Racial Equity
Racial Equity at the Polk County Continuum of Care
The Polk County Continuum of Care is fighting to end systematic racism in our community—and across the nation. The recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and many others reflect systems that are dangerous and oppressive to Black communities. Black Lives Matter. This oppression and harm must end. We must dismantle institutional racism to end homelessness in Polk County. That’s why the Continuum of Care is committing to systemic, intersectional change to end racial disparities in the homeless sector and beyond.
HOMELESSNESS AND RACIAL DISPARITIES
Racial disparity is not only shown in the data, but in the way people in Polk County experience the homeless response system. Black individuals report discrimination in housing services and programs, both explicitly stated or through implicit bias in community systems. It’s clear that people of color, and Black folks in particular, experience homelessness in Polk County differently than white individuals and perhaps often lack equitable access to services and supports.
RACIAL EQUITY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES + RESOURCES
Stay tuned for learning opportunities to come!
OUR AREAS OF ACTION
The Polk Continuum of Care is currently working with our community to develop concrete action steps to ensure racial equity in the homeless response system. Stay tuned to this page for updates, additional action steps, and new learning opportunities. In the meantime, if you are interested in joining in the work and holding us accountable, please contact Angie Arthur at aarthur@pchtf.org for more information on our Racial Equity committee and how you can get involved.