Nov 2, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2007

Lee County Homeless Coalition

Media Contact: Janet Bartos, Coordinator, Lee County Homeless Coalition
                                239-533-7930.

On any given night in Lee County there are an estimated 2,000 persons without a place to call home. The Lee County Homeless Coalition, through a union of many diverse community groups, agencies, faith-based organizations, and
individuals, is working to end homelessness.

EVENT: Opening Ceremony for National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week. On Tuesday, November 6, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) will approve a resolution declaring the week of November 11 – 17 to be Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week in Lee County.

The opening ceremony, designed to bring awareness to the needs
of people who are homeless, will be Sunday, November 11, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Old Courthouse Steps, 2120 Main Street, Fort Myers. In addition to other comments, Commissioner Robert Janes will read the
resolution passed by the BoCC.

EVENT: Homeless Stand Down and Service Day. Saturday, November 17, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Broadway Community Church Fellowship Hall, 3309 South Broadway, Fort Myers.

Stand Down is a military term referring to an opportunity to achieve a brief respite from combat. Troops would assemble in a base camp to receive a variety of services. This is a one-day event where a variety of services including food, hygiene kits, backpacks, flu shots, hair cuts, information on VA benefits, and referrals for substance abuse and mental health counseling will be available.

By providing these services, the Coalition hopes it may help to break the cycle of homelessness. Agencies currently signed up to provide services at the Stand Down are Social Security, The Career & Service Center, Family Health Centers, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Labor Ready, Lee Mental Health, SWFAS, St. Vincent De Paul, Salvation Army, Veterans Administration, and Lee Memorial Hospital.

If you have any questions regarding support or participation in either of the above, please feel free to contact Janet
Bartos, Coordinator, Lee County Homeless Coalition at 239-533-7930 or jbartos@leegov.com.

Printable Version