Ryan Dowd, executive director of a large homeless shelter in Chicago, trains organizations around the world on how to compassionately manage challenging situations with individuals experiencing homelessness. He will be offering a free workshop on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 2-5pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship located at 61980 Skyline Ranch Road in Bend.
Ryan will present empathy-based tools to work with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness and trauma. His training will provide an explanation of behaviors, including neurological changes caused by trauma, and the practical skills for deescalating conflict and gaining voluntary compliance with rules. Participants will gain a better understanding of homelessness and can use the information to assist in building an effective business protocol, if needed.
This event is timely, as our region currently struggles to meet the needs of an increased number of our community members who are unable to access and afford a home. Enhanced understanding and compassion can be a catalyst for community members and leaders to create sustainable solutions. Training is intended for business owners, law enforcement, parks and recreation staff, health care workers, business owners, nonprofits, community leaders and elected officials. It is open to the public, but space is limited. To RSVP, contact info@cohomeless.org.
For more information, please contact DeeDee Johnson, HLC Affordable Housing Committee member, 541-385-5387 ext. 103, or Colleen Thomas, HLC co-chair, 541-317-3153 or chair@cohomeless.org.
About the Central Oregon Homeless Leadership Coalition: The Homeless Leadership Coalition is a collaboration of community partners in Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes counties and The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs engaging the community through education, advocacy, planning, prioritization and accountability for services to persons experiencing homelessness. HLC consists of more than 40 organizations including faith communities, shelter providers, public schools, public health, emergency services, veterans’ outreach, public safety, mental health, housing services, public services, private employers and community advocates. They represent a diverse group of interests, unified by a common focus: A Central Oregon where everyone has a safe, stable place to call home. HLC is a volunteer-based coalition.
