Ep. 8 - The Right to Belong: Clarice Ambler on Libraries, Unhoused Youth and the Human-Animal Connection

In Episode 8 of Unpacking Homelessness, we speak with Clarice Ambler, the Community Resource Coordinator for Jefferson County Public Libraries (JCPL). Clarice shares how libraries are stepping beyond books to become essential hubs of support for vulnerable communities, including those experiencing homelessness. Clarice gives us an inside look at her multifaceted role — from leading trauma-informed customer service trainings and managing programming budgets, to building partnerships with organizations like Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Hunger Free Colorado, and Benefits in Action. She also discusses her work organizing community-centered events like Edgewater’s Pride Parade and her outreach to the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and unhoused communities. Join us as we explore how Clarice and JCPL are redefining what it means to serve the public — not just as a library, but as a compassionate connector to critical resources and support.