011: Rev. Forrest Gilmore, Executive Director, Beacon Inc.

Rev. Forest Gilmore, an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, is the Executive Director of Beacon Inc. He discusses the evolution of the organization from its origins as the Shalom Center, established in 1999 as a response to the lack of daytime resources for people experiencing homelessness, as it gradually expanded its services over the years, including hunger relief, case management support, an overnight shelter, permanent housing, and street outreach. 

Gilmore dispels common misconceptions about homelessness, emphasizing that it primarily stems from housing issues rather than personal choice or lack of employment, and that housing is the fundamental solution to homelessness. Furthermore, he addresses the challenges of substance use disorders and mental health within the homeless population, while also discussing Beacon Inc.'s future plans, including a new facility aimed at centralizing and expanding their services to better serve the community.

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