Please Join us for I AM: A NIGHT OF MONOLOGUES.

I Am: A Night of Monologues will feature a series of impassioned stories, spoken word poetry, and heartfelt anecdotes about the impact of prejudice on our communities and the power of the human spirit to overcome unimaginable odds. Told by local speakers and advocates who have experienced homelessness, I Am challenges us to see beyond conventional stereotypes that pull us apart and to recognize the awe inspiring humanity that lies within every living person.

All Ticket sales will benefit the Faces of Homelessness Speakers' Bureau and the YES Drop In Center. For Tickets, contact Vanessa Borotz: vborotz@hchmd.org/443.703.1349 OR purchase tickets online by clicking here: https://www.wepay.com/events/night-of-monologues-2013

The Incredible Power of Housing

Lanny was homeless for nearly 10 years when he final got housing thanks to the Housing First model. When asked what it felt like to have a home he said, "It made me feel human again." To suffer so greatly that one feels less than human is tragedy of unspeakable magnitude. Fortunately, proven solutions like Housing First exist which can end this suffering. Watch this video by filmmaker and homeless advocate Mark Horvath to learn more about Housing First and to see how housing can revolutionize the life of someone like Lanny by reaffirming their humanity.

The Baltimore Injustice Walk

Baltimore's Speakers' Bureau has been hard at work developing a new presentation called the Injustice Walk: a presentation that exposes the harsh inequalities that exist in and around Baltimore's wealthy downtown district. Speakers take students and community members on a guided walk past several notable landmarks of the homeless community and offer many breathtaking insights into the reality of being homeless in Baltimore. This is a perfect opportunity for volunteers, aspiring social workers, or simply curious community members to see the City from an entirely new perspective. Students and faculty who are interested in organizing alternative spring break trips should also consider this unique and visceral learning experience.

Contact us now with questions or to begin organizing a walking presentation with the Speakers' Bureau.

Tony Simmons on Being an Advocate

Tony Simmons is a full-time advocate for Baltimore's homeless community. His passion for social justice is never ending and his words are always urgent and inspiring. Check out this video to hear his thoughts on what it's like to be a speaker in the movement to end homelessness.

Open Mic this Friday!

These Storied Streets

Although homelessness has been on the rise since 2009, few films have delved into this growing American tragedy. Here is one film that successfully and eloquently breaks the silence. Endorsed by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, These Storied Streets exposes the pain, hope, and humanity of homelessness across the United States. Keep a look out for its release, anticipated sometime this year.

Word on the Street makes Headlines

Congratulation to our ally organization Word on the Street for making headlines today in the Baltimore Sun! Speakers' Bureau coordinator Vanessa Borotz and speaker Bonnie Lane were both interviewed in the story. 

To read the full piece visit http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-homeless-newspaper-20130106,0,5976553.story.

*Photo by Karl Merton Ferron for the Baltimore Sun