If you missed Homecoming-2004, here are some pictures of the event

If you weren't there Thursday 11/04/2004, sorry you missed it. That evening over 400 people gathered in Dana auditorium and were moved by some of those other stories about homelessness that we don't think about. They heard about the connection between domestic violence and homelessness, about the link between homelessness and a lack of affordable housing and a living wage, about the correlation to mental illness, about a loss of hope . . .

While hearing all of this they also got a chance to hear songs of hope and prayerful thinking. Songs that made them cry and songs that made them stand and swing by their seats. A poem that reached into their hearts. A message that in order to deal with homelessness we need to first see those that are homeless.

At the end of the evening people felt compelled to *see* the homeless and had a chance to connect with several agencies that deal every day with homelessness.

At the end of the evening people felt compelled to express that their souls had been fed.

If you are involved, thanks for what you do to bring this crisis to light in your own way. If not we can find a way to get you connected.

Project TASK (Transitional Assistance for Survivors of Katrina) is a network of local human service providers that is providing case management and support services to individuals and families who relocated to the Charlotte region during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. TASK is coordinating social service outreach and aid from local non-profits, public agencies and the faith community.

Government leaders in partnership with the Red Cross, Salvation Army and others serving hurricane evacuees at the Coliseum dealt with evacuees' most pressing, immediate needs: emergency shelter, food, clothing and providing time to gather strength after such a devastating crisis. Linkage to immediate disaster-related needs from social services to medical services was provided during that first phase of response. Project TASK, organized during the first days after the disaster is providing the next level of stability and support.

Those displaced by Katrina have complex and diverse needs. Needs addressed by Project TASK include transitional housing, utilities, food, transportation, counseling, and more. These services will be provided by a coordinated and shared effort organized by Crisis Assistance Ministry, Community Link and United Way 2-1-1. Outreach to the faith community is being coordinated by Mecklenburg Ministries.

Project TASK partners to date include:

A Child's Place, A Way Home, Community Health Services, Community Link, County Manager's Office, Crisis Assistance Ministry, DSS - Youth and Family Services, Emergency Winter Shelter, Loaves and Fishes, Lutheran Family Services, Mayor's Office, Mecklenburg Ministries, Salvation Army, Second Harvest Food Bank, Socialserve.com, Society of St. Andrews, Talking Points, United Way 2-1-1, Urban Ministry Center

Download Project TASK Faith Community Project Manual (pdf 228KB)