The Baltimore-based Homeless Persons Representation Project, which serves Montgomery and Prince George’s counties from its office at 1111 Spring St. in Silver Spring, has hired a new executive director, the non-profit organization announced.
Kirsten Gettys Downs, a former public defender in Baltimore, was chosen the lead the group, which “provides free legal services, including advice, counsel, education, representation, and advocacy, for low-income persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” according to the announcement.
“Kirsten brings a unique mix of attributes and experiences that make her the ideal leader to take HPRP into its next chapter,” Carnot Evans, III, Esq., HPRP board president, said in a press release sent to the Source. “She has dedicated her career to defending the rights of underserved and marginalized communities, is a passionate advocate for social and racial justice, and brings executive leadership experience as a Baltimore City public defender.”
“I was drawn to HPRP because of its mission to end homelessness in Maryland,” Downs said, “and because its efforts align with my goal to work with an organization advocating at the intersection of policy reform, economic and racial justice, and community building.”
During her career, Downs has been a trainer and group leader for the National Association of Public Defense Executive Leadership Institute and a faculty trainer for the Office of the Public Defender’s New Attorney Training Program, among other work during her 10 years of experience.
In addition to providing legal representation, HPRP also works to change policies and programs affecting homelessness.
HPRP photo