CLEARWATER, Fla., March 14, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Homeless from the ages of 14 to 18, Katina Lowrey, the founder of H.O.P.E.F.U.L. Inc., offered a unique perspective to attendees at the ‘Understanding Homelessness’ seminar at the United for Human Rights Florida’s Center on March 2, 2019. The center is located in downtown Clearwater.
“Ms. Lowrey’s powerful story was the centerpiece of the seminar,” said Cristian Vargas, the Executive Director for United for Human Rights’ Florida Chapter. “Ms. Lowery’s parents left her and her sister on the streets to care for themselves when she was only 14. There were few resources at that time and a lot of challenges to face. However, Ms. Lowrey overcame these on her own and by the time she was 18 she was in her own home and off the streets.”
Ms. Lowrey founded her own non-profit organization based in Tampa called H.O.P.E.F.U.L. Inc. in 2017.
Ms. Lowrey, who utilizes the educational materials of the United for Human Rights (UHR) program at H.O.P.E.F.U.L., wanted to deliver a seminar in the UHR Center to enlighten the general community on the purpose of her organization. This follows from the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights right number 25, ‘Food and shelter for all.’
H.O.P.E.F.U.L. Inc. focuses on helping the homeless community by putting on events to feed them, clothe them, supply them with hygiene kits, and educate them to get them back on their feet.
As an example, at the beginning of 2019 H.O.P.E.F.U.L. hosted a community event with other non-profit organizations, bringing them all together to help the homeless. UHR was one of the main sponsors of the event, providing all the food. Over 300 homeless people attended and were made aware of the resources that Ms. Lowrey was lacking when she was overcoming homelessness.
“Our mission is to generate hope and solutions for the issues confronting individuals, children, families, and the community as they face homelessness, or are at risk of becoming homeless,” said Ms. Lowrey. “We want to be the hope we want to see, support those who are in need, get connected, and stay H.O.P.E.F.U.L.”
“Inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s words that ‘Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream,’ Scientologists support UHR, the largest non-governmental program in the world, dedicated to teaching the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” said Mr. Vargas. “We are honored to work alongside organizations like H.O.P.E.F.U.L. to see this happen.”
For more information about UHR and the seminars held at the UHR Center in downtown Clearwater at 29 N. Fort Harrison Ave., please call 727-467-6960.
About United for Human Rights
United for Human Rights (UHR) is an international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at local, regional, national and international levels. Its membership is comprised of individuals, educators and groups throughout the world who are actively forwarding the knowledge and protection of human rights by and for all Mankind.
Central to Scientology beliefs and tenets is a conviction that all people are endowed with the inalienable rights as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as ratified by the United Nations in 1948. In accord with those convictions, the Church of Scientology sponsors UHR and its youth education program, Youth for Human Rights.
CONTACT
Cristian Vargas
727-467-6960
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70a2bc03-b500-4dab-8d27-27b69766fdc3