GRASS VALLEY, Calif. January 25, 2018 – Local experts on homelessness in western Nevada County will discuss the issue and pathways toward solving it during two free public forums at Peace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley.
- 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27: Brendan Phillips, housing resource manager for Nevada County, will present. In his recently created position, Phillips works with area nonprofits that serve homeless people, is creating a plan to increase the amount of low-income and workforce housing in our area, and will apply for grants to fund these projects. Phillips is the son of Hospitality House co-founder and homeless advocate Bruce “Utah” Phillips.
- 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3:Presenters will include Nancy Baglietto, the new executive director of Hospitality House. The organization’s facility in Grass Valley’s Glenbrook Basin is the area’s only shelter for homeless people. Janice O’Brien will represent Sierra Roots. The nonprofit Sierra Roots serves the chronically homeless, including people who may have mental disabilities, chronic health problems or active substance abuse. Many clients are not eligible for services at Hospitality House. Sarah Eastberg will discuss the work at Salvation Army’s Booth Family Center, which houses homeless families and helps them transition into a stable situation.
The forum meets both days in the Old Fellowship Hall. It’s hosted by Peace’s Contemporary Issues Study Group, which examines pressing concerns including end-of-life decisions, environmental issues and different theologies.
Peace Lutheran Church is at 828 W. Main St., Grass Valley (near downtown). For more information, visit www.PeaceLutheranGV.org.