Shelter to host programs for awareness week

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November 13, 2011

Tim Preston The Independent The Daily Independent Sun Nov 13, 2011, 10:39 PM EST

ASHLAND — Thursday and Friday will be days for homeless people in the area to connect with agencies and organizations that might be able to help, as well as providing those who’ve never had to live without shelter and resources perspective about the challenges faced by those without a place to call home.

As part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, staff and volunteers at Ashland’s Shelter of Hope will be teaming up with other local groups for Thursday evening’s “Stand Down: Ashland,” as well as Friday’s “Night Without a Home.”

Thursday’s event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will focus of connecting homeless people, whose needs often include more than simple shelter, with local agencies that specialize in assistance with resources including housing, supportive veterans programs, employment, education and volunteer services as well as nutrition and health. “Stand Down: Ashland,” a concept borrowed from military stand downs which provided service members with a chance to relax and regroup, is being conducted in partnership with Community Kitchen, and will include representatives from agencies such as Safe Harbor, CAReS, Salvation Army, vocational rehabilitation, veterans affairs and area housing authorities.

“Last year we found food to be the most effective way to get our local homeless people involved,” said Debbie Sivis of Shelter of Hope, adding door prizes and drawings donated by local businesses and individuals are also an important part of the evening. The annual event also helps strengthen interagency bonds and referrals, she added. Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy a free haircut or hair styling by local salon owners and employees who want to contribute to the effort, Sivis said, later adding “We need as many volunteers as possible,” to help with Thursday’s activities.

The second annual “Night Without a Home” in the parking lot behind First Christian Church will begin at 10 p.m. Friday and continue to 2 a.m. to give people some idea of what it is like to be without shelter or resources.

“It’s a homeless awareness event just for the general public, and usually many church groups ... to see what it is like to be homeless,” Sivis said, adding participants will have a fire in a barrel, and little else, to help them cope with overnight conditions.”It is BYOB — Bring Your Own Box — and younger people are asked to leave their electronic devices alone.”

Participants will hear testimonies from people who have been homeless, including Brad and Kristy Adkins of Misfit Ministries. Entertainment for the outdoor event will be provided by Gloria “Glo” Smith and a midnight candle vigil will be accompanied by music performed by Keith and Rachel Dixon as well as Pastor Keith Adkins of Outkast Ministries.

For more information about “Stand Down: Ashland,” call Kaycee Chapman at (606) 324-6700, and for information about the second annual “Night Without a Home” contact Candy Goldie at (606) 324-6700.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.

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