Diamonds In The Dark

Fairbanks homeless event seeks to ‘over-serve the underserved’

FAIRBANKS — Dinner, live music, flu shots and haircuts are all part of the Diamonds in the Dark event planned for Fairbanks’ homeless next week.

The mission for the evening is to “over-serve the underserved,” said Rodney Gaskins, director of the Fairbanks Rescue Mission, which is organizing the event. This is the first time the mission has put on an event like this, which combines entertainment with providing services to people in need, he said.

One of the musicians who will perform at the event came up with the name “Diamonds in the Dark” for the event. It’s a term to describe homeless people who aren’t always a visible part of society. 

“They’re beautiful and they’re priceless, but oftentimes, you can’t see them. You need to shine light on them,” Gaskins said. “We’re just trying to shine light.”

So far, local bands Rescued, Inside Out and 907 Cutthroats have signed up to perform. Vocalist Jennifer Oden has agreed to sing during the dinner. 

During the day, barbers have signed up to give haircuts, and public health workers will provide flu shots and health screenings. The Rescue Mission still is looking for other groups that might be able to provide services at the event, Gaskins said.

They also are hoping to collect a large number of coats and other cold weather clothing to distribute at the event. People willing to donate cold weather clothing can bring it to the rescue mission between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Sources : http://www.newsminer.com


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