This is Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week. I’ve learned a bit about Dayton’s hunger issue since I’ve retired, by volunteering and by taking photos for several organizations that deal with hunger. But I don’t know much about the area’s organizations that help people when they are homeless. I asked Jessica Jenkins to help me learn a bit. Jessica (on right) is the county’s Manager of Housing and Homeless Solutions. She’s with co-worker Katherine Shanahan (center) and Intern Simbe Wilson.
Simbe showed me a book which she recommended – Evicted by Matthew Desmond. She is hosting a ZOOM event this Wednesday which is a community conversation on homelessness. It includes her interviews with people who are currently homeless. You can sign up for this event at https://us02web.zoom.us/
Jessica told me that in 2019, the average person experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County spent 44 days in a shelter before moving to a better housing situation. Her group has put together what they call their 44 day challenge which is aimed at helping people like me increase their understanding of this issue. I signed up, and I’ll be getting a daily email for the next 44 days. If you want to join me, go to https://
