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Date: 9/20/2023
SPRINGFIELD — For the first time, “Just Love,” a nonprofit organization that assists those in need in the community, will be hosting a “Speak. Soul. Art” event to aid the homeless.
The event will take place on Sept. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Pan African Historical Museum at Tower Square.
Just Love Founder Ana Jewell explained that it is “a collaboration of art and community.”
There will be spoken word, artists, artwork and light refreshments.
Jewell said it is a family-friendly event that is open to everyone.
For entry, people are asked to bring a winter coat or winter item such as hats or gloves. Jewell said the coats can be gently used but they must be laundered or dry cleaned.
She went on to say that this event is catapulting to Just Love’s third annual pop-up event, known as the Community Caravan.
At the Community Caravan, participants receive a hot meal, backpack full of toiletry items and any available clothing. Jewell said there is also a prayer tent, healthcare workers and other local resources that are available to talk to.
Jewell noted that mental health is “huge” right now and an encouraging word or small conversation can go a long way.
The pop-up event is set to take place on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., across from 755 Worthington St. in Springfield.
Last year’s pop-up served about 200 people. Jewell said she never knows what they will get or what to expect.
She went on to say that Just Love started with giving out backpacks to people in need but grew during the coronavirus pandemic.
Jewell said she found that the community wants to give back but does not always know how.
She noted that the homeless population is growing and described it as “heartbreaking.”
“None of us are going to go poor by giving a little something,” Jewell said. “It’s all about community. All of us together can save a village.”
These events primarily focus on adults, not children. Jewell said this is because there are significantly more elderly homeless people.
Nonetheless, the goal with all events hosted by Just Love is to reach people, she shared.
Additional information on Just Love and its events can be found on its Facebook page.