Project NOW will hold a community meeting on Thursday, Aug. 1, to continue its efforts to raise awareness of the housing affordability crisis in the Quad Cities.
The meeting, entitled “Anchoring Opportunity: Housing Changes Lives and Secures Hope,” will be from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at SouthPark Mall in Moline. The free breakfast and networking session will be held in the former Express store. That’s where the traveling national exhibit, Evicted, has been on display this summer.
Inspired by Matthew Desmond’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,” the exhibit opened in the Quad Cities on Wednesday, May 15. It is nearing the end of its 12-week run. In addition to Project NOW, sponsors of the local showing include Supportive Housing Providers Association, the Illinois Homelessness Education and Technical Assistance Center, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The Aug. 1 meeting is one of many community meetings that have used the powerful Evicted exhibit as a backdrop to discussions centered around housing and other community issues. The breakfast is open to the public. But those working in the housing industry and others interested in affordable housing are encouraged to attend. The event is free, but participants need to register here to attend.
Event boasts full agenda
The meeting will be led by The Rev. Dwight Ford, Project NOW’s executive director. It will also include speeches from people who have experienced homelessness and/or evictions as well as panel discussions by area nonprofit leaders.
The agenda includes these presentations:
- Homelessness, 9 a.m., with presenters Cyndi Gramenz of Christian Care and Project NOW’s Cathy Jordan who will discuss shelter availability as well as wraparound services for the homeless.
- Home Ownership, 10 a.m., by Devontae Brooks with Rate.com.
- “Homesick” Author Brendan O’Brien will also present.
- Rent & Home Ownership will be discussed by a panel made up of: Leslie Kilgannon of the QC Housing Cluster; Sam Moyer with Ecumenical Housing Development; and Sharon Smith of the QC Realtors Association.
During the meeting, tours of the Evicted exhibit will be available to participants. The exhibit will remain on display until Saturday, Aug. 10. For more information, email [email protected].
