Feb. 18 meeting to help the homeless

Asheville-Buncombe’s Homeless Initiative will host a summit on homelessness for faith leaders on February 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the YMI Cultural Center. This interfaith summit will provide tools and information to engage more effectively in the lives of people who are homeless, according to Emily Ball of the Community Development Div. of the City of Asheville's Planning & Development Department.

She said that this meeting is open to the public, and anyone who is a member of a faith group or is driven by their faith to help address the issues of homelessness is welcome to attend.

At the summit, which is subtitled “From Sandwiches to Solutions,” professionals and faith group leaders will collaborate on how to best meet the needs of our homeless neighbors -- from sharing fellowship and food to finding permanent housing, said Ball.

In a recent press release, she wrote: "Asheville and Buncombe County’s faith community has long stepped up to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness. Faith groups have served meals and provided shelter, collected clothing and blankets, offered monetary support in times in crisis, and offered encouragement to thousands of people over the years. 

"Recently, faith groups have started to ask how they can dig even deeper to address the roots of homelessness in our community. In response, the Homeless Initiative met with a focus group of faith leaders to develop the upcoming summit.

"The morning will consist of presentations by the Homeless Initiative, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Faith Liaison, and Raleigh/Wake County’s Support Circle Program.

"Lunch will offer participants the opportunity to network with local homeless service providers.

"Afternoon break-out sessions will offer participants a chance to learn about funding, homeless services, volunteering, housing options, partnership opportunities, and local faith-based program successes."

IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND...
If you plan to attend, .Emily Ball asks faith leaders and the public to RSVP at 828-259-5733 or email her at eball@ashevillenc.gov 
 
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