Event

Third Annual Urban Poverty Forum

Coverage of the Haiti earthquake put a spotlight and a face on the devastating poverty in Port-au-Prince. But perhaps less illuminated is the extent of poverty right here in Seattle according to the latest Census, Seattle's poverty rate was higher even than the state's (11.8 percent vs. 10.6 percent). This forum brings together institutions of faith and government, social services, nonprofit agencies, and community partners to improve the coordination, access, and quality of services for Seattleites living in poverty. The event will feature dialogue, music, and dramatic readings, and panelists Mary Guiberson, a coordinator for The Compass Center; Rev. Richard Gamble, lead organizer of the FAITH Network; Linda Smith, pastor of The Church of Mary Magdalene homeless ministry; Tim Harris, founding director of the Real Change homeless newspaper; and Rick Reynolds, executive director of Operation Nightwatch. Presented by Seattle University, Seattle First Presbyterian Church, St. James Cathedral, Union Church, Seattle, and Town Hall. $5 suggested donation.