What is our community center? It’s simply put, a place that one can come for the dignity of a host of things that the lucky amongst us just don’t even notice as luxuries. These may be things that are just there in our lives; access to showers, laundry, wifi, power outlets, a comfy seat to relax. So many of our friends that are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity are currently living without these things, and it is our mission to make those everyday necessities accessible to our guests and create a space where people feel comfortable asking for they need.
We operate in the strategy of Harm Reduction. Harm reduction is a public health approach and set of strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with certain behaviors, particularly those related to substance use and risky behaviors. The primary goal of harm reduction is to minimize the harms and risks associated with these activities without necessarily requiring abstinence or complete cessation.
Harm reduction recognizes that certain behaviors, such as drug use, sex work, or other risky activities, may persist despite legal restrictions and social disapproval. Instead of focusing solely on eliminating these behaviors, harm reduction seeks to offer pragmatic and compassionate solutions to address the immediate dangers and health risks that individuals engaging in these activities may face.
HRH413 developed Harm Reduction Works-HRW in response to the need for a harm reduction based alternative to abstinence only self-help/mutual aid groups. This is NOT in opposition to abstinence only groups. Harm Reduction Works-HRW is really for anyone who wants to know more about harm reduction and how it might help, for any reason regardless of their using or drinking history. This includes people with long term abstinence based recovery who actively participate in other groups such as 12 step. We say this explicitly because the typical narrative mistakenly places harm reduction in opposition to abstinence.
Harm reduction includes abstinence.
Harm reduction does not oppose abstinence.
Harm Reduction Works-HRW is a low threshold group to begin. Because it is fully scripted and exercise driven (choosing exercises is left to each group individually) it is conceivable someone with little knowledge of harm reduction can start a group and begin to explore what harm reduction is and how it might help them and those they love, in community.
What is our community center? It’s simply put, a place that one can come for the dignity of a host of things that the lucky amongst us just don’t even notice as luxuries. These may be things that are just there in our lives; access to showers, laundry, wifi, power outlets, a comfy seat to relax. So many of our friends that are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity are currently living without these things, and it is our mission to make those everyday necessities accessible to our guests and create a space where people feel comfortable asking for they need.
We operate in the strategy of Harm Reduction. Harm reduction is a public health approach and set of strategies aimed at reducing the negative consequences associated with certain behaviors, particularly those related to substance use and risky behaviors. The primary goal of harm reduction is to minimize the harms and risks associated with these activities without necessarily requiring abstinence or complete cessation.
Harm reduction recognizes that certain behaviors, such as drug use, sex work, or other risky activities, may persist despite legal restrictions and social disapproval. Instead of focusing solely on eliminating these behaviors, harm reduction seeks to offer pragmatic and compassionate solutions to address the immediate dangers and health risks that individuals engaging in these activities may face.
Join Laura as she brings an assignment each week to engage in creativity. Materials provided for both the planned assignment and free form art exploration.