Nov 8, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Robert Stryker, Homeless Coordinator
              Karen B. Hawes, Director
              239-533-7954 or 239-850-9662

LEE COUNTY HOMELESS FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS AWARENESS WEEK November 13 through November  19, 2005

On November 8, 2005 the Lee County Board of County Commissioners declared the week of November 13 through the 19th as Homeless Awareness Week.

An opening ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. in front of the old Lee County Courthouse at 2120 Main Street.  The ceremony will include opening remarks by Mayor Jim Humphrey, City of Ft.
Myers, the presentation of colors, invocation, national anthem, pledge of allegiance, and a proclamation read by Commissioner Robert P. Janes, District 1, County Commissioner.

On November 14, 2005, Lee County Homeless Coalition Coordinator, Robert Stryker, will visit students at St Michael Lutheran School and Christ Lutheran School to thank students for participating in an art contest.
Students were asked to draw pictures depicting "what homelessness means to me". Each student will receive a participation certificate.
Pictures were judged by Lee County Department of Human Services employees and winners from each age group will receive a t-shirt. Copies of two books, Cooper's Tale and Our Wish will be donated to each school's library on behalf of the children that participated in the art contest.

The Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board is sponsoring Vocational Day on Tuesday, November 15th from 8am to Noon. The event will take place at the Career and Services Centers of South West Florida, Conference Rooms 1, 2, and 3. Representatives from the Workforce Council, DESI, AWI, Vocational Rehabilitation, Abilities and the Disability Navigator will be on hand to provide program information.
Activities will focus on short term employment, long term employment, training, and overcoming barriers to employment. Day labor staffing agencies have also been invited to offer immediate employment opportunities.

The first annual Dinner and Silent Auction will take place at the Cape Coral Yacht Club on Thursday, November 17th from 6pm to 9pm. Corporate Sponsorships are available for $250 and individual tickets can be purchased for $25.  The event is being sponsored by Century 21, Sunbelt.
All proceeds will benefit the Lee County Homeless Coalition.

The Annual Homeless Service Day and "Stand Down" will be held on Saturday, November 19th at the All Souls Episcopal Church, 14640 N.
Cleveland Avenue in North Fort Myers from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A variety of services will be available including lunch, hair cuts, medical, mental health, and substance abuse services, tetanus and pneumonia shots, dental referrals, as well as other social services.
The original "Stand Down" for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being.

Stand Down events will begin at 8:30am with the presentation of colors, invocation, national anthem, pledge of allegiance, and a proclamation read by Commissioner John Albion. Local agencies will be available to provide services and information to the homeless veterans and families in the community.

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