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HomeMy WebLinkAbout120924 - Public Comment from Maggie CURATING EMPATHY EXHIBIT Photovoice with Unhoused Neighbors of Port Townsend C. ' '` ' i I .t Vu . ice C 7YI • jt r1f►, �( "f':• Ate' •- �1 -. • 4';1 t i r.. .h .i 4 . 1 f,A. ,....Nj A ditV 404 ArISS A2 ' •kd�j4„• {i c ; .d s• .s Itv* w ii t i/i, Over the last eight months, our unhoused DOPE GRp,N PEN/A, neighbors have captured powerful images to influence policy and challenge FRIDAY the harmful stigmas held against them. DECEMBER 6TH Using photovoice, we highlight these 4PM GPM barriers, promote dialogue, and encourage person-centered policies to be Public Health Office 615 Sheridan St, adopted in our community. The exhibit, Port Townsend featuring photographs, quotes, and themes, will start at Public Health and run until early February. In 2025, the exhibit ?`-' HOURS will rotate to various locations, concluding FRIDAYS ONLY at the Jefferson Museum. DEC - FEB 2PM -4PM DONATION DRIVE @ GRAND OPENING Next location TBD • Clean Blankets & • Tents &Tent Stakes Announcement via Sleeping Bags • Duct Tape/Tent Social Media • New Socks - wool blend Repair Kits preferred • L/XL Coats Jefferson Historical • New Underwear • Base Layers Society Museum • Hot Hands • Camping Supplies August December • Little Bags/ Fanny Packs • Propane Tanks 0 @build.community.first Human-Centered Policies Improving Quality of Life and Access to Care /kiy photographing our community—highlighting strengths weaknesses, and moments of joy-unhoused community members identified policy changes and programs that would enhance their quality of life and improve access to care. Policy Suggestions: • Trauma-ire. .i Police Training:Participants highlighted the need for trauma informed training for police officers.In a small community,even after individuals improve their lives,they often continue to be profiled by police. This acknowledgement in public perpetuates harmful narratives. • Storage Program: Implementing a locker program,such as the bike storage at bus stations,would enable unhoused individuals to store their valuables securely.This initiative would likely increase their willingness to seek medical and mental health care as well as rehabilitation programs. • • Urban Rest Stop: Establish a single location for laundry.showers,and bathrooms,-a proven policy from other areas around the county.Centralizing these services would streamline access and conserve time and energy. • Compassionate Communication: Replace aggressive language around town directed at this population,including signage,with warm empathetic language that offers resources instead of shame.This change would foster a more supportive ecosystem. - T+asn Coliectlon for Encatl,,mc nts. Providing trash receptacles at encampments will significantly reduce pollution to the environment as well as pest and waste related health conditions.Unhoused individuals typically don't want to littler,but the absence of proper disposal option leads to unintended waste. • Housing Mediators: Someone who can act as a mediator between tenants with serious mental health conditions and their landlords to prevent eviction and re-traumatization. • Gig Work Opportunities: Establish drop-in opportunities locally to make money.It can be challenging to hold down a job when experiencing homelessness and financial urgency,such as paying a phone bill,can often push people towards crime.