Registration is closed

Course Session Dates:

• Tuesday, May 16 @ 10am-12pm ET
• Thursday, May 18 @ 10am-12pm ET

Course Description:

When placemakers and place managers encounter people experiencing crisis, mental illness, addiction, or homelessness in public space, many don’t know how to work with them compassionately while balancing the needs of all users. This can lead to choices that harm the most vulnerable and perpetuate the broader crises facing our cities.

In this two-day crash course, Project for Public Spaces offers an overview of how the mental health and housing crises play out in public space, and how placemakers can partner with social service providers to contribute to more inclusive places and fairer cities. 
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Topics will include:

• Why are people homeless in public spaces in the United States
• The role of public space in the lives of people experiencing crises like homelessness and mental illness
• The pros and cons of common strategies for addressing conflicts between users of public space
• Innovative case studies on connecting people to social services, shelter, and housing in public space from New York, Atlanta, and more

What to Expect:

Two training sessions. These sessions will be hosted for two hours, with half of the time dedicated to presentations, and the other half dedicated to breakout discussions and Q and A. 

• May 16 - Session 1: An introduction to homelessness in public space
• May 18 - Session 2: Tools and techniques for social inclusion

Core Facilitators and Speakers:

• Elena Madison, Director of Projects, Project for Public Spaces

Guest Speakers:

• Fountain House, New York, NY
• Times Square Alliance, New York, NY
• National Alliance to End Homelessness, Washington D.C.

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If you have any questions about this training or registration, please contact info@pps.org.

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‍Scholarship application:

The scholarship application has now closed, the deadline to apply was April 23. We will notify all applicants of their status by email the week of May 1. Please note we only have a limited amount of scholarship funding and our process will follow a pay-what-you-can model where you propose what you are able to pay to attend this training. This amount will not factor into your application review.

Historically, placemaking as a profession has only been accessible to a privileged few. To that end, this scholarship application process will prioritize candidates from low-income communities, communities of color, and other communities affected by social inequities. Priority will also be given to candidates who clearly describe how the training will support their current work or professional development.

Notifications: Week of May 1, 2023