Forces to help homeless will gather for Blyn forum Wednesday

Published 12:01 am Monday, November 16, 2015

By James Casey

Peninsula Daily News

BLYN — Agencies that combat homelessness in Clallam and Jefferson counties will meet for a fifth annual regional forum Wednesday in the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Center.

“What We’re Doing to End Homelessness Together” will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Red Cedar Hall at 1033 Old Blyn Highway.

The forum is free, although registration is requested by calling Martha Ireland, moderator, 360-452-7224, ext. 327, or emailing shelterprovidersnetwork@gmail.com.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.

Agenda topics include:

■   Out of Homelessness.

■   How Programs to End Homelessness Are Funded.

■   Reaching Across County Lines to Serve People in Crisis.

■   How “Tiny Houses” Work to End Homelessness.

■   Hope and Help for At-Risk and Homeless Youth and Young Adults.

■   Empowering Our Homeless and At-risk Neighbors for Self-reliance.

Presenters pitch in

Presenters will include Kay Kassinger, executive director of the Peninsula Housing Authority; Dale Wilson, executive director of Olympic Community Action Programs; Jessica Simon and Mary Schwartz, state Department of Commerce; Cheri Tinker, executive director of the North Olympic Regional Housing Network.

Also, Wendy Lawrence, executive director, Makah Housing Authority; Joe Ingram, Veterans Homeless Services, Seattle; Teresa Slusher, housing stability manager, Department of Social and Health Services; Lance Bailey, Port Townsend planning director; Viola Ware and Kim Leach, Serenity House.

Also, Mike McEvoy, Veterans Service, WorkSource of Clallam and Jefferson Counties; Ann Simpson, executive director of Forks Abuse and chair of the West End Housing Network; and Candace Pratt, mayor of Sequim and chair of the Clallam County Homelessness Task Force.

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Reporter James Casey can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jcasey@peninsuladailynews.com.