Jackson Free Press

[verbatim] Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr., will proclaim Friday, Dec. 18, as James Ivory Homeless Persons' Memorial Day at an observance scheduled for 9:30 a.m. that day at the Stewpot Community Services sanctuary, 1100 W. Capitol St. in Jackson.

The Mississippi State Hospital Community Services Stubbs Homeless Program and Partners to End Homelessness, in conjunction with the National Coalition for the Homeless, sponsor the event, named for the late James Ivory, a former director of the Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center's Homeless Clinic who was an ardent advocate for the homeless.

Since 1992, the event has served to remember homeless persons who have died during the year and to call attention to the many issues of homelessness. This year's observance will include a performance of "Boxmen," a one-act play about two men who reside in a cardboard box. Written by Linda Townes, director of the Stubbs Homeless Program, "Boxmen" stars Bob Muse, a professional actor with movie, stage and television credits who is currently homeless in Jackson, and Anthony DiFatta, well-known Jackson artist and Mississippi State Hospital art instructor.

The event will also include music, a dramatic recitation, a memorial drumming session and an update by Heather Ivery, City Project Coordinator for "Destination Home," on Jackson's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

About 100 communities across the United States currently conduct homeless memorial services, including candlelight vigils, plays and other events. The events call attention to the estimated 3.5 million people, including more than a million children, who are likely to experience homelessness in a given year.

For more information, call 601-351-8523.

Previous Comments

ID

154298

Comment

It is mind boggling to think about the number of homeless people in Jackson and other areas of the State. When you look around at the number of buildings/homes that are boarded, one must wonder why these places could not be donated to homeless projects. Many of the homeless are very talented: They are brick layers, carpenters, painters and have many other skills. These places could be maintained by this population and in return they would have a clean, safe, dry place to live. Thanks to Mayor Johnson for his recognition of the work of the late, great, James Ivory. This should be a day to celebrate the accomplishments of his efforts and the fact that the homeless project continues to thrive. Without these efforts, conditions for the homeless would certainly be worse!

Author

justjess

Date

2009-12-15T12:15:01-06:00