BINGHAMTON, NY – In recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 12-20), Binghamton University has partnered with the Southern Tier Homeless Coalition to host a film screening and panel discussion to raise awareness regarding issues of homelessness in the Southern Tier at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at the University Downtown Center, 67 Washington St., Binghamton. The event is free and open to the public.

City of Binghamton Mayor Rich David will discuss city-wide initiatives to support individuals affected by homelessness. David accepted the challenge to end veteran homelessness in Binghamton, making it the first city in the nation to complete the White House Pledge that was issued in 2014.

The film Tiny: The Life of Erin Blackwell will be screened at the event, which is a follow-up to the Academy Award-nominated documentary Streetwise. The film provides a depiction of intergenerational poverty and the long-lasting impact of homelessness and addiction, and has only been screened limitedly in the United States and Europe.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion and community conversation with the following panel members:

Cassandra Bransford, associate professor of social work, Binghamton University

Shari Weiss, president of the executive board and chair of the Southern Tier Homeless Coalition

David Wallace, clinical director, LaSalle School, Albany

Jessica Peruse, homeless team leader, VA Medical Center, Syracuse

Jed Metzger, associate professor of social work, Nazareth College

The event is sponsored by Binghamton University’s College of Community and Public Affairs and the Department of Social Work. There will also be a collection drive in conjunction with the event. These kits will be distributed throughout the winter by the Southern Tier Homeless Coalition to individuals within the community who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness.