March
1, 2012 - San Bernardino, CA - Time for Change Foundation hosted its
second "Homeless Empowerment Leadership Project" on March 1st
at Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino, CA. The project, which is
centered on the idea that people who experience homelessness are
rightly qualified to create solutions and advocate in the quest to end
homelessness. The participants were excited as they entered the
park realizing that this was their second day of training and despite
their current condition there was hope. The main goal is to create the
changes that are needed in order to end homelessness by addressing
the policies that prohibit many from affording housing.
They
divided into groups and worked as teams to select the top two issues
they will address using the process of civic engagement. "There needs
to be a housing option for those of us who have income and want to
pay our way in life," said Juanita Burnett, a client of the Time for
Change Foundation homeless shelter who currently has 2 jobs and cannot
access housing.
The
education and empowerment serves to improve citizenry, establish
clear goals and responsibilities, that those who are homeless can
participate in while we create a targeted message to inform Secretary
Donovan, of HUD and other Good Samaritans about the real problems
interfering with the goal to end homelessness as described by those
who are homeless.
"I
feel very hopeful that I will be able to meet with Secretary Donovan
of HUD to raise awareness about this epidemic in our area," says Kim
Carter, Executive Director of Time for Change Foundation. "I am
inspired by all the stories and the resilience of the men and women
who weather unfathomable conditions on a daily basis, yet refuse to
give up on life. They are my heroes!"
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