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Representatives from local consumer advocacy boards – comprised of people who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness – will provide information on creating a board and advancing an advocacy agenda. This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to network with other advocates from across the country and share information on their efforts.
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CONSUMER ADVOCACY BOARDS: BECOMING PART OF THE SOLUTION
Wednesday, July 14
CCABOH HISTORY
CCABoH initiated at Union Mission, Inc. in 2002 to offer consumer leadership and feedback to Healthcare for the Homeless Program at the JC Lewis Health Care Center.
CCABoH primarily worked on issues related to health care, mental health care, and other issues at Union Mission until 2006.
STEPPING OUT
In 2006, CCABoH decided to seek its own non-profit status to assist the community in bringing new funding sources to programs for the homeless and at risk.
Founding member Howard Jackson launched a blog to better keep in touch with youth trained in advocacy through UMI’s service learning curriculum.
MORE CHANGE!
In 2009, CCABoH moved out of Union Mission meeting space and into a new meeting space at SOURCE/Candler Adult Day Center.
In 2010, CCABoH partners with Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness and works toward creating a statewide consumer advocacy group.
MONTHLY MEETINGS
Meetings are held every second Monday and follow Robert’s Rules of Order. The board operates under a charter and by-laws.
CCABoH member Renee Kennedy attends board meetings of both Union Mission, Inc. and Chatham/Savannah Homeless Authority.
ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION
Meetings with elected officials in Savannah, Atlanta and DC
Quarterly Newsletter Holds 1st Homeless Memorial
Day in Savannah in 2009 Public speaking at GAEH and
NAEH conferences Howard Jackson works with
youth at UMI
OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME
Recruitment has changed with our move out of shelter facilities
Engagement has changed since community liaison members no longer work within the Savannah agencies working on homelessness issues
Involvement in state and national advocacy issues less concrete for members
HHH CREED
I Choose to believe change is possible I Choose to be an avid listener I choose to respect others and their
opinions I choose to bring my gifts to the table
and share them I choose to commit to ending
homelessness
THE BEGINNINGS: HHH
Purpose:1. Building Bridges =
EDUCATION2. Empowering Change
= CHANGING LIVES3. Ending
Homelessness = ADVOCACY
THE BEGINNINGS: HHH
History Began with voting /
candidates forum
First public speaking revealed POWER of personal stories
THE DETAILS: HHH
Who:Currently, Formerly, & Potentially Homeless
When:Every Wednesday at 12:00
Where:Urban Ministry Center, local soup kitchen and service center
STRUCTURE: MEETINGS
Meetings: 2 per week – open meeting and leadership team meeting
Open Meeting Includes… Agenda Rotating Facilitator Creed Open Forum Guidelines for participation Closing Question
STRUCTURE: LEADERSHIP
Leadership Team Concept arose after
frustration from making decisions
LT elected in general meeting
Eligibility includes: membership for 2
months, evidence of leadership
potential, and consistency
STRUCTURE: LEADERSHIP
Responsibilities Deciding meeting
agendas Vetting ideas from
Open Forum Set advocacy
agenda on annual basis
STRUCTURE: MEMBERSHIP
Membership To Become a Member
Must attend 3 meetings Sit down with membership
coordinator to go over program and with program director to set life goals
Take new members 1st Wednesday of the month
Given T-Shirt, Hat, and Business Cards
STRUCTURE: OUTREACH
Word of mouth Clean-Up Effort Field Trips Fresh bread at meetings
ACTIONS: SOLIDARITY SLEEP-OUT
Goal: Implement 10 Year Plan – 250 more year-round shelter beds
Plan: Housed and Homeless sleep-out together in uptown park Include rally with variety of
speakers Draw media attention
ACTIONS: SOLIDARITY SLEEP-OUT
Success: Within several months, a new mayor elected (who attended sleep-out) elected and declared ending homelessness a priority
Before next winter, additional 250 beds added
ACTIONS: ROAD TO HOUSING
City bond recommendation: $167 million for roads & $10 million for affordable housing
Theme: Where is the Road to Affordable Housing
ACTIONS: ROAD TO HOUSING
Components: Prayer Vigil 20 speakers before City
Council (1/3 homeless/formerly homeless)
Followed-up with Press Conference
Meetings/phone calls/emails to Council
“Homeless Tour” with Councilman
Won an addition $5 million for Housing
OTHER ACTIONS
Partnership with Police & Jail: Reduce Homeless Arrests
“The Wall”: Active presence in discussions to close outdoor meal site
Community Dance
FUTURE OBSTACLES
How to include Formerly Homeless?
For More Information:
HHH Blog:http://www.urbanministrycenter.org/blogs/hhh-blog
Program Director:Liz Clasen-Kelly – 704-926-0608,
DISCUSSION
What Obstacles Are You Facing?
What Obstacles Have You Overcome?
