Watch: "If Seattle is Dying, How Do We Heal" - A Discussion on Homelessness

"If Seattle is Dying, How Do We Heal" - A Discussion on Homelessness 5-15-19

Hosted by Jenna Beem of Health Discovery Acupuncture & Yoga, LLC.

Homelessness in Seattle has been at epidemic proportions for too long. Lately, there has been a lot of discussion around this topic. The city has spent large amounts of money on the issue in the past few years yet there are still thousands of people living on the streets or in shelters every night.

Citizens of Seattle are interested in compassionately addressing homelessness and need guidance on understanding the problem and brainstorming solutions. This is not about asking for a quick fix. Real, sustainable change takes time and dedication. We want to open up a discussion so we, as a city, can start moving in that direction.

To add to the current conversations, we have created a panel of a wide range of experience ranging from people experiencing homelessness, people who work with people experiencing homelessness and other concerned citizens. We just want to create a space for people to talk about all the various aspects of this issue.

Our Panelists are: 1. Michele Storms, the Executive Director ACLU of Washington 2. Denise Malm, MSW, Senior Center Social Worker and housing advocate 3. Patricia Terry, LISW Supervisor of Harborview Downtown Mental Health Program 4. Sameer Ranade, Environmental Justice Policy Advocate 5. Sharon Blincoe, The People Helping People Foundation, Non-Profit 6. Craig Gibson, YouthCare's Volunteer & Community Engagement Specialist

How do we, (people of Seattle) address the systemic problems in society contributing to the conditions that lead up to living on the streets? How does trauma contribute to homelessness and we help them heal from trauma? How do we create access to healthcare for all? How do we create safe, supportive communities? How does systemic racism contribute and how do we begin to dismantle racism in this city? How do we create affordable housing options with housing costs increasing at these crazy rates? What other systemic problems contribute to income inequality? How do we reintegrate the people currently homeless back into the workforce with livable wages? How do we clean up our city and support our local environment? How do we change Seattle to a city where no one sleeps on the streets?

This is an incomplete list of questions. Nothing is off the table. This panel is designed to dive deep into all factors from any direction. There are so many compassionate, hard working people addressing these issues everyday in different ways. Collaboration feels powerful. How do we connect the dots and fill in any blanks?

If there is a demand for it, this may become an evolving series.