December DHS lecture examines homeless population

Oklahoma City -- Much like any other metropolitan area, Oklahoma City has its share of homeless.  As winter approaches, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) examines the plight of the city’s homeless in the next installment of the Practice and Policy Lecture Series.  “Services to the Homeless” will be presented Thursday, Dec. 11 from noon to 1 p.m.at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.

Guest speaker Tim Knapp works at the Bowery Mission of New York City.  Since 1879, the Mission has been ministering to the city’s homeless, providing food, shelter and clothing on Manhattan’s lower east side.  Knapp will discuss his work in New York City and offer suggestions that could benefit Oklahoma City’s homeless population.

Lecture attendees are encouraged to bring gloves, hats and scarves that will be donated to the Oklahoma City Homeless Alliance.

Knapp is the director of Career Training and Education at the Mission, and helps men in the residential recovery program develop skills to re-enter the workplace.  By providing them the basic tools needed for life, relationships and work, the program enables them to move back toward meaningful lives.

The Practice and Policy Lecture Series has been developed to provide thought-provoking presentations on Oklahoma's emerging policy issues, trends and best practices. The series is sponsored by the DHS Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and the University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management with the goal of providing the best educational opportunities available in a forum that offers participants an opportunity to question, share and learn from each other. 

All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information contact the Office of Planning, Research and Statistics at (405) 521-3552 or visit the Practice and Policy Lecture Series website. 

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