BRIC will be hosting a town hall to discuss a recent policy targeting unhoused New Yorkers. The policy states that unhoused individuals who appear mentally ill can be forcibly hospitalized, raising serious questions about the treatment of those battling mental illness. The town hall aims to discuss proactive and sustainable approaches to engaging with those living at the intersection of mental health issues and housing insecurity.
Many of society’s most vulnerable groups live at the intersection of mental health issues and housing displacement, as seen across populations such as those struggling with substance abuse, the formerly incarcerated, youth aging out of the foster care system, LGBTQ youth, and seniors. Many of these groups are also more likely to experience increased involvement with the criminal justice system and over-policing.
To discuss this new policy attend the #BHeard Town Hall on Healing with Housing: Decriminalizing the Unhoused & Mentally Ill, on Thursday February 23 from 7 until 8:30 p.m., at the BRICHouse Ballroom (647 Fulton St. Brooklyn, NY 11217).
The panel of experts includes Norman Siegel, Civil Liberties Lawyer; Devone Nash, Mental Health Advocate; Alyssa Katz, Executive Editor, The City; Bridgette Callaghan, Vice President of Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) Programs at the Institute of Community Living (ICL); Crystal Hudson; Council Member for New York City’s District 35 and Celina Trowell, Homeless Union Organizer, Organizing & Campaigns (Vocal NY).
Discussion questions include: Is there a more proactive and sustainable approach to engaging with those living at the intersection of mental health issues and housing insecurity? How can we create a meaningful system of care while not compromising basic human and civil rights?
