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Ottawa City proclaims Domestic Violence Awareness Month and World Homeless Day; coalition warns more than 50 local residents lack reliable shelter
Summary
The Ottawa City Commission issued proclamations recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and World Homeless Day. Maggie Bornholt of Willow Domestic Violence Center and Brett Stanislow of the Coalition to End Homelessness addressed the commission; Stanislow said the coalition estimates more than 50 people in Ottawa currently meet HUD's definition of homelessness and announced an Oct. 24 community meeting and volunteer training.
The Ottawa City Commission on Oct. 16 proclaimed October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and recognized World Homeless Day, highlighting local service providers and upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Mayor Mike Skidmore read the domestic-violence proclamation citing national and state statistics and asked citizens to support survivors and community shelters. Pro Tem Allen read the formal proclamation and Maggie Bornholt, assistant director of rural services for the Willow Domestic Violence Center, accepted it and described Willow’s work across Franklin, Jefferson and Douglas counties. "Willow serves all survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking," Bornholt said, urging people to reach out for services and explaining that the purple ribbon represents domestic-violence awareness.
The commission next recognized World Homeless Day. Brett Stanislow, president of the Coalition to End Homelessness, accepted the proclamation and announced a community meeting and volunteer training on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 410 S. Hickory (Elliott Hall). Stanislow told the commission the coalition’s local data and interviews indicate "more than 50 people experiencing homelessness right here in our own community," a figure he said includes people sleeping in tents, cars or couch‑surfing and therefore meeting HUD’s definition of homelessness.
Stanislow praised local partners — including the Blessing Box Foundation, Hope House, ECAN and the city’s community policing unit — for outreach and services and invited residents to volunteer at the cold-weather shelter and other coalition efforts. "There are people in this town right now that would be homeless if it weren't for the work" of local nonprofits, he said.
Commissioners thanked both speakers, noted the regional context discussed at a recent municipal conference and encouraged public engagement with the Oct. 24 meeting. The commission took no formal policy action at the meeting on shelters or new funding; Stanislow’s announcement was a public‑comment/advocacy update and an invitation for community involvement.
