On Wednesday, Nov. 19, housing advocates from Clallam and Jefferson counties will explore opportunities to partner to end homelessness across the North Olympic Peninsula.

The forum starts at 9 a.m. in the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Center Red Cedar Hall, 1033 Old Blyn Highway, and adjourns at noon. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. The public is welcome at no charge.

Forum sponsors include the Shelter Providers Network of Clallam County, Shelter-to-Housing Partnership of Jefferson County, Peninsula Housing Authority, Serenity House of Clallam County, Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.

In December 2005, Clallam County adopted its Ten Year Plan to end homelessness. Clallam County was among the first counties in the state to adopt a TYP and has successfully worked that plan, forum moderator Martha Ireland said. Ireland is the Serenity House executive coordinator and coordinator for the Shelter Providers Network.

Jefferson County representatives expect to adopt its Ten Year Plan to end homelessness in January of 2015.

Karen Riel of the Community Outreach Association Shelter Team, or COAST, which operates a wintertime overnight shelter in Port Townsend, will present Bayside Housing, a new housing development project in an old rural hotel.

Peninsula Housing Authority Board president Norma Turner will lead a response session to identify specific actions for effective regional coordination.

The forum closes with recognition of Kathy Wahto, who worked locally to find solutions to homelessness during her 12 years as executive director of Serenity House.

For more information about the forum or to RSVP, call Ireland at 452-4737 or e-mail shelterprovidersnetwork@gmail.com.