Basic Dignity Campaign: Thirst for Solutions, Quest for Relief
The Girls Think Tank Homeless Coalition Announces…
Basic Dignity
Thirst for Solutions, Quest for Relief
Campaign Launch Event, May 22, 12 p.m. – Balboa Park
Access to shelter, water and bathrooms in downtown San Diego takes a dive on April 1. The Basic Dignity campaign seeks to address the fallout and ongoing crisis of unmet basic needs.
SAN DIEGO, CA (March 29, 2010) – As winter shelters in San Diego close this week, increasing demand for basic needs, the Girls Think Tank Homeless Coalition (GTTHC) announces a campaign to improve access to water and bathrooms. Basic Dignity: Thirst for Solutions, Quest for Relief launches May 22, 2010, 12 p.m. in Balboa Park (6th Avenue & Laurel Streets) and features speakers, food, live music, Street Stories videos, art tile-making, kids activities, and dancing.
“As of April 1, hundreds more people will be without shelter and a way to take care of basic human needs in America’s Finest City,” said Girls Think Tank founder Rachel Jensen, a downtown attorney. The last night to stay at the winter shelters in the East Village downtown and in Loma Portal (for veterans) is March 31.
Earlier this month, the GTTHC told the Centre City Development Corporation Real Estate Committee that the East Village has no public bathrooms available 24 hours a day. The need becomes acute as the cafes and shops around Petco Park give way to the winter shelter at Island and 15th Street in an area populated by the homeless, who call it, “the bottoms.” Jensen said, “the lack of 24/7 bathrooms has created a public health issue, a challenge for local business, as well as a crisis of conscience in our community”. GTTHC friend David Ross (aka The Water Man) and his nonprofit — The Isaiah Project – have responded by placing portable toilets in the East Village and giving out water. David has been seeking public funding to cover his costs — so far, to no avail.
The Basic Dignity launch event will raise funds for Girls Think Tank and The Water Man’s efforts, promote solutions and bring the community together. Community and corporate “Adopt-a-Potty” sponsors are being recruited. Tickets are available for a suggested $15 donation that provides admission and two meals – one for the donor and one for a person experiencing homelessness. Interested persons should contact GTT Executive Director Jennifer Douglas.
Serving as master of ceremonies for the event is radio host Jon Elliott, with invited speakers including Congressman Bob Filner (Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee), City Council members Marti Emerald and Donna Frye, David Ross, and Scott Silverman, founder of the nonprofit Second Chance. Musical guests include SoulRaye, a neo-pop/soul /funk duo whose members are downtown residents, as well as the band As the Sun Sets: Fire!, Terry Matsuoka on folk/beach vibe guitar, and island/rock singer-songwriter Charlie Imes.
The Girls Think Tank began after Ms. Jensen and friends gathered for dinner in 2006 to figure out how to get more involved in community issues. GTT is now a 501c3 nonprofit organization inspiring and organizing its members and the public to advance causes of basic human dignity. GTT engages hands, hearts, and minds to make a difference in San Diego.
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Media Contacts:
Jennifer Douglas, GTT Executive Director, 858-344-5490, jennifer@girlsthinktank.org
Rachel Jensen, GTT Founder/President, 619-228-1686, RachelJ@csgrr.com
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