MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis and Shelby County leaders, advocates, and business owners gathered Thursday to have a discussion about ending homelessness in the Mid-South.
The Community Alliance for the Homeless put on the event at the University of Memphis’ South Campus Thursday. They discussed how issues of poverty, health, violence, and inequity intersect with systems such as healthcare, criminal justice, veteran affairs, and affordable housing.
They also focused on youth homelessness and talked about how new funding for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project will be used.
Advocates said the city has the resources to make sure everyone has a home.
“We actually have a plan to end homelessness in our city. We have a lot of collaboration and participation from the public and private sectors working together. There is an actual plan to end homelessness and we intend to carry that out,” said Julie Meiman with Community Alliance for the Homeless.
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Health Department Director Dr. Michelle Taylor were among the guests at the discussion.