by Jarret Liotta

WESTPORT — Homelessness—and its relationship to affordable housing—will be part of a community forum scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 18, at Jesup Green.

“The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of homelessness in Fairfield County,” Elaine Deignault, director of the Department of Human Services, told the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday morning.

She said it would include area legislators and was aimed at raising awareness.

The board unanimously approved a request to use the property for the 2 p.m. event.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Selectperson Melissa Kane said. “I’m looking forward to coming.”

Citing other political gatherings that have been held on the green in recent months, First Selectman Jim Marpe said it seemed an appropriate use.

Marpe also presented a municipal resolution supporting efforts to end homelessness in Westport, which was unanimously endorsed by the board.

“Westport takes pride in its responsibility to protect and enhance the health, welfare, and safety of its residents in efficient and cost-effective ways, and is taking action to prevent and end homelessness in our town,” Marpe read.

The resolution goes on to call for coordinated municipal strategies with the town’s Coordinated Access Network, and to address homelessness on an ongoing basis.

“Today’s resolution is a direct reflection of our town’s leadership,” Daignault said later.

“It serves as a public acknowledgement that municipalities play a critical role in building capacity across the state,” she said.

State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg was also in attendance and expressed his support for the work.

“Westport can be proud of its leadership on this issue for decades,” Marpe said.

“Personally, if ever there was something that was easy to pass, it was this particular resolution,” he said. “This reflects who we are as a community.”