TEXARKANA, Texas -- The Texarkana Homeless Coalition has scheduled two events this month to support the community: the Point-In-Time (PIT) Homeless Count and the annual Bridge City Chili Cook-Off fundraiser.
The PIT Count is a critical step in understanding and addressing homelessness in the area, according to a City Hall news release. Every year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development requires all homeless coalitions to count area homeless people by the last week in January.
The PIT count offers insight into understanding the local homeless population and their needs, and it provides data to secure future funding for programs that combat homelessness.
Scheduled for Jan. 23, he Bridge City Cook-off will raise funds to support scholarships, homelessness treatment programs and local agency training for unhoused individuals in Texarkana.
The event's theme this year is "Construction Zone," and individuals are encouraged to wear vibrant construction-inspired attire.
The entrance fee for chili contestants is $25, and each will need to provide 100 samples for judges and attendees. Chili will be judged in three categories: Best Presentation, People's Choice and Best in Texarkana.
Coalition Chair Vashil Fernandez encourages the community to be a part of this special event.
"Bridge City Chili Cook-Off provides an opportunity for the Texarkana area to cross the socioeconomic line and identify with the plight of our neighbors for one night while raising money to provide for their needs at the same time," he said.
The Texarkana Homeless Coalition consists of many organizations and individuals working together to end homelessness in Texarkana and Bowie County. For more information, visit our website at txkhc.org.
The cook-off will take place 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, behind the Lofts at the Grim, 319 Pine St. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend an evening of delicious chili, community connection and meaningful impact.
To enter the chili cook-off, visit the following link: zeffy.com/ticketing/bridge-city-project-annual-chili-cook-off.
For more information, contact Fernandez at 903-798-3904 or [email protected].