvians around their common interests.

Founded in 2004 to assist the Comedores Populares -- an alliance that provides food to Lima's poor -- ACORN Peru now has more than 3,000 Peruvian families, actively campaigning for equality and human rights.

Equal access to Peru's national water system was threatened until ACORN and the Peruvian Water Worker's Union (FENTAP) launched a successful campaign against privatization. Working together, ACORN Peru and FENTAP helped keep the water systems public in half of the country's 24 states.

ACORN Peru has also helped achieve financial and economic justice for its members. Corruption within Peru's Tax Administration Services had previously caused siezure of several low-income families' homes. But campaigning against the Tax Administration Services by ACORN members has created more equitable payment plans and prevented further home seizures.

ACORN Peru has also launched a campaign to reform tax laws and predatory lending institutions for the benefit of all citizens.

Other issues of interest to ACORN Peru membership include access to health care, social justice, safety and the development of increased competition within Peru's telecommunications industry.