A harm reduction approach to serving encampments during uncertain times

A Harm Reduction approach to serving encampments during uncertain times

This training will equip unhoused service providers with practical tools to engage encampment residents through a harm reduction lens. Participants will learn strategies rooted in trauma-informed care and cultural humility to build trust, reduce stigma, and safely conduct encampment outreach. The session also covers coordination, documentation, and advocacy approaches that strengthen inter-agency collaboration and promote equitable care in encampment outreach.

Learning objectives:

• Define the purpose and principles of encampment outreach: Explain how harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility guide outreach to people who use drugs (PWUD) and unsheltered residents.
  
• Demonstrate effective strategies for building trust and rapport: Apply communication and engagement techniques that reduce stigma and foster mutual respect with encampment residents.
  
• Identify and respond to common risks and crises in the field: Use evidence-based approaches for de-escalation, mental health response, and overdose management while maintaining personal and team safety.
  
• Navigate ethical and logistical challenges in encampment settings: Recognize boundaries, confidentiality issues, and coordination challenges when working across multiple agencies or service systems.
  
• Utilize mapping and coordination tools to enhance outreach efficiency: Describe how to document encampment locations, track follow-up visits, and coordinate care with public health, behavioral health, and housing partners.
  
• Advocate for system-level improvements that support equitable care: Identify opportunities to influence policies and practices that reduce barriers for marginalized populations and improve inter-agency collaboration.