19th Annual Kitsap County Human Rights Conference-Helping the Homeless

(Port Orchard, WA) – Helping the Homeless is the focus of the 19th Kitsap County Annual Human Rights Conference, scheduled for December 4, 2009 at the Kitsap Conference Center in downtown Bremerton.

“More and more Kitsap County residents and families are finding themselves homeless. This conference provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the growing homeless problem, what local resources are available, where there are gaps in services, and how individuals and organizations can help our neighbors in need,” says Leif Bentsen, human services planner and coordinator for the Kitsap County Council for Human Rights.

Nationally known poverty expert, Dr. Donna Beegle, will provide the keynote presentation, Best Intentions Might Not Be Enough: Understanding How to Communicate Across Poverty, Race, Gender and Generations.

In addition, other topics include Being a Leader in Difficult Times presented by Dr. Richard Strand, Dean for Business and Technology at Olympic College. Local experts will have a panel discussion about Living On the Street in Kitsap County and the Continuum of Care Coalition will speak about Where to Get Help: Understanding Where The Resources Are And How You Can Help.

This yearly event is proudly sponsored by the Kitsap County Council for Human Rights and the Board of County Commissioners, and this year’s co-sponsors include Suquamish Tribe and Kitsap Tobacco, Alcohol & Other Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.

Advance registration is required. Please visit the Council for Human Rights website at www.kitsapgov.com/hr/wsolympic/humanrights/hrcboard.htm to download a registration form and for additional information or contact Leif Bentsen, Human Services Planner, at (360) 337-4883 or lbentsen@co.kitsap.wa.us. Register by November 23 and pay only $45 per person; tables are also available. Registration after November 23 is $60.

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To contact the Public Communications Manager, 
call Doug Bear at 360-337-4598 or email: dbear@co.kitsap.wa.us