A discussion panel on Homelessness and Urban Renewal in Utica will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Chapel. Moderated by Judy Owens-Manley, associate director for community research, Levitt Center, the panel will feature local specialists discussing the causes, magnitude, and effects of homelessness in America's cities, with an emphasis on Utica. They will also discuss efforts to revitalize troubled urban communities. This event is part of Hunger and Homelessness Week, sponsored by
Hamilton Action Volunteer Outreach Coalition (HAVOC). The panelists:
Rahim Johnson is an advocate for the homeless with Catholic Charities. Having experienced recent bouts of homelessness himself, Rahim will bring a unique perspective to the discussion.
Diana Parisi works for the Peer Advocacy Center in Utica. She will share her thoughts and experiences as one who struggles to improve the lives of those dealing with homelessness and also as one who has lived it herself.
Steve Darman is a Utica-based sociologist. He has done extensive research into the causes of homelessness in Utica and elsewhere, and will share some of his findings. He will also speak about current initiatives to combat homelessness in Utica.
Steve Smith is the coordinator of the Hope VI project, which is a publicly and privately-funded initiative to create housing options for low-income individuals and families in Utica. He will discuss how this project came about, how it has been implemented, and how it has impacted the Utica community.
