Interest was high in September when the local chapter of the national nonprofit Braver Angels hosted a debate in the International District. The debate was about whether more tax dollars are needed to address the city’s high number of people living on the streets and in shelters — estimated to be about 5,000.
While dozens who attended landed on both sides of the tax question, they all shared the common ground of craving more information about what the city and advocates for those experiencing homelessness are doing to find solutions. Most also expressed an interest in wanting to know how they could personally help.
Braver Angels representatives are seeking to harness the momentum created at the September event by bringing everyone back for a follow-up Oct. 26 — this time focused more on networking than debate — to “continue the conversation on an issue that touches us all.”
Organizers hope to entice city officials, nonprofit leaders and other advocates to come and inform the public about the people and organizations working on the front lines, including relevant programs, resources, and ways to contribute. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards, informational flyers and any other helpful materials to the event.
“Our discussion will focus on brainstorming ways to improve what is already in place, while exploring new concepts for helping our homeless neighbors,” organizers said in a statement. “Let’s come together to build connections, tell about our experiences and foster ongoing collaboration and compassion.”
Braver Angels said it intends to compile and publish an online resource list sometime after the meet-up with publicly accessible information.
The event is scheduled to run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the International District Library, located at 7601 Central Ave. NE. For more information, contact Braver Angels representative Mike Kruchoski at mike.cares@xemaps.com or at (505) 403-6522.
For more, read: “Debate on more tax dollars for the unhoused draws concerned citizens.”