November 6th, 2020 – 1:30 PM
Hope Alliance for Rome and Floyd County –
The Rome City Commission will host leaders from a network of nonprofit agencies Monday night for a ceremonial signing to mark the official founding of the HOPE Alliance for Rome and Floyd County. The historic event represents efforts by local leaders to promote collaborative efforts to meet the needs of homeless and vulnerable persons in our community.
The ceremony hosted by the City Commission will include remarks by the appointed Chair of the alliance Ms. Carrie Edge of Elevation House, an official signing of a partnership agreement by founding members of the alliance, and the announcement of efforts by the alliance to engage the community in service of the homeless during the holiday season.
Founding Members of the HOPE Alliance include: The Community Kitchen, Elevation House, Good Neighbor Ministries, Hospitality House, the Interagency Council on Preventing Homelessness, Living Proof Recovery, and the William S. Davies Shelters. The alliance is an open organization seeking to add members and advocates to increase the discovery and delivery of much needed collaborative strategies to end the homelessness crisis in Rome.
HOPE Alliance partners began coordinated efforts to serve the homeless in 2019 as a direct result of Rome City Homelessness Task Force. In 2020, alliance partners have assisted in a mandatory point-in-time census count of the homeless, served as advocates for the needs of local homeless populations, and coordinated regular feeding programs. Partnering organizations, along with the United Way of Rome and Dr. John Cowan, opened and operated a temporary homeless shelter during the COVID-19 crisis.
“The official founding of the HOPE Alliance is of tremendous historical significance to the Rome Floyd community,” said Carrie Edge the Executive Director of Elevation House and newly appointed Chair of the HOPE Alliance.
“These seven nonprofit organizations, along with a number of churches and volunteers, have come together with one goal in mind – to eradicate homeless. With community partnership and resources, we will develop a comprehensive network of services that will break the cycle of homelessness and ensure that everyone has a home in Rome and Floyd County.”
Members of the HOPE Alliance of Rome and Floyd County have begun a regular meeting schedule to strengthen formal partnerships in decision making, strategic planning, case management records, and fundraising. The Community Foundation of Greater Rome, is serving as an Advocate Member of the alliance to accept and manage all donated funds for special projects and services. Other entities, such as The Churches of Rome network have also begun supporting HOPE Alliance efforts through donations and administrative assistance.