Decrim Poverty DC invites you to a panel discussion on public space & our vision for true safety in DC that centers public health approaches

When our federal and local governments promise "safe and beautiful" spaces, who gets erased to make that promise real? Across DC, Black, brown, working-class people and youth are being pushed out of public space and criminalized in the name of public safety. Instead of investing in much-needed programs and services to address issues like substance use disorder, the lack of affordable housing, the affordability crisis, and youth supports, we continue to see policies that opt to disappear people rather than support.

Decrim Poverty DC invites you to a community panel discussion that explores the moment we are in and the solutions that make DC safer for all of us. Together, we'll dive into what safety actually requires when it's separated from overpolicing and disappearance, and we'll build a vision rooted in dignity, harm reduction, and the leadership of people pushed to the farthest margins. You will hear from organizers and advocates working at the front lines of housing, sex worker rights, youth leadership, and overdose prevention with the opportunity for Q&A and community dialogue.