Join us for an engaging panel discussion that brings together voices from area colleges, community organizations and local leaders to shed light on the growing challenges of food and housing insecurity in our region.

This important conversation will explore the:

• Realities of food and housing insecurity affecting students and neighbors in our community
• Barriers individuals face in meeting their most basic needs
• Collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions emerging across higher education and community networks

Together, we’ll examine how we can strengthen our shared commitment to ensuring every student—and every member of our community—has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. While each of our institutions and organizations continues to navigate limited resources and capacity, this discussion is an opportunity to learn from one another, share ideas and reaffirm our collective responsibility to create a community where basic needs are met.

Panel Participants

Staci Wilson, Ed.D.
Associate Dean, Student Opportunities and Academic Resources
Catawba Valley Community College

Bob Ritchie
Lecturer, Department of English
Appalachian State University, Hickory

Amber Brafford
Homelessness Response Team Manager
Western Piedmont Council of Governments

Austin Pearce 
Executive Director
Hickory  Soup Kitchen

Michele Morgan 
Executive Director
Women's Resource Center

Rachel Heck 
Executive Director
Family Care Center 

Randall Bergman, Ph.D. (Panel Moderator)
Professor of Public Health
Community Health Program Coordinator 
Lenoir-Rhyne University