GLN TeachAbout - Homelessness - Tracy Woodard, 15 February 2023, noon to 12:45 PM

[Paul Terlemezian]

Please join our TeachAbout led by Tracy Woodard, Classic Violinist, Homeless Advocate

Here is the link to the event:

Topic: GLN TeachAbout - Homelessness - Tracy Woodard
Time: Feb 15, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82040951420?pwd=ZnpTb2ZQb0NHcVZoUGZrWmQvT...

Meeting ID: 820 4095 1420
Passcode: 626514
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Here is the format of the event:

Expert: Tracy Woodard

Four - 10 Minute Segments

1. Facilitated conversation amongst LEARNERS (panelists) on the topic
   1. in the presence of an expert
   2. who is muted and off-camera
2. Expert presentation
3. Facilitated conversation amongst LEARNERS on the Presentation
   1. agree on questions to ask the expert
   2. who is again muted and off-camera
4. Facilitated conversation including the expert
   1. who may or may not choose to answer the questions
   2. who may pose questions of their own!

[Paul Terlemezian]

To prepare for this session I asked ChatGPT:

What are the most common misconceptions about homelessness

There are several common misconceptions about homelessness that persist in society, despite being unsupported by evidence. Here are some of the most prevalent misconceptions:

1. Homeless people are lazy and don't want to work: Many people believe that homeless individuals are unemployed by choice and don't want to work. In reality, however, the majority of homeless people have jobs but their income is not enough to cover their basic needs, such as housing and food.

2. Homeless people are drug addicts or mentally ill: This stereotype perpetuates the idea that homelessness is caused by individual failings, such as drug addiction or mental illness. While some homeless people may have substance abuse issues or mental health challenges, these problems are often a result of homelessness, not the cause.

3. Homelessness is a problem limited to big cities: Homelessness is often thought to be a problem that only affects urban areas, but it is a widespread issue that affects rural communities as well. In fact, rural homelessness can be even more difficult to address due to the lack of resources and support systems available in these areas.

4. Providing housing and assistance to homeless people will just attract more homeless people: Some people believe that providing assistance to homeless individuals will only attract more homeless people to the area. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, providing affordable housing and support services can help reduce homelessness and improve the lives of those who are experiencing it.

It's important to challenge these misconceptions and promote a more accurate and empathetic understanding of homelessness.

[Paul Terlemezian]

Tracy, thank you for an excellent TeachAbout today. I learned a lot an am eager for the conversation to continue. Thank you also to Alice and Brent for your participation.

Here is a link to a site I found with statistics on world-wide homelessness - https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/homelessness-by-...

Here is the link to the City of Refuge website - https://cityofrefugeatl.org/

With appreciation,

Paul