The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce – Education Committee Network (SACC-EN) and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) encourage all readers and Delmarva residents to check out the third and latest episode of “Education is Everybody’s Business (EIEB)” on PAC-14 and YouTube. In this exciting and informative episode, we explore the long-term community concern topic of “The Economic Impact of Homelessness & Poverty on the Shore”.
Data shows that Homelessness and Food insecurity across the State of Maryland and in the Lower Eastern Shore counties in specific are primarily driven by poverty. Three of the five highest poverty rate counties are here on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. They include Somerset County at 22.9%, Dorchester County at 15.7%, and Wicomico County at 15.4%.
Viewers of this special episode will learn about state funding to prevent and treat homelessness, county nonprofit efforts, including grant funds to provide critical home repairs and affordable housing to those who qualify and need them, and how homeless individuals are currently transitioning toward independent lifestyles.
Show Host and Content Developer Dr. Ladd Colston, CEO of Sustainable Visions, LLC, interviews four (4) invited guests, including Ms. Danielle Meister, Assistant Secretary of Homeless Solutions for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Ms. Molly Hilligoss, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County, Mr. Anthony Dickerson, Executive Director of The Christian Shelter, and Ms. Kamya, Wor-Wic Student. All four guests share their knowledge, years of experience, and commitment to addressing homelessness across the Eastern Shore.
Viewers of this special episode will come away with knowledge of how the Division of Homeless Solutions is working with local partners to prevent and end homelessness as an achievable state goal, as well as how our local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International is expanding its Neighborhood Revitalization Program and is addressing the “aging in place” issues for qualified older homeowners. Additionally, a conversational insight is provided into the transformative work that The Christian Shelter quietly facilitates to treat, transform, and transition the growing number of homeless clients they serve. Lastly, a former homeless client shares her transformative journey toward stability, independence, and career preparation as a current Wor-Wic Community College student.
This year, the show is also promoting America’s Semiquincentennial National Initiative with the theme “The Shore Celebrates 250 Years (1776 – 2026)” and a show-closing “Did You Know?” segment. This episode features the Eastern Shore’s original inhabitants, the indigenous Native American tribes, including the Pocomoke Paramountcy, the Assateague Tribe, and the Nause Waiwash Band of Indians.
Season 4 Episode 3 can be viewed in its entirety at https://youtu.be/VsPBE90tLd8
Education is Everybody’s Business is a Public Access Channel PAC 14 show currently available globally on YouTube.
