How Do You Advocate Against Homelessness?

On Monday, February 5th, as part of CFH’s First Monday Policy Briefing series, CFH Policy Associate Nathalie Interiano and CFH Client Advocate Mike Austin will discuss “How to Talk About Homelessness.” It’s a discussion and training on how to better frame and message our advocacy positions for more favorable outcomes.

Care for the Homeless and our allies are passionate about the issues that affect homeless or unstably housed people, and other people living in deep poverty. Though advocates have a comprehensive understanding of the systemic causes of homelessness - lack of access to housing and healthcare, or discrimination - and statistics and studies to support those conclusions. Our messaging is not always successful in winning supporters over or moving public opinion or media attention. 

Advocates can be more successful when we frame our issues to appeal to people’s deeply held values – values like equality, opportunity and the idea that everyone deserves a fair chance to achieve his or her full potential. The current discourse revolves around two competing narratives - individual responsibility vs collective responsibility, each with its own set of values. The individual responsibility narrative prevents people from seeing the systemic causes of homelessness. The goal is to tell real stories that highlight systemic problems and provide policy solutions, connecting the dots between individual experiences and big picture solutions. Research shows people are more willing to consider unfamiliar or conflicting ideas if they are framed by shared values like fairness, equality, and community. Participants will leave with an understanding of how to frame homelessness and other deep poverty issues as human rights. You can RSVP here.