In brief: 500 swimsuits donated to kids
The Spokane Parks Foundation swimsuit drive this year drew in about 500 suits for kids.
The drive was supported by the Downtown Spokane Kiwanis and Numerica Federal Credit Union and was supplemented by other gifts, said Toni Nersesian, foundation executive director. Children who needed swimsuits were able to get them free from community centers. Otherwise, they would not have been allowed to swim because of pool rules.
In a press release, Nersesian described the swimsuit drive as “exceedingly successful.”
Group to count area homeless
The Spokane Homeless Coalition today is planning to conduct a one-day count of people in Spokane who are living without a home, in part to provide a snapshot of the problem during the summer. It will be the first time homeless people have been counted during the time of year when camping outdoors is more likely.
Two previous counts were done during the winter. The counts are used to determine what’s needed to reduce homelessness and to take advantage of state and federal funding for homelessness, said Amy Jones, chairwoman of the committee that is organizing the count.
Count stations are to be set up today at various nonprofit locations throughout the county, and clients at those locations will be asked about their shelter accommodations.
The coalition also wants to include people staying with friends or family. To be included in the count, call the city’s human resources department at 625-6130.
An annual count is now required by the state along with a 10-year plan to cut homelessness by half. Last fall, local agencies received $650,000 in homelessness assistance.
In addition, Spokane’s Homeless Connect will hold a referral fair at Coeur d’Alene Park in Browne’s Addition from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to connect homeless persons with services.
WEST CENTRAL
Leadership class planned in fall
A new neighborhood leadership program is being organized this fall to help adults and youths become more effective in fighting poverty.
Participants will undergo twice-monthly training sessions over a six-month period to learn leadership skills, including development of action plans to address poverty. The training will focus on Spokane’s low-income neighborhoods.
The Community Leadership Academy is being organized by Patrick Malone. An organizational meeting is set for Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, 1428 W. Broadway. Classes are expected to start in October. Applications are due by Sept. 25. The fee for a team of three participants is $235. Malone can be reached at 533-4706.
– From staff reports