County hosts free resource fairs, film screenings

As part of the celebration for Community Action Month and Older Americans Month, Pierce County Human Services will host two free events in May. These gatherings will include resource fairs and screenings of the impactful documentary "Cooked: Survival by Zip Code," which explores the intersection of poverty, race, and climate disasters through the lens of the 1995 Chicago heatwave. Attendees will have the chance to engage with local service providers who will offer vital information on disaster preparedness, education, employment, and more. The screenings will be complemented by a panel discussion featuring filmmaker Judith Helfand and local leaders from organizations like the Metropolitan Development Council and United Way of Pierce County. Carol Mensah, the Community Action Programs division manager, highlights that disasters do not affect all communities equally, stressing the need for awareness and action.

Lunch will be provided, fostering a space for community dialogue and learning. The events will take place at Evergreen State College–Tacoma and Pacific Lutheran University, with online registration required. For more information, interested individuals can visit the Pierce County website.