Learn about hunger and homelessness in Illinois at SIU event

November 15, 2024

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. - In conjunction with Southern Illinois University Carbondale's recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2024, Ericka Potter, a first-generation college student who serves as homeless youth supervisor for Youth Services Network, will speak Monday, Nov. 18. Her free, public keynote presentation is set for 4-6 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom B.

A panel discussion will follow, and the event will wrap up with a reception featuring refreshments in Corker Lounge. Panelists include Megan Ragan, executive director of the Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center; Brittany Watson, a social work major who serves as president of the Social Work Student Alliance and engagement specialist for the Mobile Crisis Response Team, and Emily Spann, deputy director of the SIU Student Center.

Longtime advocate for the homeless

Potter works with young people ages 14-24 who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless. She supervises a team that "works tirelessly to eliminate barriers to long-term safe and stable housing" by offering mental health services and support for young women who are pregnant and/or parenting as well as shelter and transitional services for women and men.

Potter has been employed in the social services field since 1997, and her experience includes working at the Maryville Farm Campus in Durand, Illinois, and at The MILL. She has also fostered children in and around the Rockford community and helped raise several nieces and nephews.

Activities throughout the week

The event featuring Potter and the panel discussion is one of many activities the Sustainability Office and the Office of Student Engagement are sponsoring Nov. 18-23. Events include "Sustaining Our Service" from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 19 at Student Center Ballrooms A and B with SIU alumna Kia Smith as host and "Feeding the Community" at 2 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Carbondale Town Square Pavilion featuring a free lunch, games and music as well as a food drive, guest speakers and more.

Find the complete schedule of events and additional information online.