Homeless Awareness
November 9, 2006

Tacoma, Wash. - The Tacoma-Pierce County Coalition for the Homeless has planned several activities for November 13-18 in support of the annual Homeless Awareness Week, a nation-wide event designed to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless and to encourage the community to help solve the problem. This year’s theme is "In Our Backyards: Realities of Homelessness."

In addition to a winter coat and blanket drive, organizers have planned several events to raise awareness. On Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 a.m., during a breakfast and public talk, University of Puget Sound faculty will present the results of research conducted on the causes and challenges of homelessness in Pierce County. This will be followed by comments on current plans, programs, and policies by representative from the City of Tacoma and Pierce County. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at Catholic Community Services, 1323 Yakima Ave in Tacoma. For details phone 253.328.5696 or www.ccsww.org.

When asked about the events taking place, Renee Houston, a professor of Communication Studies and one of the lead researchers said, “This is an exciting opportunity for us. While our work continues, we wanted to use the occasion to share the results of our research and some insights with the public. We hope that by raising awareness, we will eventually reach our ultimate goal of ending homelessness in Pierce County.”

In addition to the breakfast lecture, there are events being held on campus, geared toward educating college students about the homelessness. On Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m., the Coalition for Homeless Awareness and the university’s Hunger Week campaign organizers, will present a feature film on homelessness, followed by a panel discussion featuring homeless advocates. Students from several other Pierce County colleges and universities have been invited to attend the film screening as well.

CONTACT
mediarelations@ups.edu
253.879.2611
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