Recommendations

The variety of themes identified this year call for actions that fall upon the individual and those which require larger social change. The purpose of this section is to identify these points of action and provide a working framework for providers, community members, and homeless individuals for years to come. While the Durham AOCD Team acknowledges and applauds the steps Durham has been taking to ease the burden of homelessness, it remains necessary to address the points brought to the table by a number of providers and community members.

Under the rubric of policy level themes, macro level change is necessary. The future recommendations for these larger societal issues will call for policies that challenge zoning laws and revitalization efforts of downtown, enforce existing laws regulating the management of properties (such as rent control), and support of policies that might lead to an increase in the availability of affordable housing. While Durham's City Government has been pro-active in providing financial support to several of the emergency agencies, transitional housing agencies, and shelters, there may be a need to address the conditions that have led to the reliance of such services in the first place. This might call policy makers to recognize the existing housing disparities and challenge them to reduce these inequities by remaining acutely aware of the needs of this potentially voiceless segment of Durham's population. Reducing these inequities may include considering to a greater extent the far-reaching implications of each policy on all of Durham's residents.

Closely tied to policy level actions are those at the organizational and community level. At the organizational level, action might include making slight adjustments to the structure of service agencies in order to encourage the participation of those utilizing the services. This would involve fostering an environment, which invites and truly considers the voice of individuals currently facing the challenges of homelessness in the formation and evaluation of these services. Another important step is to increase the communication and collaboration of the service providers in Durham, as a method of creating a system of service delivery that is more efficacious for both the provider and those utilizing the services to navigate. At the community level, it may be beneficial to increase the level of awareness and involvement of community members in order to facilitate a greater sense of social responsibility for the living conditions of all in Durham. It is also important for the community to encourage and support programs that provide life skills training, job training, and skill enhancement activities.

At the individual level, the most important action step is to increase respect among service providers, community members, and the homeless alike. Despite the wide range of voices heard in variety of life circumstances, there was not a great deal of conflicting information gathered. Yet, in spite of these similarities, there seemed to be a communication gap between the providers of services and those utilizing these services. This gap may be narrowed with the advent of increased mutual respect and empathy for the unique circumstances of each person. The service providers in Durham should be recognized for their dedication to providing aid to those in need and their creativity in making the most out of limited funds. Individuals faced with homelessness should be acknowledged for their great fortitude in the face of challenging life circumstances.

The points presented above are recommendations for future action as they pertain to the themes identified through the analysis of data collected through interviews with service providers, community members, and individuals facing homelessness. They are not meant to downplay the work that many individuals are currently undertaking, but rather provide an outline for steps that may lend strength to the current efforts by service providers, community members, and homeless individuals to affect the conditions in Durham leading to homelessness.

Community Forum Report

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References