For many years, as the homeless situation in our community increased, many subscribed to that old adage that "If you don't talk about it, it doesn't exist". However the reality is that anyone of us could find ourselves in the same situation since homelessness can directly or indirectly happen to each of us. In addition, the impact of homelessness has an effect, financial and otherwise, on the entire Concord community.
Fortunately in the past few years there has been more and more discussion about ways to address this situation and to implement changes.
The Concord Coalition to End Homelessness has been doing some amazing work in Concord for a number of years and making inroads through the services they are able to provide including referrals and assisting those who find themselves homeless maintain a level of dignity and be shown respect by the dedicated staff and volunteers that man not only the organization's Homeless Resource Center but by tirelessly keeping the situation at the forefront with fundraising and outreach efforts.
Find out what's happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
You can check out the great work they are doing and how you can help by visiting their website: concordhomeless.org
You can also read the recently approved by our City Council "Plan to End Homelessness". Mayor Boulay has made addressing and taking action on this situation a cornerstone of his administration.
Find out what's happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In the meantime, on Saturday, June 21st, they are holding their annual Walk.
I've scheduled a perfect June day - weatherwise - so there's no reason why everyone cannot spend an hour or so showing support for not only the work this great organization is doing but showing compassion for those who struggle daily to hold on to a vestige of humanity.
"Walk in Their Shoes" begins at 10AM, with registration open at 9:30 AM and the Walk stars and finishes at the Friendly Kitchen. There will be refreshments and there are options for a 3 or 5 mile Walk.
Ellen Groh the Executive Director of the Coalition and David Keller, the Board Co-Chair, joined me on "Downtown Dialogues" at WKXL the other day to discuss the importance of the work the Coalition is doing. It was a profoundly moving discussion and I hope you'll all take a few minutes to listen in. Here is the link:
http://concordnewsradio.com/?p=5237
Whatever you think you know about the homeless situation in Concord may radically change after you listen.
