Annual Spring Forum: Outreach, Prevention, Transformation - April 1, 2009

The Bridgewater State University Taskforce to End Homelessness second annual spring forum once again brought members of the college and regional community together to discuss current state and local innovations and explore collaborative efforts to end homelessness. The three themes coincided with the challenges we face and the success stories that inspire us. Participants received information on the  Regional Plan to end homelessness, recently launched by the Interagency Council on Hunger and Homelessness, to learn about the homeless population in our region, and to be inspired by those who have made the successful transformation from homeless to housed.

The event included a presentation on homelessness prevention, a panel discussion on a local pilot program to address homelessness and a session on outreach. Panelists for the pilot program discussion include representatives from the United Way, Father Bills & Mainspring, Quincy Community Action, Brockton Area Multi-Services, Inc., and South Shore Community Action Council.   BSC students and Social Justice League members, Monica Andrews, Danielle Robidoux and Brandon Reynolds shared their experience with Tent City, an initiative on campus to raise awareness of homelessness.  Beth Lewis from the Outreach Coordination Center - Project H.O.M.E. in Philadelphia, PA offered her experience and knowledge in the areas of outreach.

Liz Murray, whose inspirational story and transformation was the subject of Lifetime Television's Emmy-nominated film Homeless to Harvard, was the keynote speaker. Ms. Murray was homeless at the age of 15. She graduated from high school while living on the streets and overcame incredible odds to win a full scholarship to Harvard. 
 

Presentations at the Spring Forum

Overview of Regional Innovations to End Homelessness Robert Pulster - Executive Director, Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (view presentation in pdf format) The State of Homelessness in Plymouth County Matthew Simmonds - Simtech Solutions (view presentation in pdf format) Media Coverage Tackling Homelessness (BSU Newslog)  - includes a short video featuring organizer Dr. Michele Wakin, assistant professor of sociology at BSU; and the forum's keynote speaker, Liz Murray, who inspired the film "Homeless to Harvard."

 

Last Modified: June 27, 2012