Mayor recognizes Hunger, Homeless Awareness Week

Thursday, November 9, 2017
Having read some of the harrowing statistics regarding hunger and homelessness in the city and county, Greencastle Mayor Bill Dory proclaims Nov. 11-19 as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Gathered for the proclamation are (seated from left) Beyond Homeless President Jerry Lewis, Mayor Dory, Beyond Homeless Executive Director Michelle Boller, (back) board member Bob Jedele, staff member Katie Kean, program coordinator Doug Cox, store manager Dawn Query and Greencastle Schools Assistant Superintendent Donovan Garletts, who serves as the district’s homeless liaison.
Banner Graphic/Jared Jernagan

Reporting some shocking statistics regarding hunger and homelessness locally, Mayor Bill Dory recently recognized Nov. 11-19 as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in the City of Greencastle.

Surrounded by several community stakeholders, including several from Beyond Homeless Inc., Dory reported that 88 students in Greencastle Community Schools were identified as homeless at the start of the 2017-18 school year.

Additionally, 47 percent of Greencastle students qualify for free and reduced lunches.

As such, since opening in March 2014, Beyond Homeless has provided shelter for 239 women and 116 children, totaling 13,330 bed nights.

In order to raise awareness and money, Beyond Homeless has organized daily activities throughout the week.

• Saturday, Nov. 11: Kettle corn sales at the Monon Bell Classic

• Sunday, Nov. 12: Pop-up Boutique at Starbucks

Event will feature at least 12 vendors such as Perfectly Posh, Thirtyone, LulaRoe, Tupperware, Scentsy and more.

• Monday, Nov. 13: McDonald’s Community Day

A portion of proceeds from both the Greencastle and Cloverdale McDonald’s restaurants will go to Beyond Homeless.

• Tuesday, Nov. 14: Hope for Homeless Benefit Concert, 7-9 p.m.

Local musicians will gather at the social center of the Inn at DePauw to share music as a benefit concert for the Beyond Homeless Women and Children’s Shelter.

Musicians such as Gus Moon, Dennis Furr, Bobbie Lancaster, Joel and Tosh Everson, Steve Michael, Ron Dye, Istvan Csicsery-Ronay, Cliff Gammon, Chris Wurster, Julianna Goldsmith, Kevin Rollins, Alex Puga and others will come together to share music in a fund raising effort for the homeless in Putnam County.

• Wednesday, Nov. 15: Creative Gatherings Paint Party at Taphouse 24

Must pre-register.

• Thursday, Nov. 16: Taphouse 24 Dine to Donate event

• Friday, Nov. 17: Chess for Charity at DePauw University

• Saturday, Nov. 18: Hike for Homeless 5K walk/run

At 9 a.m. at the DePauw Nature Park, Beyond Homeless will host its second annual 5K. Cost is $20. The event will start at the Nature Park Welcome Center.

For additional information, visit the Beyond Homeless Facebook page or call 301-9263.

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