PUBLIC FORUM ON WALNUT CREEK HOMELESSNESS

The Walnut Creek Homeless Community Task Force, established in 2015, is hosting a free public forum on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, 6:30-8:30pm in the Oak View Room of the Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek.
 
The forum is designed to give community members, families, and business owners a platform to discuss the impact of homelessness in Walnut Creek and to learn about the actions being taken in Walnut Creek to address homelessness. Speakers will discuss how to respond during encounters with homeless individuals who are struggling with a variety of challenges including drugs, alcohol, and mental health. With a focus on ensuring that all people feel safe in their neighborhoods, speakers will identify resources available to children, parents, and community members should they be concerned for the safety of their person or property.

Speakers and panelists will discuss facts about homelessness, causes of homelessness, problems experienced by the homeless and the community, and possible paths and solutions to issues that result from homelessness in our neighborhoods. During Q&A, panelists will take questions from attendees moderated through Q&A cards available upon entry.
 
Presenters scheduled to attend are Jaime Jenett, Health, Housing, and Homeless Services, Contra Costa Health Services; Victoria Johnson, Creek Kids Care; David Granzotto, Associate Principal, Las Lomas High School; and Officer Nicole Rosenbusch, School Resource Officer, Walnut Creek Police Department.
 
Additionally, panelists scheduled to attend for an extended Q&A are Fatima Matal Sol, Alcohol & Other Drugs Services, Contra Costa Health Services; Michael Fischer, Coordinated Outreach, Referral, Engagement (CORE), Contra Costa Health Services; Natalie Dimidjian, LCSW, Mental Health Program Supervisor, Mobile Crisis Response Team, Contra Costa Health Services; Deputy Yen and Lieutenant Sliger, Contra Costa County Sheriff; Margot Ernst, City of Walnut Creek; Lieutenant Conley, Walnut Creek Police Department; and Donna Colombo and Marjolein Daas, Trinity Center. The forum’s moderator is John Haithcock, Walnut Creek Police Department.

This is a free public event, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP online at www.eventbrite.com.  Search Walnut Creek Community Forum on Homelessness. For more information and to RSVP via e-mail, contact wchomelessctf@gmail.com.