Local issues in housing and homelessness will be the focus of a JONAH forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 26.
The event is scheduled for the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway St. in Eau Claire. Representatives from a variety of local groups that deal with housing and homelessness will take part in the discussion.
The program will continue the discussion begun last fall when Matthew Desmond spoke in Eau Claire. Desmond, a sociology professor at Princeton University, is the author of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City.
The book follows eight families in the poorest areas of Milwaukee as they struggled to pay rent to their landlords during the 2008 financial crisis. It highlights issues of extreme poverty, affordable housing and economic exploitation.
The discussion is open to the public. Organizers have stressed that it isn’t necessary to have read Desmond’s book in order to participate in the discussion, which will explore options to provide safe, affordable housing for area residents in need of it.
Among the groups taking part in the program will be representatives from representatives from Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, the Eau Claire County Housing Authority, Smile House, PORCH and the Eau Claire County Health Department. Further information is available from Paul Savides by phone at 715-875-4203 or via email at psavides@wwt.net.