HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville community leaders recently revealed the number of unhoused people in Huntsville. An annual survey showed at least 536 homeless persons are in the city with hundreds more in the Metro area. Now, a local artist and a local assistance group are partnering to help the homeless.
Design by Hart Pottery Studio and Studio Theatre are hosting an "empty bowls" event in Huntsville this Sunday, Feb. 26, at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. Guests donate funds to support First Stop Inc.'s mission and in return, receive a handmade bowl and fresh soup.
Jennifer Geist, Executive Director of First Stop, Inc., explains the importance of serving the community. "The homeless community is part of our community. We're all here together and we need to look out for each other. These funds are going to allow us to continue to do the work we do, which is focused on helping people move out of homelessness."
And Teri Hartmann, owner of Design by Hart Pottery Studio, shares why this event matters, and how you can participate. "I think a lot of times it's hard to talk about it because we don't know what to do, but we know it's near, but how do we solve it and one of the ways is coming together. The event this year, it's a $20 donation to the event and you get to come in and have soup from your local restaurants, have a seat with your community, chat with them, eat with them…and get to take home a homemade bowl."
Those unique bowls, made by local artists, are meant to act as a reminder that some people may not have every day access to food and housing. All donations go straight to supporting First Stop Inc.'s mission.
And as you walk away with your special bowl, Hartmann hopes it brings compassion and understanding for every one in the community. "I think that compassion that you feel for your neighbor will translate to the compassion you feel for the person on the street or for organizations that are helping your community."