Lyon and Storey region – All faith leaders serving any of the communities in Lyon and Storey counties are invited to attend a gathering of faith leaders, social service providers, community volunteers and nonprofits. Faith leaders from all traditions are welcomed – pastors, rabbis, bishops, imams, priests, etc.
“The goal is to put our minds,hearts and resources together to identify innovative ways to increase affordable, sustainable housing and to bring hope to our homeless brothers and sisters in the Lyon and Storey regions,” said Christy McGill, director of the nonprofit Healthy Communities Coalition of Lyon and Storey Counties.
WHEN AND WHERE: Faith leaders are invited to join Healthy Communities’ staff and group partners on Thursday, April 7th, 2016 from 10:00am – 12:00pm at the Silver Springs Community Center at 2945 Fort Churchill Street.
GOALS: This is the second in a series of meetings with the following goals: 1) discuss the issue briefly 2) identify types of housing needed 3) look at some inspiring examples of successes elsewhere 4) create a list of who is willing to commit time, resources, talent, and/or connections 5) create an action plan.
WHY? The economic downturn of 2008 seems to have had a domino effect – in 2009 only 5 children were identified as homeless in Lyon County, but by the next year, 240 Lyon County children were identified as homeless. By 2015, there were 467 children in Lyon County living either without housing or living doubled up with other families. In addition to children without stable, adequate housing, there are adults, including the elderly, who are living in tents or travel trailers, in cars, in substandard housing, or sleeping on the couches of a series of friends.
SOLUTIONS: Healthy Communities’ volunteer coordinator, Freida Carbery, is optimistic, noting that “other communities have found solutions and we can too.” She explains that communities throughout the U.S. are finding innovative strategies for reducing homelessness that bring together the strength of government leaders, faith -based groups, community organizations and volunteers, all working side by side for collective impact.
CONTACT: For more information, please contact Christy McGill at Healthy Communities at 246-7550.
