Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

MLK Day of Service events happening virtually, most in-person activities postponed

Central PA MLK Day committee held a press conference last week.

While the snow may have hampered some Martin Luther King Jr. Day plans, there are still ways to celebrate the holiday.

The Central Pennsylvania MLK Day of Service committee is hosting a day full of virtual events focused on their theme of “The Beloved Community: Ensuring Affordable Housing and Accessible Health Care.”

The committee had dozens of in-person service activities planned for Monday, but with this morning’s snow, most have been postponed.

Committee members kicked off the day with a virtual opening ceremony, discussing the importance of this year’s theme.

“The lack of affordable housing is an ongoing prevalent issue in the commonwealth,” said Kait Gillis-Hanna, executive director of Brethren Housing Association in Allison Hill, Harrisburg. “High housing costs are worsening the adversity that our low-income families experience.”

On that topic, the MLK Day committee is holding virtual seminars on housing and neighboring, aging in place, landlord-tenant law and first-time home buying.

Additionally, they will host virtual discussions on the topic of healthcare, including presentations on mental health, self-care and securing access to healthcare.

“Basic healthcare is a right,” said Jeannine Peterson, executive director of Hamilton Health Center in Harrisburg. “Without healthcare, people can’t work and people can’t take care of their families.”

Virtual events began at 9 a.m. and run through 7 p.m. on Monday.

For a full schedule of virtual events, visit the Central PA MLK Day of Service website.

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