One definition of homelessness is not having a safe, permanent place to live, such as living on the streets or in shelters. In Erie County, Pennsylvania, more than 1,100 people use emergency shelters each year, and the number of homeless people has increased nearly 15% in the past five years. Young people are especially at risk, often facing challenges like leaving unstable homes and having no support system after leaving foster care. In this presentation, JES Raimy Fellow Damali Donovan will focus on defining homelessness according to federal statutes, the current state of homelessness, the issue of youth homelessness and its connection to Erie County.
Location: Corry Higher Education Council – 221 N Center St., Corry, PA 16407
Date/Time: Thursday, October 10, 6-7:30PM
Admission: FREE
Damali Donovan, B.S., is the Community Schools Support Manager at United Way of Erie County. She has been with United Way for five years, initially as an AmeriCorps*VISTA and later as a full-time employee. With a focus on education, health, and holistic development, Damali is dedicated to positively impacting the community's well-being. In her free time, she's always seeking to expand her knowledge and loves immersing herself in new ideas and concepts through reading. Originally hailing from the stunning Virgin Islands, she has called Erie home for the past 13 years.