The New Lyceum Lecture Series will continue at the Batavia Public Library Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. when Ryan Dowd, executive director of Hesed House in Aurora, presents “Homeless Shelters’ Gift to the World.”
In his role with Hesed House, Dowd has been at the forefront of the endeavor to assist the homeless for over two decades. In this lecture, Dowd will present tips on how the tactics used by homeless shelters can be helpful to us all—because the topic of homelessness in our cities is one that affects nearly everyone. Dowd’s strategies use the concept of empathy-driven enforcement as a foundation for encouraging homeless people (and everyone else) to follow the rules. Dowd also has strategies for the public who might be concerned about sharing public spaces with people who are homeless.
Hesed House is the second largest homeless shelter in Illinois. Dowd started volunteering there when he was 13 years old. He joined the staff of Hesed House while in college and later became the executive director. In addition to running the homeless shelter, Dowd trains libraries, law enforcement, nonprofits, and other organizations in how to work more effectively and compassionately with homeless, addicted, and mentally ill individuals. His book The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone (ALA Editions, 2018) was published recently.
The lecture is free; however, registration is required. Register online at www.BataviaPublicLibrary.org or call the library Reference Desk, (630) 879-1393, ext. 200.
The New Lyceum Lecture Series 2018–2019 season is sponsored by the Batavia Public Library Foundation.
— Batavia Public Library