In this episode of "Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.", the host interviews Dr. Martha Robinson, Area Relief Ministries Board chairwoman.
Robinson spoke about the ARM, in partnership with local nonprofit organizations and city leaders, hosting a roundtable discussion on issues affecting the homeless from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023, at First Methodist-Downtown Jackson, located at 200 South Church Street, in Jackson, Tennessee, with the hope of improving local systems and procedures to benefit neighbors in need.
According to Robinson and a news release from ARM, the goal of the roundtable discussion is to brainstorm new ways to help break the cycle of homelessness in the Jackson area. ARM’s leaders have invited participants who specialize in fields such as healthcare, housing, mental health services, vocational services and crisis centers, along with volunteers from local churches to attend the meeting. Such individuals can help to evaluate the current methods that influence West Tennessee’s Continuum of Care (COC).
Robin said the main presenter during the discussion will be Neru Gobin, director of housing and homeless services for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
The news release said, "Gobin leads 15 service delivery programs and initiatives that collectively provide supportive housing, housing support, and homeless outreach services across Tennessee. He also oversees the Tennessee Creating Homes Initiative, which leverages resources to further the statewide efforts to provide safe, quality, affordable permanent housing opportunities for Tennesseans experiencing mental illness, co-occurring disorders and substance use disorders. The initiative expanded its efforts by adding a focus on permanent housing for Tennesseans in recovery from substance use disorders and who reenter the community from prisons and jails. Additional panelists will also contribute to the discussion."
A faith-based nonprofit organization, Area Relief Ministries has been serving West Tennessee since the 1970s. ARM’s mission is to strengthen our community by providing services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity and foster hope for those in need… as an expression of the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ (areareliefministries.org). With the help of generous sponsors, volunteers and partner groups, ARM regularly meets the needs of the growing number of homeless in the community by offering housing services, dental/medical/emergency assistance and vocational training.
In order to learn more or to become involved, individuals may contact Fred McKinnie at 731-423-9257 or fmckinnie@areareliefministries.org.
Hub City Now: Interview with Dr. Martha Robinson