Monday, April 8, 2024 | 2:00pm ET, 1:00pm CT, 12:00pm MT, 11:00am PT

Background

Harm reduction means what it sounds like: mitigating the negative consequences of behaviors like substance use. In the homelessness sector, it connotes non-punitive, housing-first policies and, more specifically, it refers to programs like syringe exchange or naloxone access.  

But harm reduction is also a philosophy characterized by a commitment to preserving human lives. In a certain sense,  a shelter may be considered a harm-reduction measure in that it mitigates the deadliness of unsheltered homelessness. From this perspective, it is “just” harm reduction, failing to address the conditions that lead to homelessness in the first place, the latter sentiment characterizing housing justice, Funders Together's north star. Does that mean harm reduction contradicts housing justice?  

In this facilitated discussion, we’ll dive into the minutia of both connotations of harm reduction: drug-specific policies and broader values. In conversation with members of Funders Together’s network Health Funders for Housing Justice, we’ll hear from two leaders representing harm-reduction powerhouses: the National Harm Reduction Coalition and the Drug Policy Alliance. We hope to leave attendees with practical guidance for grantmaking at the intersection of health and housing and clarity on what housing justice really means.  

Learning Objectives

By participating in the event, participants will be able to:

• Name at least three principles of harm reduction
• Understand how harm reduction fits into housing-justice values
• Describe best-practice harm-reduction services for people who use drugs

Speakers 

• Melissa Moore, Director, Civil Systems Reform, Drug Policy Alliance
• Tanagra M. Melgarejo Pulido, National Director of Capacity Building and Engagement, National Harm Reduction Coalition 

Registration 

Please RSVP for this funder call using the button below. Once staff confirm your eligibility, you will receive a calendar invitation from Michael Durham with a zoom link.   

Registration is free but limited to Funders Together’s full and basic members and other funders. 

Please note: Participation in Funders Together programming is limited to foundations, United Ways, corporate giving programs, philanthropy-serving organizations, and members of Funders Together. Government funder and staff at organizations where grantmaking is not the primary function are not eligible to participate. If you have any questions about your eligibility to participate, please contact Stephanie Chan, Chief Strategy Officer.  

Technology

This funder call will take place via Zoom. Registration will be open until April 7. If you do not receive your Zoom link or have technical issues logging into this call, please reach out to Michael Durham: [email protected]  

This call will last 75 minutes.  

Co-sponsor: Grantmakers In Health