Sunday, February 15th, 1:00PM – First Unitarian Hosts Rita Zimmer, Executive Director, Housing + Solutions

All parents want their children to grow up in a stable environment that will help to ensure that they become happy, healthy, and productive members of society.  But in far too many cases, right here in Brooklyn, this is not the case.  Various studies tell us that individuals who grow up in the shelter system or in foster care are:

• 30% more likely to be substance abusers
• 50% more likely to have a history of domestic violence
• 40% more likely to be on public assistance
• 50% more likely to be unemployed

We are all aware of the ravages and heartaches associated with chronic homelessness, which is particularly difficult for families living in shelters, out of their cars, or worse – on the street.

Please join the Weaving the Fabric of Diversity Committee on Sunday, February 15th at one o’clock to learn how chronic family and youth homelessness in Brooklyn is being systematically reduced through the establishment of permanent supportive housing.

We will be joined by Rita Zimmer, Executive Director of Housing + Solutions who will talk about how chronic and family homelessness impacts our community and our everyday lives as a society and how Housing + Solutions is working to overcome the adversity faced by formerly homeless single mothers and their families.  She will also talk about how we as a community and as individuals can help bring family and youth homeless ness to an end.

This is sure to be an informative and enlightening presentation, for anyone who is concerned about and would like to promote the Unitarian Universalist’s First Principle:  “…the inherent worth and dignity of every person.”

For more about Housing + Solutions (www.housingplussolutions.org)