🌱 Local Woman Supports Afghan Refugees + Homelessness Initiative

Hello, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warmer. High: 72 Low: 44.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Phoenix native Karen Gunderson is working with All Saints Lutheran Church to raise money to support women refugees trying to leave Afghanistan following reports suggesting forced marriages between women and Taliban officials. Visas can be obtained for $1,800, and $2,000 covers living fees for women to stay in Pakistan while applying for university. More information is available in the link on how to donate or support the cause. (12news.com KPNX)
2. Phoenix's Office of Homeless Solutions is aiming to increase the number of shelter beds as soon as possible. The office, which opened in October, is embarking on a number of initiatives guided by Phoenix’s Strategies to Address Homelessness plan. With over 6,000 people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix on a given night, the team has urgently created 592 new shelter beds since last year and has 800 more to come over the next two years. (Subscription: The Arizona Republic)
3. The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF) returns Feb. 29 through Mar. 5 for its 27th annual event. The festival will host in-person and virtual screenings of 24 feature-length Jewish films. Featuring works from across the globe, this festival is an annual celebration of Jewish life, culture, and tradition. (Eight, Arizona PBS)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Cool Nihongo - Culture Through Language At Japanese Friendship Garden Of Phoenix (10:00 AM)
• Raconteuse Cigars Hosts Exclusive Cigar Pairing Experience Featuring ADVentura Cigars At Warehouse215 (5:00 PM)
• Performance Pop Up: Keith Johnson And Sankofa Island Magic At Herberger Theater Center (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Phoenix high schoolers who are giving back to their community can apply for the Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year Award and potentially win $2,000. The application is available here and is open until Feb. 24. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)
• The M3 Fest has announced its lineup for the 2023 festival at Hance Park. Tickets are available here with all proceeds from the event set to benefit charities. (Phoenix Convention Center via Facebook)
• The first annual Black History Month "Hike with a Firefighter, Hear from a Park Ranger" event is today from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.! The event is free and family-friendly. (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.