Once homeless she now helps the homeless
Congressman Holt thanks Advocacy Network
for our efforts to end homelessness
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More than three hundred and fifty (350) formerly homeless people, passionate advocates and housing providers from across the state attended the July 28, 2009 Congressional Reception. As we stated on Monday, one of the most impressive parts of the event were the speeches by the formerly homeless that preceded the speeches by the members of Congress. This is the fourth in our series of publishing links to the video and a summary of the speeches.
Kalisha Pattman meets Congressman Rush Holt
Kalisha Pattman spoke about how after becoming homeless she found Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Trenton that they provided her with the support needed to secure not only housing but also hope. Her first job after being homeless was as a school bus driver. One day her case manager asked her what she would like to do. Her answer was direct and immediate: “I want to work for Catholic Charities.” For the last six years she has helped those who are in her shoes.
Congressman Rush Holt (D-12) told Ms. Pattman “you provide more than services to your clients – you provide hope.” He complimented the Advocacy Network on the “trend of increasing numbers every year.” He noted that a bigger room will need to be found. However, he said “the real goal will be to end homelessness so you do not need to continue to come to DC.” He stated his commitment to “ending homelessness and not managing the problem.” The solution, he said, is “to find homes for the homeless.”
If you would like to use a copy of the video click here [Email address: photos #AT# njaneh.org - replace #AT# with @ ].
The videos are courtesy of Asish Patel [Email address: apatel #AT# monarchhousing.org - replace #AT# with @ ] and Taiisa Telesford [Email address: ttelesford #AT# monarchhousing.org - replace #AT# with @ ].
