For Immediate Release
Contact: Irma Alexander
ialexander@meridianhousing.net
(601)482-5042
MERIDIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY TO HOST FIRST ANNUAL FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE
Fatherhood Ceremony and E-Street Festival Set for June 9, 2012
WHAT:
City, state, and local officials, including Meridian Mayor Cheri Barry, will join the Meridian Housing Authority, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) along with numerous community stakeholders in support of MHA’s first annual “Fatherhood Initiative and E-Street Festival.” MHA’s fatherhood initiative supports HUD’s nation-wide outreach effort to encourage the bonding of fathers and their children in addition to connecting fathers to healthy choices and economic development resources.
WHEN:
Saturday, June 9, 2012 8:00am-2:00pm
(The 1st Annual E-Street Community 2 mile fun walk-run will kick-off the fatherhood festivities promptly at 7:45 am. The program will begin at 9:00am followed by the “E-Street Fatherhood Festival” from 10:00am-2:00pm)
WHERE:
Meridian Housing Authority’s Administration Building: 2425 E Street Meridian MS, 39302
DETAILS:
HUD statistics show that nearly 64% or two out of three African American children live in “father-absent” homes. One out of three Hispanic children or 34% and one out of four or 25% of Caucasian children live in “father-absent” homes.
Studies show that children suffer greatly when there is no father present. Children who live apart from their biological fathers are on average at least 2 to 3 times more likely to: use illegal drugs, experience educational, health, and behavioral problems, or engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological or adoptive parents.
A child with an absent father is 54% more likely to become a victim in the vicious cycle of poverty. We anticipate over 300 participants for this action packed event and the Meridian Police Department will block an entire segment of “E” street in an effort to ensure the safety and success of this worthwhile initiative.
