Join the LWV Moscow for a Speaker Series event, Homelessness Resources and Persistent Barriers in Idaho Region 2 featuring Dr. Casey Bolt, Executive Director of Sojourners Alliance, at the 1912 Center Arts Workshop Room on April 19 from 12-1 p.m.

The issue of homelessness on the Palouse and in Region 2 is complex and the reality is not necessarily what people generally think of when they think of homelessness. There are many definitions of homeless and each situation requires a different intervention to resolve the issue. Homelessness programs across the country have transformed after changes in legislation and Sojourners Alliance has followed in this transformation as well. The organization now serves five counties in Idaho that comprises region 2.

Federal money in response to the global pandemic expanded the extent of services Sojourners could provide in the region. Now, those resources are coming to an end, and we face no reduction in need. In addition, a shortage of supply in housing has led to large increases in the cost of housing. These challenges, in addition to persistent housing barriers faced by many individuals based on their history, will require collaboration between organizations like Sojourners, governments, private entities, and individuals.

Dr. Casey Bolt is originally from California and has lived on the Palouse for nearly a decade. His background is in Economics and recently completed his preparation for an academic career earning a PhD in Economics from Washington State University. He still lives in Pullman and most recently took over as Executive Director at Sojourners Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to confronting barriers that lead to homelessness, located in Moscow Idaho. Sojourners Alliance, in addition to providing its own services, fills the role as the Access Point for services in this region. He seeks to foster communication between organizations, governments, and private companies to increase the ability to meet the need that persists in the regiion.