Escondido Hosts Homelessness Book Discussion

Community members gathered to discuss the book "When We Walk By" and its perspective on homelessness.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy

Escondido Hosts Homelessness Book Discussion

Live Poll

Should your community take a more humanitarian approach to helping people experiencing homelessness?

Escondido Together hosted a book discussion on homelessness centered on "When We Walk By" on Wednesday and Thursday, October 28 and 29, at the Baha'i Center in Escondido. The event was led by Verna Sundquist and the Rev. Meg Decker.

Why it matters

The discussion aimed to view homelessness in a more humanitarian light and open a broader community dialogue on the issue in Escondido. Organizers suggested additional opportunities to read and discuss the book may follow.

The event ran across two consecutive days, October 28 and 29, 2026, with the book written by Kevin F. Adler and Donald W. Burns as its focus. No attendance totals or funding figures were reported for the discussion.

The players

Escondido Together

A community organization in Escondido that hosted the book discussion on homelessness.

Rev. Meg Decker

A former priest of Trinity Episcopal Church who co-led the discussion on "When We Walk By."

The details

Guests were encouraged to read the book in advance and attended a session that opened with a music video and a brief introduction by Rev. Decker before splitting into smaller discussion groups. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and other retailers, and an audiobook version is also available.

October 28 and 29, 2026: Book discussion held at the Baha'i Center in Escondido.

Big Picture

Community book discussions built around "When We Walk By" offer a structured way to reframe homelessness through the book's humanitarian lens. Escondido Together's event applies that framework to local dialogue rather than leaving the topic to individual reading.

Residents interested in the topic can purchase "When We Walk By" or its audiobook version to read ahead of any future discussions. Those wanting to join future conversations can follow Escondido Together for announcements about additional opportunities.

The takeaway

Engaging with a shared text before a discussion can help neighbors approach a sensitive issue like homelessness with more context and empathy. Readers can apply the same approach by reading local perspectives before forming opinions.