Monday, January 31, 2011
A Ten Year Plan To End Homelessness in Sarasota County:
The response has been terrific. Today the Sarasota Herald Tribune published two editorials about the upcoming process to create a ten year plan to end homelessness. The links are as follows: First, the lead editorial http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110131/OPINION/101311027/2198/OPINION?Title=Building-hope-for-the-homeless
and then the guest editorial, co-authored by Carolyn Mason and myself:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110131/COLUMNIST/101311008/2080/OPINION?Title=Guest-column-Planning-to-end-homelessness-in-Sarasota-County
Since the editorials were published I have already heard from a number of interested citizens. I am especially grateful to the medical community. Doctors, P.A.'s, nurses and public health workers have all written to tell me of their efforts to treat and care for the homeless. This kind of input is critical to ensure success of thus process.
Others have written to me to give ideas about creating shelter or using available space. I know a lot of you are concerned with Veterans and putting them in touch with available services. Women and children can end up homeless for a variety of reasons yet escape public attention. This process will give the whole community a chance to work together for the benefit of us all.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Please watch this teriffic film about the important work being done by the Community COalition on Homelessness in Manatee County. http://sarasota.anythingarts.com/video/community-coalition-on
Friday, January 14, 2011
Denver has Success in Attempting to End Homelessness:
As Sarasota begins the process of creating a ten year plan to end homelessness, it is important to realize that other communities have made substantial progress. One of the leaders in the effort to end homelessness is Denver, Colorado. What follows is a link to the PBS newshour special report on their accomplishments.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/social_issues/july-dec10/denver_12-22.html
As Sarasota begins the process of creating a ten year plan to end homelessness, it is important to realize that other communities have made substantial progress. One of the leaders in the effort to end homelessness is Denver, Colorado. What follows is a link to the PBS newshour special report on their accomplishments.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/social_issues/july-dec10/denver_12-22.html
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Update on Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness in Sarasota County:
This is a reminder that the community launch of this project is scheduled for Saturday, February 5th, from 9:00 am to noon at the Church of the Redeemer, Palm Avenue Sarasota. All interested persons are invited to come and help us end homelessness in Sarasota County. We are in the planning stages now, but anticipate a series of work groups focusing on housing, homelessness prevention, public safety, employment, and health and human services. Part of your homework to prepare for this meeting is to go to the link below and see how other communities have used this planning process. http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/solutions/community_plans
This is a reminder that the community launch of this project is scheduled for Saturday, February 5th, from 9:00 am to noon at the Church of the Redeemer, Palm Avenue Sarasota. All interested persons are invited to come and help us end homelessness in Sarasota County. We are in the planning stages now, but anticipate a series of work groups focusing on housing, homelessness prevention, public safety, employment, and health and human services. Part of your homework to prepare for this meeting is to go to the link below and see how other communities have used this planning process. http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/solutions/community_plans
