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| 07/26/2008 |
| Homeless guests of honor at area gala |
| JEFF GREEN , Morning Journal Writer |
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LORAIN -- About 75 of Lorain County's homeless individuals were the guests of honor yesterday at a special ''no tie'' dinner attended by some 100 community leaders at Black River Landing in Lorain.
The dinner affirmed the human dignity of every individual, without regard to economic status. It also highlighted the growing problem of homelessness in the county during these tough economic times. Tackling the problem will require a collaborative effort by the community, it was noted.
At least 400 people are homeless in Lorain County, according to Joan Samkow, a key organizer of the dinner. Samkow also is communications director for the Lorain County Board of Mental Health.
Mental illness affects about one in every three homeless people and many also suffer with addictions, said Bill Harper, former executive director of the mental health board and now assistant director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health.
Human dignity and the goodness inherent in every person, including the homeless, were themes of the guest speaker, Aman Matwone.
Motwane, author of the motivational book ''Yes, You Can Change the World,'' spoke about the need for people to ... Read the rest here |
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