Program to focus on homelessness

Texarkana Gazette

Elected officials from both Texarkanas will hear from local homelessness experts and advocates Tuesday.

During its quarterly meeting, the Joint Texarkana Community Committee will hear presentations on the issue from six speakers, including:

■ Helen Diggs, manager of client development at Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter;

■ Cody Howard, executive director of Mission Texarkana;

■ Mary Hawkins, director of Center of Hope Homeless Shelter;

■ Sann Terry, corporate and community relations director for Salvation Army;

■ Alaina Marcum, chairman of the Homeless Commission; and ■ Glenda Mason, director of case management at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System.

An initiative of the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce, the JTCC comprises Texas-side City Council members, Arkansas-side Board of Directors members and both mayors.

It was formed in fall 2017 to share ideas and discuss common challenges facing both cities but is not set up to take any action.

The meeting is open to the public. It is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at the offices of the Ark-Tex Council of Governments, 4808 Elizabeth St. on the Texas side.

For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 903-7927191.