World Homeless Day at Stewpot’s Opportunity Center

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – World Homeless Day is celebrated on October 10th.

This year, for the second year in a row, the event was hosted and located at Stewpot’s Opportunity Center.

The center said that their mission is the same but has only intensified.

The event was able to give people a hands-on opportunity to learn about the needs of people who experience homelessness locally. The staff worked hard this year, accepting new organizations up until the morning of the event.

Javonda Stanton, Director of Opportunity Center Day Shelter, said that there were 35 organizations or agencies in attendance.

“And we brought them to the community where it really matters,” said Stanton. “So, this is an opportunity not only for the clients to be able to get what they need but community benefits from this as well.”

Some of these providers were not aware the other providers existed or what they offered. So, not only were they able to educate the attendees but also educated each other.

“This is an event built on collaboration, there’s no doubt about it,” said Stanton. “So, it’s not just Stewpot reaching out to the community, these other agencies wanted to be here.”

With 35 organizations or agencies in attendance, different resources were offered such as physical health education, health screenings, mental health education, and even schooling opportunities. Hinds Community College was also there reminding people that no matter the circumstances, they will always welcome you.

“And we’re letting people know that no matter what your background, no matter what the circumstances that an educational opportunity is open for you,” said Shane Brown, Adult Recruiter for Hinds Community College.

The organizations were eager to educate and help and that’s exactly what they did.

The theme this year was “We’ll Go Hard Until They Can Go Home.”

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