Voices of the Community

Making the Invisible Visible - Finding Home Part 2

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Episode notes

“So, if people need potable water, then we need to provide them with that. Or if people are looking for a job that we don't need to categorize that. We can start to put away our own judgment and provide them with the opportunity that they're putting in front of us versus us telling them, no, no, you need to go get treatment before you get a job”- Mary Carl

In Part Two of our “Finding Home” Live Show, experts and those with lived experience discuss the complexities of homelessness in San Francisco; Along with solutions, focusing on the urgent need for safe housing, community collaboration, and long-term investment to create lasting impact and stability for those affected.

Host: George Koster
Guests: Sammie Rayner - Community Forward, Meghan Freebeck - Simply the Basics, Lydia Bransten - The Gubbio Project, Mary Carl - Miracle Messages, Erica Kisch - Compass Family Services

Key Highlights and Takeaways from the Panel Discussion:

  • Long-Term Solutions: Experts emphasize the importance of long-term investment in stable housing and community services, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and older adults.
  • Safety and Dignity: Safety is a central concern, with a focus on ensuring safe spaces for those experiencing homelessness, and not just offering shelter, but the right kind of support.
  • Coalition-Building: Collaboration between organizations, government, and the community is essential for creating a comprehensive and sustainable approach to addressing homelessness.

Three Things you can do to support our unhoused neighbors:

  • Donate or Volunteer: Support the organizations featured in the discussion by donating or offering your time to help those experiencing homelessness 
  • Advocate for Funding: Encourage local policymakers to support and fund long-term housing solutions, like Proposition A, to create permanent housing and safer environments for all.
  • Join Community Initiatives: Participate in local initiatives to provide services such as hygiene kits, food, and shelter for those in need, and help bridge gaps in services.

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Delve deeper into Voices of the Community Series on Arts & Culture, Making the Invisible-Visible, Covid-19's impact on nonprofits, small businesses and local government, City of Stockton's rise from the ashes of bankruptcy and our archives: You can explore episodes, speakers, organizations, and resources through each series web page. Watch and learn from all five series now!