On Wednesday, the Traverse City Police Department will host an event to bring the community together for music and games — and also to hear the stories of their unhoused neighbors.
What: Resilience Night, sponsored by the Traverse City Police Department
Where: 660 Hannah Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686
When: September 16th from 4pm-8pm
Resilience Night, a part of the Resilience Program, is meant to reduce stigma around homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues.
One way to make that happen, said Traverse City Police social worker Jennifer Holm, is by “walking a mile in another person’s shoes.”
To do that, attendees will walk around the Boardman Lake Trail and access people's experiences through audio stories via QR codes placed along the trail.
"My hope is that we truly walk away with the idea that every person has a story more than what you see," said Holm.
The event will feature live local music from the Ampersands, who will play song covers featuring artists in recovery.
Resilience Program partners will have information booths and education experiences where people can connect with recovery coaches and participate in a hands-on simulation about the challenges of returning to life after incarceration.
Holm recently participated in the simulation and said even she learned something.
"I had a plan, and I said, 'Okay, I'm going to go in to get my transportation tickets. I'm going to meet with my probation officer'" said Holm. "By the end of the simulation, my plan just went to heck. It was humbling."
Resilience Night will be held from 4 to 8pm, Wednesday, September 16, at Hull Park. The event is open to all and will be family friendly.
