by Neil W. McCabe

The Somerville Homeless Coalition will hold its annual meeting May 25 at the Aidekman Arts Center on the campus of Tufts University.

Lt. Gov. Kerry M. Healey will be the featured speaker with Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone introducing her, said Mark Alston-Follansbee, the coalition’s president.

As Lt. Governor, Healey chairs several special commissions for the Governor, including Chair of the Massachusetts Interagency Council on Homelessness and Housing, Alston-Follansbee said.

Additionally, the SHC will recognize some of its long-time supporters for their contributions to the organization and to the city of Somerville, he said.

This year’s event recognizes Central Bank, Goodwin Proctor, LLP, Abt Associates, The Linden and Clipper Ship Foundations, Community Action Partners, Mike Dovidio, with a distinguished volunteer award, and Theresa Elliot, case manager of the Sobriety and Stability Program, he said.

“The Somerville Homeless Coalition is grateful to Tufts University for hosting the event. Additionally, the SHC extends an enormous thanks to the organization’s countless volunteers for their support,” he said.

“More than 2,000 people each year utilize the programs, services and facilities offered by the Somerville Homeless Coalition. Since its inception in 1986, the SHC has helped thousands of homeless and working poor,” he said.

“As an innovative non-profit organization, the SHC sponsors unique events to help fund programs, services and housing, and to raise awareness for Somerville’s homeless,” he said.

Alston-Follansbee said, “Please attend the annual meeting on May 25 and listen to Lt. Governor Healy outline our shared commitment to ending homelessness.”

Refreshments will be served at the meeting and more information is available at (617) 623-6111.