Homelessness 201: Mindfulness on Zoom

Course Description:

Mindfulness means paying friendly attention to yourself and the world around you. Its origins come from Eastern Philosophy but many of the principles have been adapted to several different types of disciplines in today’s world with great success (eg. Psychology, Healthcare, Social Services, Education etc.). Practicing Mindfulness can reduce stress, anxiety and improve focus and communication. Mindfulness allows for somebody to be more likely to have intent when making decisions. This session is intended to be a first step (hopefully followed by many more) in understanding what Mindfulness is and how it is applicable to Supportive Housing. The information will be directed toward providers and how they can develop this skill to increase their ability to work better with those around them.

Presenter Bios:

Warren Duncan: Warren is the Program Director at Hearth Connection.  As a native of Des Moines, IA, he graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Sociology.  He began his career as a volunteer at a meal program and delivered meals to the homeless on the streets of Des Moines.  Warren has worked with homeless children in an emergency shelter, with at-risk adolescents at an alternative high school, supervised a group home in the south metro and served as a Case Manager for the chronically homeless in the Twin Cities.  He has been working in permanent supportive housing for the last 10 years and is passionate about using Housing First and Harm Reduction principles.

Nellie Bruce is the Crisis Housing Coordinator at Hearth Connection, a role in which she provides DHS funding assistance to low-income individuals entering mental health or chemical dependency treatment. Nellie has been serving in this role for 3 years, following the transition of the program from one social service organization to another. Prior to working at Hearth Connection, Nellie served as a community development officer at Minnesota Housing Partnership, working with native communities, rural governments and housing authorities to develop holistic affordable housing and community development initiatives. She is currently finishing her Master of Human Rights from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, focusing on rights-based approaches to housing and economic justice.

How to register:  Registration below is broken into Member & Non-Member.  If you are unsure whether you are part of a member organization or would like more information about membership, please contact Michele.  If you choose to pay by credit card, you will be walked through payment process and receive an automated email confirming your payment and registration.  If you choose to pay by check, you will receive an invoice from MESH.  If you are using a credit for a previously paid for training that was cancelled, choose pay by check and remind me you have a credit.  Payment is expected prior to training date.  Please contact Michele if scholarship help is needed.  You may register more than 1 person at a time and note the names in the space provided.  I will send out the Zoom link to participants the day prior to the training.