In the wake of the City’s recent clearing out of a homeless enclave, alongside the tightening availability of affordable housing nationwide, a local nonprofit is leveraging growing community concerns about these issues into informed action by hosting a series of public forums.

The second of five town hall meetings – Quiet Conversations about Affordable Housing – will take place this Friday, November 9, 2 – 4 p.m., at the Senior Independent Living at  101 East Fifth Avenue. The community will hear from several panelists who work with different homeless populations, e.g. domestic violence case workers, substance abuse counselors, and mental health professionals, to understand how to address diverse housing needs.

“I have been learning that you can’t just build housing and say, ‘Come in,’” said Vivian Underwood-Shipe, Director and Founder of I Am the Voice of the Voiceless, the local nonprofit hosting the forums. “You must listen to the people and hear their needs and concerns. That is what the people who will be on our panels do every day. They will help us understand not only who the homeless are, but also why they are homeless. From there we can make informed decisions about how to get at the roots of these problems.”

3rd District City Councilwoman Seema Singh-Perez will set the stage for the conversations by providing an overview of the City’s ongoing role in addressing homelessness and affordable housing.   The forum will be moderated by local radio and television personality Hubert Smith.

Addional Forums in Series:

  • November, 17
  • 2 p.m. -4 p.m.
  • Flenniken Landing

 

  • December 1
  • 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
  • Public Works Complex

 

  • December 14
  • 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
  • Small Assembly room at City County Building