A community blueprint for building homes for those in poverty will be drafted and discussed at a meeting held by Warren-Washington-Issaquena-Sharkey Community Action Agency, WWISCAA, Thursday, May 2 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Washington County Convention Center.
Jannis Williams, WWISCAA executive director, said the round table meeting hopes to draw partners from across the community in an effort to address housing issues.
“There are countless elderly, homeless and disadvantaged persons in every community in our country. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the resources available for them by local organizations in their neighborhoods,” Williams said. “Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But, unless you have experienced poverty, it is hard to understand.”
The meeting aims to educate the community regarding services available in the area to assist with housing issues.
The interactive symposium style meeting includes lunch at no cost.
“Our event aims to provide community members and leaders with a better understanding of the range of services and programs we offer that promote family stability and self-sufficiency,” Williams said.
These services include, but are not limited to: utility assistance, meals, GED preparation, work readiness, weatherization, transportation, homemaker services and others.
“We encourage representation from other organizations in the region that are providing similar services in order to better collaborate to maximize efficiency,” Williams said. “We also plan to identify local needs and resources that can help policymakers understand how to improve our community in the most logical and efficient ways possible through roundtable discussions.”
Attendees will receive an up-close, in-depth look at WWISCAA's operation and all the programs and services offered to include eligibility requirements.
Round table discussions will be offered on the topics of employment, education, transportation, housing, homelessness, nutrition, aging services and more.
Each table will have a facilitator. Engage, share your experiences and be inspired by the learnings and challenges of others.
“The goal of the roundtable discussions is to talk about important needs for employment, education, transportation and other needs and to identify resources in our community,” Williams said. “These discussions will address the questions ‘What are your needs, Who can help with your needs? and How can you obtain help?”
The roundtable will rotate every 30 minutes, giving everyone a chance to meet new people and interact with the attendees at each of the tables to address new topics.
A energy conservation workshop will be held with tips on how to conserve energy and reduce energy bills.
Weatherization will be explained through a portable whole-house model, which illustrates sidewall dense packing, attic insulation, thermal barrier, ventilation, lighting and more.
“We know that a house is not a home unless it is warm, safe and energy efficient,” Williams said noting weatherization is the modification of buildings and homes to become more energy efficient through conservation measures such as air sealing and adding insulation.
According to WWISCA, weatherizing the home saves an average of 10-20% of energy use.
“Our 8' x 10' model contains a polycarbonate side wall with a demonstration section for dense packing with cellulose, a section for the demonstration of fiberglass roll insulation, polycarbonate ceiling and attic for demonstrating blown cellulose in the attic, illustration of thermal barriers, insulated double pane windows, dryer vent, etc,” Williams said. “It is a must see.”
Employment opportunities will also be discussed at the meeting and employment applications will be available on site.
“This is a great opportunity to meet the staff and talk face-to-face with them about any question you may have about WWISCAA,” Williams said. “We will also have a tour of program booths, including take home brochures and flyers outlining program eligibility. This is a great opportunity to learn everything you ever wanted to know about WWISCAA.
In addition to individuals interested in assistances, agencies and entities that play a role in transportation, income management, budgeting, community education and outreach, employment, housing are encouraged to participate.
WWISCAA, also known as Warren-Washington-Issaquena-Sharkey Community Action Agency, is a private, non-profit community service organization that has existed since 1972. For over forty six (46) years, we have offered many anti-poverty programs and services from meals to utility assistance in Warren, Washington, Issaquena, Sharkey and Yazoo counties.
For more information call WWISCA at 662-378-5857.
