Sen. Hardie Davis Speaks Out on Augusta’s Homeless Population During “Journey of Community” Panel

ATLANTA (June 20, 2013) – Sen. Hardie Davis (D- Augusta) served as a panelist for an engaging discussion on both Augusta’s and Georgia’s homeless population, and also the area social service agencies dedicated to providing these individuals with much needed assistance. Entitled Homelessness in Georgia: Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going, the panel was an integral part of the Greater Augusta Arts Council’s “Journey of Community” event. The primary focus of the week-long “Journey of Community” event is using art as a catalyst for social change.

“Augusta has a tremendous homeless assistance network, and it is important that our community does all it can to support these efforts,” said Sen. Davis. “It is absolutely inspiring to hear the stories of Augustans who have overcome adversity and the organizations who work tirelessly to get these individuals back on their feet. I’m honored to be a part of the Greater Augusta Arts Council’s efforts to bring attention to such a significant topic.”

“Sen. Davis gave us an overview of homelessness from the state’s perspective,” said Brenda Durant, Executive Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council.  “Of course, his care and thoughtfulness was evident in his remarks.”

Sen. Davis participated on the panel alongside Dr. H. David Hunt, Assistant Professor, Georgia Regents University Sociology Department; Katheryn Preston, Executive Director, Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness; and Sarah MacDonald, Director, Family Promise of Augusta (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network).

At the core of the week long “Journey of Community” event is internationally renowned artist David Michalek’s 14 Stations photography exhibit. Featuring men and women transitioning out of homelessness in New York City, 14 Stations is a poignant display that closely details the ability of the human spirit to rise above times of struggle. Four different components in various formats comprise the full exhibition, beginning with illuminated photographs and followed by a panel discussion and testimony. The exhibit is rounded out with a spoken word performance and a reflective conversation.

The Greater Augusta Arts Council’s “Journey of Community” event runs through Thursday, June 20 at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
June 20, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Jennifer.Yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028