In This Episode:

• Kimber is an active advocate for children and seniors that are struggling without food and shelter in Pontiac and throughout Oakland County, Michigan.
• We talk about the housing issue in Oakland County, in part because of the definitions of homelessness in HUD housing. Kimber explains and unpacks some of the challenges of the nationwide housing shortage.
• With children, the definition is much "kinder" you have to be sleeping in your car or doubled up in someone's home. This makes it easier for them to get some services through their school or other programs.
• Oakland County has 3200 children who are considered to be homeless.
• When Kimber brought up how the definition of homelessness was hurting and not helping with Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence it started a task force.
• The three missions of the task force
  • Identify legislative areas to make changes
  • Educate leaders about the barriers that people in homelessness face
  • Get everyday people involved in the solution
• Kimber shares stories of what it is like helping people dealing with poverty and homelessness navigate the government programs designed to give funds to people.

Quotes from This Episode:

• Engaging the community to solve our problems is one of our missions. ~Kimber
• I've probably worked 20, 30 hours on it to get the right person (about funding in a program to assist with rent). And if you can imagine that I'm completely exhausted from trying to find the organization and supposed to help. Can you imagine, having not sure where you're going to go that night? Not sure when you're going to be trying to call these places to get help. ~Kimber

Links To Things We Talk About:

• The HUD definition of homelessness.
• If you'd like to get involved you can reach out to kimber at kimber@kidsempowered.com, or call her at (248) 840-9858 or follow the Facebook page for Oakland County Task Force on Poverty and Homelessness
• Coats for the Cold - Coat Drive 2021
• Help a family in need this Christmas Season
• Kids Empowered On The Move

Episode Info:

This episode of the 3rd Act podcast is brought to you by WeAreThirdAct.com. Built on the pillars of illumination, compassion, and inspiration, it's your place to get involved, spotlights of non-profits, and 3rd Act Merch.

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