Response to homeless crisis focus of monthly talks

People are familiar with the general concept of homelessness and its pervasiveness, but not many are familiar with the local system responding to the issue.

Council for the Homeless is holding a series of monthly talks beginning this that looks at Clark County’s homeless crisis response system.

“Homelessness is a major issue for our community. By increasing community knowledge of the crisis response system, the more we can work together toward solutions that help people find a permanent place to live,” Kate Budd, executive director of the nonprofit, said in a news release.

“We encourage community members to join us to learn how the system is organized, why certain approaches are used (or not used) at this time and how they can engage in the best practice basics,” she said. “The sessions will also help dispel myths about homelessness and the people who experience it.”

In total, there will be six sessions held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the community room at Vancouver Housing Authority, 2500 Main St.

• June 20: The demographic makeup of people experiencing homelessness in Clark County and what causes homelessness.

• July 18: Coordinated entry, assessment and how it’s provided in the county.

• Aug. 20: Housing First Rapid-Re-Housing and how it’s used here.

• Sept. 24: Housing First Permanent Supportive Housing and how it’s used here.

• Oct. 15: Volunteer opportunities for winter weather shelter.

• Nov. 12: Emergency shelters in Clark County and who they serve. Why aren’t emergency shelters the solution to homelessness?

More information about the series is online at www.councilforthehomeless.org/community-education-and-advocacy-trainings.