If you want to learn about homelessness and how you can help, this Saturday is your chance.

At the Odd Fellows Lodge in Ballard (1706 NW Market Street), the Safe Parking Community Network (SPCN) will be holding a forum called "Stages of Homelessness."

The keynote speaker will be James Bible, President of Seattle King County NAACP, who will be speaking on poverty and the law. In addition, there will be an update on Ballard's Safe Parking Program (started in early 2012 by Councilman Mike O'Brien and Our Redeemers Lutheran Church) followed by a panel discussion. The meal will be provided by the Stone Soup Group, which serves food under the Ballard Bridge every Sunday using donations, led by local homelessness advocate Graham Pruss.

"People do not suddenly become chronically homeless. Often circumstances beyond their control cause a downward spiral in which the barriers to re-housing grow at every turn. Until recently, the focus has been on those who are living in shelters or on the street. But the rising tide of homelessness has not been stemmed."

Info

Time: Saturday, Feb. 2, 6 p.m.
Place: Ballard Odd Fellows Lodge, 1706 NW Market St
Price: Free, donations of non-perishable foods for local food banks accepted

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