Rough Sleepers: A Community Conversation about the Unsheltered in Helena
Plymouth Church – UCC, in partnership with the Lewis and Clark Library, United Way, the Montana Jewish Project, Good Samaritan and the Helena United Methodist Churches, invite the public to participate in the reading and five-week discussion of “Rough Sleepers” by Pulitzer-prize winning author, Tracy Kidder. The origins of housing shortages, education, medical care, and substance abuse are a few of the topics that will be featured each week and explored by leaders in our community, from Wednesday August 30 through Wednesday September 27. All discussions will be held at 12 noon; sack lunches encouraged. The Lewis and Clark Library hosts the first gathering in the meeting room, though each week the discussion will move to other locations. No reservations required; all are invited whether or not you have read the book.
August 30 at Lewis and Clark County Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch
“Why Now? Historical Origins of the Housing Crisis”, (discussion about why homelessness seems like a national crisis now) facilitated by Dr. Pat Christian, Carroll College
September 6 at Our Place, 631 N. Last Chance Gulch
“Who Is My Neighbor?” (Stories of people who are homeless), facilitated by Theresa Ortega, Good Samaritan, and Rev. Dr. Jeff Buscher, United Way
September 13 at the Montana Jewish Project Temple Emanu-El, 515 N. Ewing
“What’s Education Got to Do with It?” (Information from an educator, social
worker and a parent interacting with unsheltered children and adults),
participants include Siobhan Hathhorn, Chair of the Helena School Board
Trustees, Jaymie Sheldahl, Family and Community Partnerships for Rocky
Mountain Development Council Head Start with Jennifer Hedges
September 20 at Covenant United Methodist Church, 2330 E. Broadway
“Practical Considerations and Overwhelming Needs” (a perspective from local government regarding low-income housing and the challenges the city and county face) facilitated County Commissioner Andy Hunthausen and Mayor Wilmot Collins
September 27 at Plymouth Church – UCC, 400 S. Oakes (lunch provided)
“What About Drugs, Addictions, Mental Health and Other Life Threatening Concerns on the Streets”, facilitated by Teresa KelleyBrewer, Pure View Clinic
