Homeless forum hopes to recruit volunteers

Richard Tsong-Taatarii, Star Tribune

A forum hopes to raise awareness about the homeless. Above, one of the homeless camps in the metro area is under the I-394 overpass.

By RANDY FURST, Star Tribune

Last update: February 13, 2008 - 6:23 PM

A forum on homelessness in Hennepin County will be held next Thursday at Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Av. S., Minneapolis.

The forum, from 7 to 9 p.m. is free and there's free parking.

"Our primary goal is to educate people on the current state of homelessness, and if they are inspired to act, they can visit one of 15 organizations that will have tables there to learn how to become engaged," said Monica Nilsson, director of outreach at St. Stephen's Human Services, one of the groups involved in the forum.

Lonni McCauley, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Minneapolis, said her organization is cooperating with Catholic Charities, the Greater Council of Churches, Temple Israel, Lutheran Social Services, and other agencies to sponsor the forum.

Other participants include the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, Minneapolis Police Department and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

St. Stephen's Human Services is seeking volunteers to help homeless people with both immediate issues and finding permanent housing.

Another volunteer program is Project Connect on April 28, the semi-annual meeting at the Minneapolis Convention Center, where about 1,000 volunteers will help more than 1,000 homeless people seeking various services.

Nilsson said there will be discussion of efforts to increase support for the county's 10-year plan to end homelessness, called Heading Home Hennepin.

Richard Johnson, who lived on the street and is now a VISTA volunteer, will be among the speakers, Nilsson said.

Randy Furst • 612-673-7382