Caring council plans seminar on homelessness

Individuals and organizations interested in becoming involved with helping the homeless are encouraged to attend a seminar the Community Caring Council will hold Feb. 18.

A noted homeless advocate and motivational speaker -- herself a former homeless person -- Julia Tripp of Boston will lead a morning panel discussion with individuals who have been or are currently homeless, said Tom Davisson, executive director of the CCC. In the afternoon, Tripp will engage in a dialogue on homelessness.

Tripp serves on various boards and committees as an advocate for the homeless, and has written material on the subject -- "Bring America Home" and " Pledge of Allegiance."

Davisson said that the CCC received a HUD grant to be used for building private permanent housing for disabled homeless, and plans to apply for other funding to increase the community's awareness of homelessness. The seminar is designed to help heighten that awareness, he said.

Anyone interested should call the CCC to register by Feb. 11 at 651-3747, extension 100. The cost of the seminar includes lunch.

The seminar will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jackson. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 8 a.m. The event is expected to last until about 3:30 p.m., Davisson said.