Harm Reduction for the Homelessness Sector

This training explores harm reduction as an evidence-based approach to minimizing the risks associated with substance use. Harm reduction involves a broad range of strategies applicable in the housing and homeless-serving sectors. This course highlights the importance of addressing stigma and unconscious bias related to substance use and homelessness. Harm reduction plays a crucial role in strategies to end homelessness.

Included in the Training:

• Goals and benefits of harm reduction
• Principles of harm reduction
• Policies and practices for emergency shelters and housing programs
• Equity-based approaches for working with individuals who use substances and those experiencing homelessness
• Challenges in implementing harm reduction

While harm reduction is often associated with specific interventions like needle exchange and supervised consumption, it encompasses many practical strategies applicable across various roles. This training is designed to support frontline service providers in the homeless-serving sector by equipping them with knowledge and practical resources. It prepares staff to work with individuals who use substances through a rights-based and equity-oriented approach, offering practical resources, strategies, and techniques suitable for outreach, shelters, and housing programs.