2005 Conference on Homelessness planned in Raleigh

More than 500 representatives of organizations and agencies that provide shelter and services to North Carolina’s homeless people are expected to attend the Ninth Annual North Carolina Conference on Homelessness, Nov. 29 and 30 at the Jane S. McKimmon Center in Raleigh.

Homelessness is no stranger to North Carolina. In the fiscal year ending June 30 more than 45,000 homeless people were served in 132 shelters operating in 53 North Carolina counties through the Emergency Shelter Grants Program. More than 9,000 of those served were children.

Conference registration is $75 if received no later than Nov. 11 and $100 thereafter. Conference capacity is limited, so interested people are encouraged to register as early as possible. Registration information is available online at http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/homeless/2005conference.htm .

The conference is sponsored by the Interagency Council for Coordinating Homeless Programs, located within the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information, contact Janet Jacobs McLamb at the Office of Economic Opportunity, 2013 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2013, or telephone (919) 715-5850.

People who have transitioned successfully from homelessness to stability will serve as conference keynote speakers on Nov. 29. Keynote speaker at the luncheon on Nov. 30 is Dr. Don Bartlette, an activist, social worker, counselor, advocate and educator who has spent his life working with children and families in need. A Chippewa Indian, he grew up with severe speech and physical disabilities in an environment of poverty, child abuse, family violence, racism and alcoholism.

The conference will feature workshops on topics such as supportive housing development, public housing advocacy, homeless program funding, educational services for homeless children and youth, serving homeless people with mental illness and substance addictions, nonprofit advocacy, the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), federal and state funding sources for organizations serving and sheltering the homeless, and the development of the state’s and local community 10-year plans to end homelessness.

Nonprofits, businesses, churches and volunteers who have provided outstanding service to homeless people in North Carolina will be recognized during an awards luncheon on Nov. 30. A person who has successfully moved from homelessness will also be recognized.

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Last Modified: September 30, 2005