Let's Talk About Homelessness

Join Kacy West and Cassie Belter for an engaging, honest conversation about the realities of homelessness in our community. Together, they’ll challenge common myths, explore local data, and share stories that help put a human face to an issue that affects all of us.

Topics will include:

• What does it mean to be sheltered vs. unsheltered?
• What does the criminalization of homelessness look like?
• What does the housing process really look like?
• How does Chattanooga’s homeless services system work?
• What can you do to help and advocate for change?

If you’ve ever wondered about the “who?” and “why?” behind homelessness but didn’t know where to start—or who to ask—this session is for you!

Come with questions. Leave with a deeper understanding of homelessness, the people experiencing it, and how we can be part of creating a more informed and compassionate community.

This session is free, but donations are accepted. All donations collected will go toward Chattanooga Regional Outreach Cooperative ("The R.O.C.").

About the teachers:

Kacy West, BA (they/them)

Kacy began street outreach at the beginning of 2020. They focus on reducing suffering for people living outside, where they are right now. A typical work day for Kacy looks like loading up everything from food, to tents, hot coffee, batteries, Naloxone, and other things to help people survive, and heading out to encampments throughout the city. The most important part of their job, though, is investing in relationships with people, building trust and community, and demonstrating through actions that there is no difference between housed and unhoused people. Their most used skill in this work is the ability to be fully present with another person, whether they are dancing with joy, or broken with grief.

Cassie Belter (she/her)

Cassie has worked in helping professions for over fifteen years. With prior experience in special education, prison re-entry, mental health, and victim advocacy, she has witnessed many systemic injustices which have driven her to advocate for just and equitable solutions. She has worked in homeless services in Chattanooga for three years and envisions a future where everyone has access to safe and dignified shelter. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Restorative Practices with a Concentration in Change Implementation in Social Systems.

For details about our refund and class cancellation policy, visit our FAQs.