As election day approaches, one topic will be beneath a magnifying glass — the city’s ongoing homeless epidemic. While some candidates have radically different views on how to solve the crises, one advocacy organization seeks to discuss their approach to the problem.

The Santa Monica Homelessness Steering Committee will hold its first “Coffee, Conversation and Change” event this Friday, an initiative meant to spark conversation to demystify homelessness and its accompanying challenges and stereotypes.

“This is the first of a series of coffee chats where during brief meetings we cover different topics associated with homelessness,” Tara Barauskas, Executive Director of the Community Corporation of Santa Monica said. “The idea is community members can come together, learn and voice their concerns and opinions.”

Read More: http://www.smdp.com/homelessness-advocacy-group-seeks-to-educate-the-community-detractors-and-all/170438