Event format: Peer Conversation
Cities across the country are witnessing the impacts of homelessness in our parks, public spaces, and communities. While the causes of homelessness are complex, park organizations can be a part of the solution by creating safe and welcoming public spaces and partnerships to improve outcomes for the unhoused. While park leaders cannot solve these problems alone, they can forge new partnerships and adopt innovative approaches that make a positive impact.
We’ll start our conversation by exploring recent research on place-based care models, partnerships, and strategies that provide safe parks for all. We’ll then hear about the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District’s homeless outreach program, which builds trust-based relationships with homeless individuals and connects them to essential services.
The rest of the time will be spent in conversation, so please be ready to share your particular challenges, successes, perspectives, questions, and strategies with your peers!
Photo credit: Daily Bruin.