The Council for the Homeless will present six awards at its 11th annual “Hope & Action” recognition luncheon on Sept. 24 at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.
Those honored for their dedication to ending homelessness and improving the lives of the county’s homeless are:
• Quiet Hero: Marion Noe is a volunteer for the Emergency Shelter Clearinghouse. When Noe answers the phone, she is often the first point of contact for people facing a housing crisis. Her kindness and positive nature extend a lifeline to those she helps, according to a news release.
• Community Partner: Carrie Slayter, a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul, is committed to helping those with immediate needs like food and shelter, and finding the way to long-term self-sufficiency. She also is a part-time staffer at Friends of the Carpenter, where she organizes outreach and micro-enterprise activities.
• Community Advocate: Mandy Kubisch, program supervisor for the Janus Youth Yellow Brick Road, helps young people in need of social services and also serves as a mentor.
• Community Partner: Community Services Northwest’s Family Housing Program provides housing and intensive case management to support homeless families. The program collaborates with other community agencies to improve resources for local families.
• Community Supporter: Hazel Dell Lions Club is a regular contributor to the council. Members also support a sight-and-hearing van, the Fruit Valley Elementary Christmas store and the Stop Hunger warehouse.
• Community Volunteer: Alana Smith served for four years as a volunteer coordinator for the Winter Hospitality Overflow program. She brings a high energy level and an ability to listen in working with volunteers and those needing shelter, according to a news release.
The keynote speaker will be Joshua Morgan-Griggs, an advocate for young people living without a stable supportive home environment. He grew up in the Oregon foster care system and understands the challenges young people face when they lack permanent connections, including a safe place to call home.
There will be special recognition in memory of Jim Hernandez, a council staff member who died in April.
Registration starts at 11 a.m.; the luncheon and awards program begins at noon. Luncheon tickets are $35 a person, with tables of 10 for $300. Purchase tickets at http://www.icfth.com, at 360-993-9561, or by mail from Council for the Homeless, 2500 Main St., Vancouver WA, 98660.
