The Girls Think Tank

~proudly presents our first annual fundraiser~

ONE NIGHT ONLY:

THE SPEAKEASY

a swanky 20’s casino night

August 29, 2009

7 pm -11 pm

Hosted by Julia Yoo and Gene Iredale

6915 Neptune Place, La Jolla, CA 92037

*Valet available*

 Poker Tournament * Black Jack * Craps 

Open Bar, Absinthe, and Heavy Appetizers Served 

Grand prizes for winner of poker tournament and best costume

Absinthe Buy In – $250 – 6 Raffle Tickets, Free Absinthe, $250 in Chips

 White Lightning Buy In – $100 – 3 Raffle Tickets, $100 in Chips

Moonshine Level Buy In - $50 – 1 Raffle Ticket, $50 in Chips

~Additional Chips Available at the Door~ 

Limited Entry Passwords Available * RSVP to gttspeakeasy@gmail.com

We’re excited about GTT’s homeless action committee, which is comprised of both folks with homes and folks without, and our common thread is a passion for dignity and improved conditions for those who have inadequate shelter in our city.  We’ve been discussing a strategic plan of action and hope you’ll join! 
 
Our next committee meeting is Thursday, June 25th at 6 pm at Coughlin Stoia, 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900.  Come to the 19th Floor and ask for Rachel.  If you need directions or more info, let us know by replying to this email.  Please RSVP so we know how much pizza and drinks to bring.
 
Here is a summary of what we’re working on -
(1)   City-wide survey of the homeless community:
Wendell has been working tirelessly to survey the homeless community with questions initially drafted by vets at the tent regarding access to basic services and the quality of those services.  Maggie Gurman and Professor Reid of UCSD have taken on the project to ensure it’s statistically reliable and usable.  We think this is a key piece for research, advocacy, and organizing as we move forward together, particularly for a “basic needs” or human rights campaign in San Diego.
 
(2)   Homeless bill of rights and police harassment of the homeless community:
Claudia is heading up a project to help educate people on the streets of their rights and to guard against abuses and harassment by the police.  We met with Steve Binder, who heads defense at homeless court, and he is pumped about it.  He is helping us identify top citations and legal issues so that we can help spread the word on “dos and don’ts” for the homeless community to avoid trouble with the police, and to educate the police about the rights of the community.
 
(3)   Meetings with city council and other local decision makers:
Claudia, Erubey, Noor, and Jen went to city council to discuss the need for a permanent shelter and restrooms.  Since then, the city has issued a RFP for a shelter, and City Councilmember Kevin Faulconer has partially funded port-o-potties.  We have also met with Donna Frye’s office.  We still need to meet with Amy Benjamin and Brian Maienschein. 
 
(4)   Ongoing street outreach providing much needed supplies:
In the past years, GTT has distributed tents, umbrellas for peace, clothing, and food, mostly during winter.  Era would like to continue outreach on a monthly basis which we would need help from others to pull off.
 
(5)   An alliance with Third Avenue Charitable Organization (“TACO”):
TACO has convened a homeless group that meets on Mondays at 2:30 pm and Fridays at 10 am at the Lutheran Church on 3rd Ave and Ash.  We have met with them several times and are talking about how the two groups can work together.
 
(6)   Homeless Art Project:
Noor is making progress with this project as she has been meeting with homeless artists who are collaborating to set up a public art exhibit to display in San Diego, and who hope to find artists’ spac.
 
(7)   Research on Stimulus Moneys:
We have been researching the moneys coming in from the federal government.  It is primarily for homeless prevention, but there is some money for services.  Please let us know if you can help with this research.