A panel discussion about the challenges Pittsburgh faces related to homelessness and its intersection with the lack of affordable housing will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 23 at the Future Tenant Gallery, 819 Penn Ave.

Members of the community are invited to join in on the discussion, which will include representatives of programs charged with addressing homelessness and oversight of programs addressing the lack of affordable housing. Admission is free and there will be light refreshments of beer and soda.

Panelists include: Councilwoman Deb Gross, Dr. Pat Perri of the Center for Inclusion at Allegheny General Hospital, CEO of Bridging the Gap Development Derrick Tillman, Project Executive for Swigle.org Chris Berg, Lenny Prewitt of Family Links, Joe Savino of the Veterans Administration, Jennifer McCurry of the Downtown Ministerium, and Roberto who is an individual currently experiencing homelessness. The event will be moderated by Adrienne Walnoha of Community Human Services.

On Friday, March 24 the opening reception will be held for “Walk on by” from 6-9 p.m., an exhibit where local artists share through various mediums their understanding or experiences with homelessness. The event will be held at Future Tenant Gallery. Admission is free as well as light refreshments of beer and soda.

This collaborative project is a first artistic step to opening up a dialogue about homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. Supported by The Homeless Advisory Board, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Community Human Services, Art Expression Inc., Blick Art Materials, The Homeless Children’s Education Fund, and Goodwill of Southwestern PA. The exhibit is made possible by a donation from the SPROUT Fund and the Future Tenant Residency Program.

For more information, click here.