Please join the American Bar Association Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, in conjunction with The Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland, the Maryland State Bar Association, and the Montgomery County Interagency Commission on Homelessness, for an interactive discussion on alternatives to the criminalization of homelessness with stakeholders from local services programs, city/county agencies and systems, the legal community, law enforcement, and people with lived experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know the ABA and the Commission and get connected to similar efforts across the country, learn about and engage with your local community, and meet members of the local, state and national bar associations.

The program will begin with a welcome and introductions by Amanda Harris, Chief, Special Needs Housing, Montgomery County HHS; Julie Petersen, Executive Director of The Bar Association of Montgomery County; and Reena Shah, Director of the Maryland Access to Justice Commission of the Maryland State Bar.  Next, persons with experience with the Criminal Justice System, Kathy Knight with the State’s Attorney’s Office, Stephanie Joseph with the Public Defender’s Office and a representative with the Police Department will participate in a facilitated dialogue. Then, all stakeholders in attendance will discuss the community’s successes, positive strategies/best practices and how to build off the momentum to leverage existing expertise and resources. Participants will also identify gaps, areas for improvement, and how providers can serve as a resource to law enforcement.

WHAT: Alternatives to the Criminalization of Homelessness Forum

WHEN: Friday, April 26, 1:30pm – 3:30pm

WHERE: Montgomery County Executive Office Building, Auditorium (101 Monroe Street Rockville, MD 20850)

WHY: To discuss the community’s successes, positive strategies/best practices and how to build off the momentum to leverage existing expertise and resources. Participants will also identify gaps, areas for improvement, and how providers can continue to serve as a resource to law enforcement.

We hope you can join us to share your unique perspective.  If you are unable to attend, we invite you to encourage a colleague to attend. Additionally, we welcome suggestions for additional participants.

*Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP by emailing Kelly.Russo@americanbar.org.