How Parks and Recreation Can Support People Experiencing Homelessness – August Bonus Episode

The August issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now,
and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving
deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, titled,
“Homelessness: How Can I Help?”


The article explores how homelessness continues to be a serious
social and public health issue in the U.S., and how park and
recreation agencies are increasingly helping to support their
community members who are experiencing homelessness and housing
instability.


I’m thrilled to welcome the authors of the article, Austin
Barrett, NRPA’s evaluation manager, and Allison Colman, NRPA’s
director of health, to today’s episode. And, we are honored to be
joined by a leader in the field whose department has been
providing essential services for people experiencing homelessness
for years now, Greg White, the director of City of Decatur,
Georgia’s Active Living Division.


Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about how park
and recreation professionals can be part of the solution to this
issue. You’ll also learn:


Statistics on how homelessness is an increasingly serious
social and public health issue in the U.S.

Ways park and recreation professionals can provide support to
people experiencing homelessness, even if it’s outside of their
core responsibilities

What types of resources Greg and his staff at Decatur Active
Living Division are providing people experiencing homelessness

How intentional partnerships, relationships and trust are
central to this work

The importance of Community Wellness Hubs in supporting this
work

How we can break down the stigma surrounding homelessness,
and much more!



Additional Resources:


Parks and Recreation: Addressing Substance Use and Mental
Health Disorders

Community Wellness Hubs

Blog Post: Solutions to Homelessness — The Role of Parks and
Recreation

Blog Post: Understanding Homelessness: The Extent, Causes and
Local Solutions

City of Decatur Active Living

S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Local
Assistance for People Experiencing Homelessness

HUD Exchange: Point-in-Time Count and Housing Inventory Count

HUD Exchange: Homelessness Assistance Programs by State