The people in the best position to assess the effectiveness of homeless resources are the consumers who have experienced homelessness. Engaging current consumers as well as the formerly homeless is critical to ending homelessness, as they offer a unique perspective on the challenges and strengths of the current system.

Example of Initiatives

Detailed description

Resources required

Outcome

Collaborate with state agencies

Identify clients that are required to perform community service and invite them to be volunteers within the organization.

Staff time for training and support.

Teaches skills to individual and supports organization.

Collaborate with partner advocacy organizations

Co-host a Public Policy Series where Homes for Families (HFF) will teach homeless parents about public policy and how it affects their situation.

HFF provides stipends to participants, Horizons for Homeless Children provides childcare volunteers, co-hosting shelter is asked to seek out donations of food and beverages for the meetings.

Homeless parents learn to not only advocate for themselves, but also to advocate for necessary systems change in ending homelessness.

Encourage civic and political awareness

Join advocacy networks, share advocacy alerts and keep consumers informed of legislative activities and lobby days at State House.

There is no cost to participating in these events.

Homeless individuals and families are able to speak directly to legislators and hear from policy makers on their efforts to end homelessness.

Partner with other community organizations

Host forums and focus groups to speak about the issue of homelessness in your community.

All participating organizations should contribute equally for necessary supplies.

Convenes a wide variety of stakeholders including the homeless, government leaders, service providers, philanthropists and the private sector while sensitizing the issue of homelessness and allowing for a sense of ownership on local and regional levels.

Personal leadership development and organizational development.

Form a speaker's bureau.

Staff time dedicated toward development and sustaining of a bureau.

Assists with educating others on the issue of homelessness and can assist with fundraising.