Homelessness: A National Issue; A Local Reality

As part of the University's State of Scranton Seminar Series, we will be hosting a presentation and discussion on Monday, Nov. 12 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on the topic of "Homelessness: A National Issue; A Local Reality."
Homelessness: A National Issue; A Local Reality

As part of the University's State of Scranton Seminar Series, we will be hosting a presentation and discussion on Monday, Nov. 12 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on the topic of "Homelessness: A National Issue; A Local Reality." 

While not as acute a community crisis as in cities like Boston — as shared by Dr. James O’Connell, the University’s 2018 Ignatian Values in Action lecture speaker — homelessness does exist in Scranton and the human reality has become more visible than in years past. As of 2018, 159 persons in Scranton/Lackawanna County are experiencing homelessness, whether living in a place not meant for habitation, emergency shelter, transitional housing, or exiting an institution where they temporarily resided. Needs for supportive housing, mental health services, and resources to overcome drug and alcohol addiction are integrally connected. As Scranton continues to make progress with economic revitalization efforts, how to respond with compassion and in ways that address root causes is critical. This seminar will provide perspectives from local service providers and also explore possibilities for further community-wide collaboration.

Our presenters for this discussion are:

  • Rev. Darian Banks, Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church
  • Shannon Quinn-Sheeran, Consultant, Housing & Innovations to Scranton's Continuum of Care
  • Krista Somers, Executive Director of the Catherine McAuley Center.

They will share their efforts and engage in interactive discussion. As Scranton continues to make progress with economic revitalization efforts, how to respond to homelessness and related issues with compassion and in ways that address root causes is critical. This seminar will explore possibilities for further community-wide collaboration.

This series is presented by Campus Ministries' Center for Service and Social Justice and the Office of Community & Government Relations in cooperation with the Office of Community-Based Learning, Jesuit Center, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, and the Ellacuria Initiative. 

This seminar luncheon will take place in the Rose Room, on the 5th floor of Brennan Hall. Lunch will be provided. RSVP is requested to Jessica.durkin@scranton.edu or 570-941-4419.

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