People Experiencing Homelessness: How Libraries Can Be Community Collaborators and Catalysts for Change
A Session by Jose Perez , Elizabeth Skinner and Nan LaRosee
About this Session
Serving people experiencing homelessness and those at-risk for homelessness is a challenge many libraries face--urban and rural, public and academic. Forsyth County Public Library has developed best practices for serving this population and collaborating with social service providers in the community. With programs ranging from Books for Dudes book club, Chess Club, weekly movies and a Homeless Caucus, the Librarys Peer Support Specialist develops programs and works one-on-one referring clients to needed community services. The unique needs of families experiencing homelessness in Childrens and Teen Departments will be shared. Conducting Poverty Simulations for staff and the public will be outlined.