H.O.P.E. is the name of a Mid-South Peace and Justice Center-sponsored organization whose members are exclusively people currently, or have formerly experienced homelessness. H.O.P.E. has been working hard to develop several project areas that address the issues that are a priority to the homeless community. For meeting times and dates, call 901-300-0006.
Welcome Aboard, Toni Whitfield!
H.O.P.E. would like to proudly congratulate organizer/activist, Toni Whitfield, one of Mid-South Peace and Justice Center‘s newly elected board members of 2014! Toni is a committed soldier in the war on homelessness & poverty, an LGBTQ advocate, and a street preacher. Toni has been deeply involved in all of H.O.P.E.’s projects and campaigns, including but not limited to; the Street Watch Initiative, Women’s Caucus, Garden Crew, and the Street Wise INK t-shirt printing Co-Op. H.O.P.E. is thrilled to have Toni’s representation on the board at MSPJC. We know that she will continue to bring to the table an invaluable perspective on issues of poverty and passion and unending enthusiasm for building a grassroots movement in our city!
Brain Freeze!
Earlier this week H.O.P.E. received a message from our friend, Elise, informing us that the TCBY on Union Ave near Belvedere had posted a sign on the front of the door that read “NO SOLICITING–OR HOMELESS” This kind of labeling and shaming should not be tolerated in our community! It is classist, degrading, and mean spirited. We reposted the photograph (below) and askedYOU to help us by making phone calls to management to let them know this was absolutely unacceptable. We are happy to report that the phone calls and letters paid off and just days later, we received this response from TCBY:
Thanks to your collective support, this situation was dealt with quickly and effectively. H.O.P.E. salutes you-thanks for answering the call!
Women’s Caucus
The H.O.P.E. Women’s Caucus is a safe space for H.O.P.E. members who identify as women to work together on the issues that disproportionately affect them, including reproductive health and violence. Co-sponsored by the Center for Research on Women at the University of Memphis, the Women’s Caucus meets regularly for “Dinner and Discussion,” from which a core group of organizers has emerged to focus on the unique challenges faced by women experiencing homelessness.
Most recently, the Women’s Caucus completed a five week self-defense course at Cat’s Ballroom. These classes met twice a week, focusing on the fundamental skills needed to handle an attack, and get out of violent situations safely. Soon, the Women’s Caucus will begin the second phase of this process. Members will participate in “train the trainer” style classes to learn the techniques of teaching self-defense strategies to other women. This two-phase model builds upon an evidence-based Lay Health Advisor model used around the country to implement community-based healthcare programs.
If you are interested in getting involved with theH.O.P.E. Women’s Caucus in any other way, or if you have questions or suggestions for the group, please contact Project Coordinator, Ace F. Madjlesi at acemadjlesi@gmail.com.
Baby, It’s COLD Outside!
If you haven’t already noticed, it’s getting colder. Last night, temperatures dipped below freezing and this is just the beginning. Currently in Memphis, there are NO fully-free shelters that operate throughout the week. Memphis Union Mission, opens its doors to unsheltered men without cost only on nights when it is LITERALLY freezing. This means that many of our brothers and sisters will be doing the best they can to keep warm on these cold streets. Even on nights where the thermometer doesn’t hit 32 degrees, individuals without shelter are at serious risk of becoming ill, or worse.
We are asking YOU, our allies and supporters for donations of LARGE coats, blankets,mittens/gloves, clean socks, scarves, caps, long-johns, sleeping bags, tents, blankets, etc. basically, if you think someone could use it to stay warm and needs it, they probably do.
Donation Drop-Off Locations, Dates and Times
You can drop donations of COATS off at Manna House Memphis, 1268 Jefferson Ave. Mon, Tues, & Thurs Mornings, 8:30-11:30 am. Other donations can be dropped off at the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center (3573 Southern Ave, 725-4990) Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm
It won’t end homelessness, but it could save someone’s life this winter.
Feeding the Movement
H.O.P.E would like to once again thank Memphis Center for Independent Living for providing us with space for our meetings while we seek a permanent location.We would also like to thank Just for Lunch & Trolley Stop Market for providing some delicious food for our meetings. There are lots of ways to feed the movement, and we would like to thank all of our allies for their continued support. For more information about how you can support HOPE or our different project areas, Please contact Paul Garner (901) 725.4990, or paul@midsouthpeace.org. Like H.O.P.E. on Facebook!