Hope is on the horizon with the opening of a transitional housing facility in Cave Junction. July 23 there will be a Grand Opening celebration at I.V. HOPE Village 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 204 S. Kerby Ave. and Schumacher St.
Tours of the facility, including the community building, tiny units and grounds, will be given by the Illinois Valley Living Solutions Executive Director Laura Mancuso. “The purpose of this facility is to provide a program to help people that are ready to get back on their feet and into stable housing,” said Mancuso.
Although the major construction is complete, the new staff is still working hard to furnish the new building. Participants at the event will have the chance to donate money or materials to I.V. HOPE Village. Supplies still needed include full size sheets, dishes and utensils, blankets, towels and more. There will also be a chance for businesses or individuals to sponsor a living unit and have a plaque created to hang on the outside of the tiny home in donator’s honor.
Folks will be able to enjoy harp music played by George Leverett and view and bid on a series of oil paintings from acclaimed artist Alan Laurie titled, “Unhoused in C.J.” during a silent auction with half of the proceeds going to I.V. HOPE Village.
(Photo by Daniel J. Mancuso, the Illinois Valley News)
In case you didn’t know about this Valley gem, Laurie has been painting with oils since he was 9 years old. Throughout his career he has had several one-man shows both in Cave Junction as well as in Seattle and Baton Rouge. His most recent solo exhibit was held at Bridgeview Winery. He is one of the original Grants Pass Bearfest artists. His “Cubist Cub” welcomes visitors at the entrance of Grants Pass Museum of Art and his “Pharaoh Bear and Cub Tut” grace the corner of 7th and L streets each summer in Grants Pass.
Laurie said he created this short series, “Unhoused in C.J.” to “help raise awareness of the unhoused plight and to try to add some dignity to some of those folks we see daily living in desperate situations.”
Laurie is also known locally as a graphic artist and mural artist. His work can be viewed at AlanLaurie.com.
During the Grand Opening event, participants can enjoy brunch hors d’oeuvres and beverages made by Trillium Bakery. If you would like to attend this community fundraiser, please RSVP to Mancuso by phone or text at 971-415-0281 or email ivlivingsol@gmail.com.