United in Conversation: Understanding Homelessness

United In Conversation” – an innovative, signature community conversation framework. United In Conversation events will bring people together to learn and unlearn in collaborative, interactive discussion sessions between community members with diverse perspectives on each event’s topic.

Our Objective: To facilitate and encourage open and honest conversations about issues our community is facing to create greater understanding, empathy and spark action.

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United in Conversation: Understanding Homelessness

Why This Conversation Is Necessary Now:

Homelessness hurts. Everyone. No one wants to be without a place to call home. No one wants to live on the street or not know where their next meal will come from. No one wants to see another human living in inhumane conditions. But if we all agree on this, why is homelessness still an issue in our community? Why do some people say “not in my backyard” when new housing solutions are proposed? Homelessness is complex. We know a combination of individual, systemic and structural factors result in another human living without a permanent place to call home. Poverty, stigma, inconsistent support systems and personal trauma also play a role. What doesn’t make someone homeless is being lazy, not wanting to work or wanting to live off the system.

Whether we are community members, business owners, front-line workers or play another role, there is more that we can all learn and unlearn so that we can move forward on solutions. When everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home our whole community benefits.

                                                 

>>Solving homelessness starts with listening and open conversations<<

 

The event will have three parts:

Part 1: Feature Films on Homelessness (presented by The Oaktree Project)

Four short length films that show conversations between local business owners, those working in the social service sector and individuals who have been personally impacted by homelessness. The films will be posted under the “Films” tab above, shared on social media and sent via e-mail to all registrants on May 1st, 2022.

Community members who have registered for the live event will be encouraged to watch the videos prior to attending to the live event on May 12th and to consider the reflection questions that will be provided with the videos.

Part 2: In Person Community Conversation With Film Participants

Building on the stories that we heard through the Oak Tree Project, Guelph and Wellington is having an honest, challenging and solution-focused conversation about homelessness. Join us as we learn about the complexities of homelessness and the ways we can collaborate to support our entire community.

When: Thursday, May 12th 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Where: Shelldale Centre (20 Shelldale Crescent, Guelph, ON N1H 1C8)

*For those who cannot attend in person, there is an option to register to view the Live Stream of the event so registrants can watch from the comfort of their home.

Part 3: An Exciting Announcement made with Community Partners

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Join us and our community partners, for a special announcement. Media and dignitaries are welcome to join us for the full event, or for this portion only.

 

REGISTER NOW: https://app.kambeo.io/event/united.in.conversation.

 

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