Kestler
Columbus city council members are inviting the community to an upcoming forum on the homeless in the city.
Council members will host “Navigating Homelessness Together: A Community Conversation” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 16 at Donner Center.
Councilwoman Grace Kestler said that they’re still figuring out which council members will attend. She expects at least herself, Councilwoman Elaine Hilber and Councilman Frank Miller to be there.
“The event really will focus on the panelists,” she added. “And in that discussion, there won’t necessarily be a formal presentation by the council members or anything like that. We really want to utilize the time to hear what’s happening in our community and how we can continue to collaborate and work forward.”
The panel will be made up of experts on homelessness and low-income issues who will share information on how the community “can better support individuals who are experiencing homelessness,” Kestler said. Lena Blackstock will serve as a moderator during the panel discussion.
There will also be opportunities for community members to ask questions and provide comments. The event is free.
“We are really encouraging leaders in our community to attend, including obviously the administration, even county leaders, state representatives we’re inviting, because we think the conversation is crucial to everyone,” she said. “And we have to find solutions that are very much collaborative. … It’s not necessarily just an event for the social sector or individuals experiencing homelessness. It’s really for anyone who wants to be apart of moving our community forward and supporting all individuals with their housing needs.”
Kestler said that organizers see this as an “ongoing conversation,” so there will likely be more forums in the future.
