Lexington's homeless form Street Voice Council

Lexington's homeless population has formed a Street Voice Council, a communication and advocacy group. The council's membership, now about 60, includes some who are homeless or have been homeless.

"We felt that forming into an organization would help us communicate better with the community," said newly elected co-chair Binta Baraka. The other co-chair is Erice Mundy.

A leadership committee of six members — Mary Catskill, Yvonne Helm, Brittany Norman, Mark Hale, Joe Schuman and Ellis Boatley — has been elected from within the membership. The committee members represent areas in Lexington where the homeless congregate and will work with the co-chairs to shape the council's agenda.

Community organizations including the Catholic Action Center will provide organizational support for the council.

The council was named a Complete Count Committee to help the United States Census Bureau. A recent count in Lexington found more than 2,000 homeless people in Lexington.

This story was originally published February 25, 2010 at 1:45 PM with the headline "Lexington's homeless form Street Voice Council."