In Florida, 56,680 students do not have a home for the holidays. In Alachua County, 594 students lack a stable place of residence. For these homeless youths, the holiday season often is not a jolly time of the year. The effects of homelessness are far-reaching, extending well into their mental, social and emotion health.

TCAC is raising awareness with the event “Homeless for the Holidays.” Representatives from city and county homeless advocacy organizations will join us from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 in Plaza of Americas on the UF campus. Invited speakers include:

• Courtney Allen, Homeless Education Liaison, Alachua County School District
• Stephanie Breval, Volunteer Coordinator, St. Francis House homeless shelter
• Annette Kennedy, Program Coordinator, Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Gainesville

Visitors will be able to learn more about these organizations and ways they can volunteer. They will also help create holiday posters, which will then be sent to St. Francis House and IHN as holiday decorations for the shelters. Also on display will be TCAC’s journalism and photography.

Everyone is invited. To access the Facebook event page, click on the poster below. We hope to see you there!