Homeward Bound to host Forum on Family Homelessness - Nov. 6th

Homeward Bound of WNC, a nonprofit based in Buncombe and Henderson counties, works with others to end the cycle of homelessness. This year, they are hosting their first-ever Forum on Family Homelessness.

Families can become homeless for a number of reasons. Losing a job, leaving domestic violence, a death or divorce in the family or a medical crisis can all lead to the loss of a family home. The experience of being homeless can be traumatic for everyone, but particularly for children. Children who are homeless frequently struggle with education, and can have poor physical and mental health, as well as social outcomes in adulthood.

Homeward Bound’s Executive Director, Brian Alexander says, “Family homelessness need not exist in our communities. We know what works: permanent housing plus support. However, it takes the right resources – financial, time, and advocacy to make sure every person has a safe, affordable place to live. Our first community forum on family homelessness gives people the opportunity to learn how to get involved to support homeless families, ensuring all children have a safe place to live. We hope you join us so we can end homelessness together.”

Join Homeward Bound on Thursday November 6th, 2014 at Celine & Co. at On Broadway from 5:30 – 8 PM, as they explore this social crisis in depth and examine solutions that work. Purchase your ticket by visiting EventBrite.com and enter “Forum on Family Homelessness” in the search field to find their event.

Featuring Keynote Speaker Kelly King Horne from Homeward VA, a nonprofit based in Richmond, VA, who successfully led the “1000 homes for 1000 Virginians” campaign. An expert on housing solutions, she was also the Manager for Community Initiatives on Homelessness with the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg.

A panel discussion will follow her speech, moderated by Homeward Bound’s Executive Director, Brian Alexander focusing on the local problem and solutions to it. The panel will include Ms. Horne, as well as people who experienced homelessness personally, Emily Ball, Homeward Bound’s Housing Services Director, Christine Craft, Buncombe County Schools’ Homeless Liaison Youth in Transition Coordinator, and Angie Pittman, Buncombe County Social Work Services Director.

Tickets are $20 and include a fantastic Italian themed meal with vegan options, provided by the chefs at Celine & Co. Tickets can be purchased on EventBrite.com.

For more information, please contact: Beth Russo at beth@homewardboundwnc.org or at 828.258.1695. Ext. 105.