As many of you know, One Roof: Uniting Central Alabama to End Homelessness and homelessness are causes close to my heart. We are gearing up for National Homeless Awareness Week 2016 and are co-hosting an event this year with St. Paul and The Broken Bones. I hope some of you will join me on November 17th at Saturn Birmingham for a special screening of The Homestretch, an award-winning documentary that follows three youths growing up and navigating homelessness in Chicago. The screening will be followed by raffles, awesome prizes, and an interactive simulation of youth homelessness.
*This is a free event, but donations are accepted.
The week before Thanksgiving is National Homeless Awareness Week. Homelessness is a subject close to my heart though I’ve not (thankfully) been affected by it personally. But I am well aware that could change in just one moment and truly feel for those who have ended up homeless due to unfortunate events. I am excited to learn more about it from One Roof, a local organization dedicated to helping to end homelessness in our area. They are hosting the NHAW events here that include a homeless simulation and a documentary screening about homelessness.
On Thursday, November 20 at 6 p.m. One Roof will facilitate a community-wide simulation open to those 18 and older at Railroad Park that teaches about the systemic barriers to housing. The simulation will be followed by a community discussion and education about how and why people become homeless. On Friday evening at 6 p.m. at the YWCA of Central Alabama they will host a screening of the documentary Storied Streets followed by an educational session on smart solutions for what the community can do to end homelessness. This will include opportunities to volunteer and a discussion about how the Alabama Housing Trust Fund can end homelessness by providing safe, supportive places for people to live.
I hope you will join me for one or both as we learn more about this issue and helping those in our city affected by it. If you would like to get involved even more, please comment below. I am creating a Junior Board for One Roof to assist them with raising awareness in our community and would love for you to be a part of it!
