Good Samaritan Experience

Today's Affordable Housing Breakfast was hosted by Good Samaritan Inn, a 365 days a year soup-kitchen serving lunch to about 350+ individuals each day. Those gathered for this event were asked to take part at breakfast, much in the same way clients would in a few short hours for lunch. We gathered in a large circle, linking arms for the blessing. We also got in line with our numbered ticket and received a wonderful breakfast prepared by the cooking crew at GSI and served with the help of a few Homeward Bound staff members. Great, hot food, served in a respectful way.

Director Stacey Brohard spoke about the mission of GSI and a new training initiative in cooperation with Richland Community College. The program is called Mercy Kitchen where trainees learn from the culinary arts instructors at RCC. The first group of about 15 will begin in May.

Darsonya Switzer, Homeward Bound Program Director shared with participants ways to be come involved in the Homeless Council Continuum of Care Advisory Council and ways to assist agencies providing homelessness issues services.

Hilda Margerum, Homeward Bound Client Services Coordinator share the 2014 Point in Time Survey Results. A few of the numbers are listed below. The complete results, and of previous years are listed on Dove's website: www.doveinc.org

Total Homeless Persons: 255

Total Homeless Households: 170

Total Persons in Shelters/emergency motel vouchers: 114

Total Households in Shelters/emergency motel voucher: 94

Total Persons in Transitional Housing: 75

Total Households in Transitional Housing: 26

Total Persons Unsheltered: 66

Total Households Unsheltered: 50

The next Homeless Council Continuum of Care Advisory Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 8, 1:30 p.m. at the Homeward Bound offices, 788 E. Clay Decatur. There are plenty of opportunities to become involved: volunteer for an agency, donate needed funds, become involved in planning awareness and educational events and more.

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