May 16 – The Truth About Homelessness in San Diego

The reality is even worse than you think but humane solutions are possible.

Outspoken advocate for our homeless neighbors, Jeeni Criscenzo will present a unique perspective on homelessness and propose short and long term measures we must begin taking.

• She will demonstrate why the recently released numbers from the annual HUD Point in Time Count of homeless people are seriously flawed and completely miss thousands of homeless women, children and families.

• She will explain why HUD’s shortsighted definition of homelessness further shortchanges this population.The good news is that there are funds that the City can use to get our most vulnerable residents housed. We just need the political will to redirect these funds.

Homelessness has reached a point where it can no longer be ignored. And no matter how many sweeps and inhumane deterrents the City employs, human beings without a place to live are not going to disappear. In this election cycle, voters have the power to insist that our elected officials commit to serving all of our residents, including those who do not have a place to live, with compassionate, humaneand innovative solutions.

Criscenzo will describe some of the solutions she offers in her soon to be published book, Hidden Homelessness, Women and Children with No Place to Call Home. Expect a lively and insightful presentation on a topic that is making front page news.

To prepare for this in-depth discussion, The Democratic Woman’s Club suggests the following articles for background:

San Diego’s Crisis of Compassion: Scorn, Indifference Don’t Solve HomelessnessSan Diego Free Press

When it Comes to Counting the Homeless, It’s Women and Children LastVoice of San Diego

WhenMonday May 16, 7pm – Social Time from 6:30pm

Social TimeMembers are encouraged to get together from 6:30pm before the meeting starts.Please bring whatever light drinks/snacks that you’d like to share.

WhereWe meet at the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – PANA4089 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105 (map)

The building is on the south-east corner of Polk and Fairmount, just north of University. Parking is also available at the adjoining Southern Sudanese and East African Community Centers on Fairmount Ave. Bus routes 7 and 13.

Questions?Call or email (619) 900-4751 [email protected]