Wednesday, June 1, 2016: 8:00 AM-9:30 AM
Broadway IV (Hilton Portland)
Throughout the past five decades in the US, communities have experienced alarming and rising levels of excessive use of force by law enforcement. Recently, those communities most vulnerable and exposed to such tactics and the resulting devastation are organizing and, with their allies, demanding accountability and change. Health Care for the Homeless projects are in a pivotal position to help lead the effort. In 2012, the Department of Justice announced its intent to investigate the Albuquerque Police Department after 25 shootings in just two years. The DOJ released a scathing report in April 2014 finding a pattern and practice of civil rights violations. Local organizations formed a coalition dedicated to ensuring real reform, a structure and resources to enforce it, and a broad and united group prepared to hold decision makers and those responsible for implementation accountable to the community. From that discussion, APD Forward was launched.
This workshop will engage participants in a case presentation and discussion of the role of HCH projects in reform accountability. Panel presenters include coalition founders who represent an HCH project, a legal advocacy organization, and community organizing entity. In addition, consumer leaders will demonstrate the Building Bridges curriculum. In 2004, Nashville Homeless Power Project developed this training led by people currently or previously experiencing homelessness after criminalization efforts in the city dramatically increased tensions between these groups. The training is designed to disprove stereotypes, build relationships among people experiencing homelessness, law enforcement and social workers, and identify alternatives to the current police responses to people on the streets.
Speakers:
Jennifer L. Metzler, MPH (Executive Director, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.)
Peter Simonson, Ph.D. (Executive Director, ACLU of New Mexico)
Adriann Barboa (Field Director, Strong Families NM of Forward Together)
Carmon Ryals, N/A (AHCH BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless)