Engaging with Homelessness
Please join us for a panel discussion focused on humanizing homelessness – putting individual faces and stories to a concept from which we often distance ourselves.
We will review policy solutions currently underway in Seattle and talk about what we can do beyond policy to alleviate homelessness in our city. For example, as designers, we have the unique opportunity to create safe and welcoming spaces for all. Hear from the City of Seattle Human Services Department’s Deputy Director, Jason Johnson, and Facing Homelessness and BLOCK Project co-owner, architect Jennifer LaFreniere, and Dave Willard, Manager of the Downtown Seattle Associations’ Homeless Outreach team as they discuss what has changed in Seattle since the Poppe Report was released 14 months ago and what individuals and groups can do to make a difference.
We aim to empower our members to not only learn about the crisis at hand but also to make a direct impact in their communities. The second half of the event will teach attendees how to interact with individuals who are experiencing homelessness or who may be mentally ill. We will hear from a service provider who works directly with homeless and mentally ill clients and discuss ways to humanize those we see on the street. Finally, we will hand out and stuff backpacks with supplies to distribute to individuals we encounter who are experiencing homelessness. We will provide the supplies, you may either bring your own backpack or take one of ours for a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds will go to Facing Homelessness’ BLOCK Project. Participants are encouraged to make a direct connection with someone experiencing homelessness as they deliver the backpack(s).
5:30-6:10 pm | panelists presentations and brief Q&A
6:10-6:25 pm | interaction discussion
6:25-6:30 pm | Backpack explanation
6:30-7:00 pm | Bag assembly/ hand out
RSVP today!
Would you like to support this event with donations?
The Center for Architecture & Design is accepting donations from members and the community through the end of October. Some things we could use include:
- Socks
- Gloves
- Beanies
- Underwear
- Warm cloths (lightly used okay)
- Emergen-C packets
- Aspirin packets / compact emergency kit items (Band-Aids, Neosporin, etc.)
- Granola & nutritional bars / nonperishable foods
- Blankets / towels
- Hygiene / care products (feminine hygiene products, tooth brushes, tooth paste, mouth wash, deodorant, baby wipes, soap, etc.)
- Water
- Rain ponchos
- Emergency space blankets
- Pet food (label with ingredient preferred)
Can’t make it to the event but still want to help hand out backpacks?
Great! We will be assembling a total of 60 backpacks that will be available at this event but if you are unable to attend please call the Center afterwards to see if we have leftover bags. We will store all leftover bag at the Center until they have all been handed out.
