The Transatlantic Practice Exchange shares best practices and inspire new approaches to delivering services with a focus on coordinated responses to homelessness.
Swords to Plowshares’ Associate Director for Housing & Residential Programs, Tramecia Garner, has been selected to participate in a Transatlantic Practice Exchange in the United Kingdom from April 30 – May 11. The Transatlantic Partnership Exchange is an international collaboration between Homeless Link in England and The National Alliance to End Homelessness in the United States.
The goal of the Transatlantic Practice Exchange is to share best practices and inspire new approaches to homelessness services, with this year’s exchange featuring a strong focus on coordinated and multi-agency responses to homelessness. Over the course of two weeks, participants will spend time with their hosts and other local organizations to learn and understand the context and culture behind their counterparts’ services.
Garner, who oversees our residential housing programs, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked with the veteran population for over ten years (including the last eight years at Swords to Plowshares). Upon return from the exchange program, Garner plans to share the knowledge and best practices she has learned to help effect positive change for homeless veterans back in the United States.
“Tramecia is a tireless advocate for homeless veterans, including those suffering with substance abuse and other mental health issues,” said Swords to Plowshares’ Executive Director Michael Blecker. “We are proud of her selection to participate in the Transatlantic Exchange and share our model of providing wraparound services for veterans.”
Look out for updates over the next two weeks on our blog or on social media using #homelesslearning.
“Understandably, veterans can be wary and not trust us immediately – especially if they are women or struggling with mental health conditions. This isn’t only about getting veterans housed; we’re also establishing relationships with them out where they feel the safest – which may be in their tent or on a bench they frequent. It’s worth it to come out here determined to make a connection.” - Tonya Greenlee, Swords’ Outreach
From the streets of San Francisco to behind the barber chair, Zack’s story is one of resilience, community, and second chances – a reminder that with the right support, every veteran has the power to rebuild.
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