KFPL, United Way holding two-day panel: Let’s Talk About Homelessness

Homelessness is a stubborn, tragic issue that can only be addressed through education, dialogue and collaboration, Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) said in a media release. Join the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington and KFPL for Let’s Talk About Homelessness, a two-day series of panel discussions centred on reducing stigma toward homeless populations.

The first panel on Tuesday, Mar. 29, 2022, focuses on youth homelessness, according to the release. Speakers include River Hill, a lived experience consultant on the United Way Youth Homelessness Steering Committee, Krystal O’Farrell of One Roof Youth Hub, Victoria Adams of the Youth Diversion Program, and Catherine Oxford of the Kingston Youth Shelter.

The second panel, on Wednesday, Mar. 30, 2022, features Jay Nowak of the Street Outreach Program, Amanda Brierley of In From the Cold Emergency Adult Shelter, and Ashley O’Brien and Amanda Rogers of the Integrated Care Hub. The library said that these local representatives will discuss the landscape of homelessness in our region and how to reduce negative attitudes towards those that suffer through these experiences.

“There’s a growing interest in addressing the needs of those without a home, and how the wider community can work towards providing these people with a dignified life,” said Jake Miller, Librarian, Adult Programming. “Learning from these community panelists will highlight the need to reform how we approach the topic.”

Let’s Talk About Homelessness: Youth Panel will take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on March 29. Register at https://calendar.kfpl.ca/event/6317349. Let’s Talk About Homelessness: Adult Panel will take place the next evening: 7 to 8:30 p.m on March 30. Register at https://calendar.kfpl.ca/event/6250549.

Interested in learning more about this topic? Check out Her Name Was Margaret – A Failing System and Homelessness on Mar. 31 at 7 p.m. Register at https://calendar.kfpl.ca/event/6113512.