Family homelessness, in the DeKalb area and nationally, is an issue that gets little attention, yet impacts literally millions of children with and without parents. This forum will delve into the local issue–causes, challenges, resources available, needs–and the national perspective–policies, practices, and predictions.
A short film clip will be shown from the award-winning documentary on the edge: Family Homelessness in America, filmed and produced by Laura Vazquez and Diane Nilan. The panel–NIU Professor Laura Vazquez, documentary filmmaker; Lesly Wicks, executive director of Hope Haven; Diane Nilan, national activist, filmmaker, and author– will touch on both the local issue and broader national current/proposed policies that impact families.
The panel will discuss the underlying causes of family homelessness and the personal consequences and challenges that face families on a short and long-term basis. Included in topics to be discussed: housing, trauma, education, health care, childcare. Current federal and state responses and pending legislation will be described.
Nilan’s book, Dismazed and Driven – My Look at Family Homelessness in America, covers family homelessness both on a national level and in DeKalb. Her book will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting Hope Haven. This panel discussion is free and intended for adults and mature teens. No registration is required. For additional information, please contact Samantha at samanthah@dkpl.org or at (815) 756-9568 ext. 1701.
Learn More: https://dkpl.org
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