The following are Speakers' Bureaus across the country. If there is not a Speakers’Bureau in your community and you would like to start one, please contact the National Coalition for the Homeless.

District of Columbia | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Maryland | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Ohio | Puerto Rico | Rhode Island | South Carolina | Tennessee | Vermont | Washington | Wyoming

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

National Coalition for the Homeless

 “Faces of Homelessness” Speakers’ Bureau is the most visible public education and organizing tool of the National Coalition for the Homeless. This Speakers’ Bureau officially began in 1996, but NCH had encouraged homeless people to speak to various organizations for a few years prior. The Faces Panel allows people who have experienced homelessness to feel the strength and power of helping others understand a highly misunderstood situation and the satisfaction of making a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. The goal of the Speakers’ Bureau is to break stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions people have about homelessness by putting a human ‘face’ to homelessness by hearing personal testimonials.

The National Coalition for the Homeless Speakers’ Bureau also travels across the country, recruiting people in the community we travel to, as well as bringing one or two speakers from our speakers’ bureau.

Geographical Area Served:   DC Metro area and nationwide

Number of Active Speakers:  25

Number of Presentations in Past Year:   400 reaching a combined audience of 20,000

National Coalition for the Homeless
Speakers’ Bureau Coordinator
2201 P Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037-1033
Phone: (202) 462-4822
Fax: (202) 462-4823
Email: speakersbureau@nationalhomeless.org
Website: www.nationalhomeless.org

The Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place

The Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place was founded in 1992. Founded in 2007, the Speakers’ Bureau was started to promote better awareness in the community on the issues of homelessness.  The Bureau seeks to enable homeless and formerly homeless adults to rebuild their lives with involvement of the community. 

Geographical Area Served:  Washington DC Metro

Number of Active Speakers:   7 in which 3 also speak with the National Coalition for the Homeless’ Speakers’ Bureau.

Number of Presentations in Past Year:   2 to 4 engagements a month, but they are working on doubling that number.

Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place
Bill Long
4713 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (202) 364-1419 x 23
Email: blong@cchfp.org
Website: www.cchfp.org

CALIFORNIA

Santa Monica

Side by Side

The Bureau’s mission is to instruct students and adults alike that there are many
challenges in the modern media which puppeteers the common constructs of the
government agenda, which controls the every day lives of homeless people. And to
discuss openly the misconceptions of homelessness and speak humanely about the
dynamic of the struggle that each person faces on the streets. Most importantly to
discuss with anyone who will listen, that homeless and housed people can make a
difference by working together.

Geographical Area Served: Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Malibu, Culver City, and other
parts of West Los Angeles.

Number of Active Speakers: Depending on the activity, we can provider one or more
speakers as needed for a venue.

Number of Presentations in Past Year: Our community meetings where the homeless are
agendized to speak, are the 1st, 3rd and sometimes 5th Thursday of every month, from 7-
9 p.m. at the Ken Edwards Center in Santa Monica.
http://www.hopemakingchange.org/HOPEMCS/SxS.html

Side by Side,
Randy Walburger, Jennafer Yellowhorse, Moira LaMountain
c/o Helping Other People Eat - Making Change Street Newspaper
P.O. Box 235
Santa Monica, CA 90406-0235
Phone: (310) 289-7446
Fax: (831) 384-3412
Email: editor@hopemakingchange.org; moira@hopemakingchange.org;
rwshelters@verizon.net
Website: www.hopemakingchange.org

COLORADO

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs began a speakers group in January 2009 with the help of the National Coalition for the Homeless.  The group started with six men and women who are, or have been, homeless in Colorado Springs who wanted to share their experiences with others. The Street Church is coordinating this effort to break stereotypes and inform the public on the causes and solutions needed to end homelessness in our community. Presentations are now being offered at churches, schools, with city leaders and support agencies in El Paso County.

Geographical Area Served:  Colorado Springs

Number of Active Speakers:  8

Number of Presentations in Past Year:  6

The Street Church
Robert Moran
P.O. Box 782
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 494-9912
Email: Robert@TheStreetChurch.com
Website: www.TheStreetChurch.com

Denver

Founded by homeless women and children, the Speakers’ Bureau’s mission is to include the voices of homeless people in changing the lives of others.  The Bureau’s tag line is:  “Nothing about us without us.”

Geographical Area Served:  Colorado and the Range

Number of Active Speakers:  25

Number of Presentations in Past Year:  150

People’s Leadership Council
Randle Loeb
1400 Lafayette Street
Denver, Co. 80218
Phone:  (303) 620-1999 or (720) 292-0757
Email: Ploughshare@fusden.org

FLORIDA

Broward County

The Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau’s mission is to reduce and alleviate the
problem of homelessness through advocacy and public education for the motivation of
community action and the provision of services.

Coalition to End Homelessness
P.O. Box 030177
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33303
Phone: (954) 792-4000
Website: www.help4homeless.org

Geographical Area Served: Broward Co.

Number of Active Speakers: 1

Number of Presentations in Past Year:

AmeriCorps*VISTA: John Flannery
Email: john.flannery.jr@gmail.com
Phone: (954) 792-4000

Charlotte County

The Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau at the Charlotte Co. Homeless Coalition
was established in August of 2010.

Charlotte County Homeless Coalition
P.O. Box 380157
Murdock, FL 33938-0157
Phone: (941) 627-4313
Website: www.cchomelesscoalition.org

Geographical Area Served: Charlotte Co.

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Gina Tsapralis
Email: gina.tsapralis@cchomelesscoalition.org
Phone: (941) 627-4313 x120
Duval County

Founded in 2009, the Northeast Florida Faces of Homelessness Speakers' Bureau
works to raise awareness and change perceptions about homelessness within the
community.

The bureau is comprised of individuals and families who are or have been homeless and
educates the public about the realities of homelessness through their own stories.

Ending homelessness begins with the understanding that people who are or
have been homeless continue to be our neighbors and members of the community.

Geographical Area Served: Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. John's Counties

Number of Active Speakers: 12-15

Number of Presentations in Past Year: 55

Emergency Services & Homeless Coalition
4527 Lenox Ave,
Jacksonville, FL 32205-5417
Phone: (904) 384-1366
Website: www.eshcnet.org

Contact: David Ojeda, Business Manager
Email: speakersbureau@eshcnet.org
Phone: (904) 421-5508

Escambia County

Escambia Speakers’ Bureau is in the developmental stages, the target is to raise
awareness of homeless related issues, dispel myths and stereotypes, provide the public
with actual statistics and facts, providing a chance at better community relations with the
homeless.

EscaRosa Coalition on the Homeless
P.O. Box 17222
Pensacola, FL 32522
Phone: (850) 439-3009

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Matthew Maes (Escambia County)
Email: Matthew.maes@ecoh.org
Phone: (850) 255-5571

Hillsborough County

The Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County launched their “Unexpected Faces,
Unexpected Places” public awareness campaign in September of 2007. When an
AmeriCorps*VISTA joined their staff in mid-2008 they were able to expand the
campaign with the addition of the “Unexpected Faces, Unexpected Places” Speakers
Bureau. The addition of the speakers’ bureau has allowed HCHC to work with more
homeless and formerly homeless individuals to help educate the community about
their experiences and needs. This has helped HCHC dispel the myths, stereotypes,
and misconceptions about homeless people that often keep community members from
stepping forward to help.
Since the launch of the campaign, HCHC staff and volunteers have done brown bag
displays panel discussions conducted by the UFUP Speakers’ Bureau. Some of the
speakers are single, some have families, all have a story that will break your heart and
educate you at the same time.

During FY 2010, the UFUP Speakers’ Bureau reached 5,754 youth and 2,398 adults.

You can learn more about HCHC and the “Unexpected Faces, Unexpected
Places” campaign at: www.unexpectedfaces.org, Read their blog at http://
unexpectedfaces.blogspot.com/

Geographical Area Served: Hillsborough County

Number of Active Speakers: 11

Number of Presentations in Past Year: Since the launch of the campaign in 2007, there
has been over 100.

Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County
PO Box 360181
Tampa, FL 33607-0181
Phone: (813) 223-6115
Email: info@homelessofhc.org
Website: www.homelessofhc.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader: Tracey Crocker
Email: tcrocker@nationalhomeless.org
Phone: (813) 223-6115

AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader Margaret Djekovic
Email: margaret@homelessofhc.org
Phone: (813) 223-6115

Leon County

The Tallahassee Speakers’ Bureau began in late 2007. The mission is to educate the
people of Tallahassee about the realities of homelessness, in order to dispel the harmful
myths and stereotypes. Local homeless/formerly homeless people are recruited to share
their stories. By informing the community about the resources available to the homeless,
we also guide those who want to help.

Geographical Area Served: Leon County

Number of Active Speakers: 11

Number of Presentations in Past Year: 120

The Tallahassee-Leon County Shelter
P.O. Box 4062
Tallahassee, FL 32315-4062
Phone: (850) 224-8448
Email: office.the.shelter@comcast.net

Website: www.tallahasseeleonshelter.com/

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Mary Weil
E-mail: Theshelterthsb@embarqmail.com
Phone: (850) 222-0499

Big Bend Homeless Coalition/Hope Community
2729 West Pensacola St.
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Phone: (850) 576-5566
Website: www.bigbendhc.org

The Big Bend Homeless Coalition/Hope Community established its Speakers’ Bureau
in July 2010. Mission: We seek to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable by
putting faces on people who struggle to survive in the worst of conditions. This Bureau
coordinates its work with the other Bureau sponsored by the
Tallahassee-Leon County Shelter.

Geographical Area Served: Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Leon, Madison,
Taylor and Wakulla

Number of Active Speakers: 5

Number of Presentations in Past Year: Bureau just started in July 2010

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Janis Thibodeau
E-mail: jthibodeau@bigbendhc.org
Phone: (850) 205-6028

Manatee County

The Community Coalition on Homelessness aims to educate civic groups, faith-based
groups, and other organizations about the causes of homelessness through the Faces of
Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau. Founded in 2009, the Bureau’s purpose is to educate the
public on the causes of homelessness. The Bureau helps the general public to understand
that alcohol, drugs and mental illness are only a small part of the overall situation.
The Bureau educates the general public that the lack of affordable housing, loss of
employment, lack of affordable health insurance, domestic violence and the shortage
of beds in treatment facilities play a much larger role in why people are homeless. The
Bureau seeks less resentment and more understanding with more community involvement
in ending homelessness.

Geographical Area Served: Manatee County

Number of Active Speakers: 5

Number of Presentations in Past Year: 155

Community Coalition on Homelessness
701 17th Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (941) 747-1509
Website: www.cchomeless.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Linda Gaines
Email: lgaines@cchomeless.com
Phone: (941) 747-1509

Miami-Dade County

The Miami Coalition for the Homeless began a speakers group in May 2009. The
mission of the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau is to provide a forum for
homeless and formerly homeless individuals to share their personal stories with others; to
show who becomes homeless and why; to foster a greater awareness of the reality of not
having a home in America; and to spark interest in becoming involved in the struggle to
end homelessness on both a local and national level.

Geographical Area Served: Miami-Dade County

Number of Active Speakers: 18

Number of Presentations in Past Year: 23

Miami Coalition for the Homeless
3550 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 610
Miami, FL 33137
Phone: (305) 571-8101
Email: info@miamihomeless.org
Website: www.miamihomeless.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Mabel Colon
Email: mabel@miamihomeless.org
Phone: (305) 571-8101

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Devin Floyd
Email: devin@miamihomeless.org Phone: (305) 571-8101

Monroe County

The Southernmost Homeless Assistance League (SHAL) of Monroe County, FL in 2007
introduced a Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau in Key West. In May 2010, the
project was re-introduced. It is now a joint program comprised of the National Coalition
for the Homeless, SHAL, Independence Cay (an immediate direct services center for

the homeless population located in Marathon, FL) and AmeriCorps*VISTA. Today, the
Monroe County Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau seeks to educate the public on
issues surrounding homelessness throughout the Florida Keys. The project is actively
presenting to civic groups, schools, faith-based groups, and other organizations interested
in learning about homelessness and what can be done to end it.

Independence Cay
1669 Overseas Hwy
Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: (305) 849-2786
Website: www.independencecay.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Peter Wagner
Email: keyshomelesscoalition@gmail.com
Phone: (305) 849-2786

Orange County

Orlando's Speakers’ Bureau began in 2008. The goal of our Speakers’ Bureau is to
educate the Central Florida public about the causes and issues surrounding homelessness,
combined with the mission of dispelling any preconceived stereotypes individuals
may have about the homeless population. We hope to change perceptions through this
education, encourage the public to get involved in the fight to end homelessness, and
empower our speakers participating in the program.

Geographical Area Served: Orange and Osceola Counties

Number of Active Speakers: 7, but are always working to recruit new speakers with
diverse stories.

Number of Presentations in Past Year: 112

Homeless Services Network of Central Florida
1940 Traylor Blvd; 2nd Floor
Orlando, FL 32804
Phone: (407) 893-0133
Website: http://www.hsncfl.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Jacqueline Dowd
Email: jdowd@nationalhomeless.org
Phone: (407) 893-0133 x114

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Jessica Figueroa
Email: Jessica.figueroa@hsncfl.org
Phone: (407) 893-0133 x107

Palm Beach County

The Story Tellers Speakers’ Bureau was founded in 2008. The Bureau has speakers to
meet with local organizations and groups to discuss homelessness issues. The “Story
Tellers” provides a forum for homeless and formerly homeless individuals to share
their personal stories with others; to show who becomes homeless and why; to foster a
greater awareness of the reality of not having a home in America; and to spark interest in
becoming involved in the struggle to end homelessness on both a local and national level.

Geographical Area Serves: Palm Beach Co.

Number of Active Speakers: 12

Number of Presentations in Past Year:
started in May of 2010.

The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County
2100 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Phone: (561) 478-5351
Website: www.homelesscoalitionpbc.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Amanda St. Jean
Email: anstjean@yahoo.com
Phone: (561) 478-5351

Pinellas County

The Pinellas County Coalition on the Homeless’ “Faces of Homelessness” Speakers
Bureau was established in 2008. Its mission is to enlist the volunteer service of
homeless and formerly homeless people to present their stories about their experiences of
homelessness, and through these presentations aim to:
- Put a “face” on homelessness;
- Dispel myths and stereotypes about homelessness;
- Educate people and raise their awareness about homeless issues;
- Convince people, especially youth and young adults, that violence against street
homeless persons is not "cool" and enlist audiences to join in efforts to call for a
cessation of these hate crimes; and
- Inspire students, religious and civic organizations, business leaders, neighborhood
residents and others to get involved in the fight to end homelessness!
of omeless and formerly homeless people to present their stories about
Geographical Area Serves: Pinellas County

Number of Active Speakers: 12

Number of Presentations in Past Year:

Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless
5180 62nd Avenue North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Phone: (727) 528-5763
Website: www.pinellashomeless.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA: G.W. Rolle
Email: gwrolle@nationalhomeless.org
Phone: (727) 424-1088

Santa Rosa County
.
Since the arrival of the VISTA Volunteer in late May 2009, we have been able to recruit
and train eight panel members for the Speakers' Bureau who are homeless or formerly
homeless.

These presentations include an overview of many issues surrounding homelessness,
the most current statistics, and recommendations of how to help find solutions and
best meet the existing needs. Each presentation is adapted for appropriateness with the
particular audience. Each panel is composed of members from diverse backgrounds
and experiences to better acquaint the audience with the many different faces of
homelessness. The speakers address three key questions in most every presentation; 1)
How did I become homeless 2) What did I do while homeless and 3) What is necessary
to move beyond homelessness. The presentations can be adapted for 30 to 90 minute
sessions with Q & A segments included.

Anyone wishing to schedule one of these educational programs to help dispel the myths
and stereotypes surrounding homelessness should contact:

EscaRosa Coalition on the Homeless
P.O. Box 17222
Pensacola, FL 32522
Phone: (850) 439-3009

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Janis Wilson (Santa Rosa County)
Email: Janis.wilson@ecoh.org
Phone: (850) 255-5570

Seminole County

The Speakers' Bureau for Seminole County was started in June of 2009. The Bureau’s
mission is: to rid the public of stereotypical thinking regarding homeless people; to
educate the general public regarding the causes of homelessness, issues, demographics,
hate crimes/violence against the homeless, and to promote community involvement in
homelessness issues.

Geographical Area Served: Seminole County

Number of Active Speakers: 7

Number of Presentations in Past Year: 60
The Hope Foundation
149 E. Broadway
Oviedo FL 32765
Phone: (407) 366-3422
Email: info@HelpTheHomeless.net
Website: www.helpforthehomeless.net

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Christine Tudhope
Email: ctudhope@nationalhomeless.org
Phone: (407) 496-5525
Volusia/Flagler Counties

The Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau was established in 2009 in an effort to
change many of the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding homelessness in the
Volusia and Flagler Counties. The two Speakers’ Bureau Coordinators work with the
Volusia/Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless which has been involved with the
community and improving the lives of the local homeless population for 10 years.

Geographical Area Served: Volusia and Flagler Counties

Number of Active Speakers: 12

Number of Presentations in Past Year:

Volusia/Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless
P.O. Box 6498
Daytona Beach, FL 32122-6498
Phone: (386) 258-1855

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Alyssa Hernandez
Email: speakersbureau@vfcch.org
Phone: (386) 258-1855
AmeriCorps*VISTA: Kari Woodman
Email: kwoodman@nationalhomeless.org
Phone: (386) 258-1855

GEORGIA

Bibb County

The Macon Bureau began its advocacy work in May of 2009. Since that time,
AmeriCorps*VISTAs working with the National Coalition for the Homeless in Macon

have spoken to over 2500 individuals in Bibb and surrounding counties. The Macon
Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau is sponsored locally by the Central City AIDS
Network and the Macon Coalition to End Homelessness.

Geographical Area Served: Central Georgia

Active Speakers: 5

Number of events in past year: app. 100

Central City AIDS Network, Inc
The Rainbow Center
P.O. Box 2007
Macon, GA 31203-2007
Phone: (478) 750-8080

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Michael Gazy
Email: Michael@mceh.org
Phone: (478) 750-8080 ext. 2

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Jonathan Schultz
Email: jonathan@mceh.org
Phone: (478) 750-8080 ext. 2

Clarke County

Athens Urban Ministries
P.O. Box 6707
Athens, GA 30604
Phone: (706) 353-6647

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Lynne Griever
E-mail: lgriever@nationalhomeless.org
Phone: (706) 353-6647

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Willard “Bubba” Griever
E-mail: wdgriever@nationalhomeless.org
Phone: (706) 353-6647

Fulton/DeKalb Counties

Founded in 2009, the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau’s mission is:
to provide a forum for currently and formerly homeless individuals to educate the
Atlanta community about homelessness and poverty through telling their stories; to
increase public understanding of the causes and consequences of homelessness; to dispel
stereotypes about the homeless; and to empower homeless/formerly homeless people .

Geographical Area Served: Atlanta Metro

Number of Active Speakers: 3 with 4 in training

Number of Presentations in Past Year: 120 reaching over 5,000 community members

24/7 Gateway, LLC (Gateway Center)
275 Pryor St., SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 215-6600
Website: www.gatewayctr.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Claudine Forbes Douglas
E-mail: cforbes@gatewayctr.org
Phone: (404) 215-6593

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Brad McKinley
E-mail: bmckinley@gatewayctr.org
Phone: (404) 215-6603

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Molly Williams
E-mail: mwilliams@gatewayctr.org
Phone: (404) 215-6617

ILLINOIS

Chicago

After a short hiatus, Chicago reinstated their Speakers’ Bureau in 2007. A team of homeless and formerly homeless individuals saw the desperate need for a Chicago Speakers’ Bureau in conjunction with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless’ mission: to organize and advocate to prevent and to end homelessness based on the belief that housing is a human right. The Speakers’ Bureau aids this purpose by educating people about homelessness, helping the community understand that homelessness can affect anyone, and showing that there is hope for a future without homelessness.
diverse

Geographical Area Served:  Chicago Metro

Number of Active Speakers:  15

Number of Presentations in Past Year:  72 reaching a combined audience of 4,139.

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
Hannah Willage
Speakers’ Bureau Organizer
1325 South Wabash Ave. #205
Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 435-4548 x239
Email: Hannah@chicagohomeless.org

MARYLAND

Baltimore

The Speakers’ Bureau at the Beans and Bread Outreach Center held its first presentation on July 1, 2010. The group’s mission is to spur advocacy on behalf of the homeless,  to erase  stereotypes, and ultimately  to end homelessness locally and nationally.

Geographical Area Served:  Baltimore Metro

Number of Active Speakers:  8

Beans and Bread Outreach Center
400 South Bond Street
Baltimore, MD 21231
Phone: (410) 732-1892
Website: http://www.vincentbaltimore.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA:  Carl Byron Baty
Email: carl.baty@vincentbaltimore.org
Phone: (410) 732-1982  x119

The Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau at the Health Care for the Homeless, Inc. was established in August of 2010.

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.
421 Fallsway
Baltimore, MD   21202
Phone:  (410) 837-5533
Website: www.hchmd.org
Blog: http://speakers-facesofhomelessness.blogspot.com/

Geographical Area Served:  Baltimore Metro

AmeriCorps*VISTA:  Lindsay Callahan Vanderheiden
Email:  lcallahan@hchmd.org
Phone:  (443) 703-1349

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston

Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance
P.O. Box 120070
Boston, MA 02112
Phone: (617) 367-6447

Geographical Area Served: Boston Metro

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Samuel Longnecker
Email: slongnecker@mhsa.net
Phone: (617) 367-6447 ex. 22

Pine Street Inn
444 Harrison Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 892-9100
Website: www.pinestreetinn.org

The mission of the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau is to educate the public on
the issues surrounding homelessness.

Geographical Area Served: Boston Metro

Number of Active Speakers: 2 but looking to expand to 15

Number of Presentations in Past Year: Bureau just established in July 2010

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Porsha Olayiwola
E-mail: porsha.olayiwola@pinestreetinn.org.
Phone: (617) 892-9445

Brockton

Father Bill’s/Mainspring House
54 N. Main St.
Brockton, MA 02301-3907
Phone: (781) 724-1438

Geographical Area Served: Quincy/Boston Metro

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Charlotte Sida
Email: csida@helpfbms.org
Phone: (781) 724-1438

Cambridge

Sponsored by the Homeless Empowerment Project, the Homeless Speakers Bureau
offers the opportunity for people who have experienced housing and financial-related
adversities to tell their stories at speaking engagements.

Geographical Area Served: Cambridge/Boston Metro

Spare Change News
David Jefferson
Executive Director
Homeless Empowerment Project
1151 Mass. Mass. Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 497-1595
Email: director@sparechangenews.net
Website: www.sparechangenews.net

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Manchester

NH Under the Bridge Project is a group of formerly and currently homeless persons who work together to engage and empower ourselves and others to address the issues related to homelessness in New Hampshire.  In 2000, our speakers’ panels began presenting our lives through "faces of the homeless" panels. We have spoken at every college in New Hampshire and even Harvard in Cambridge.

Geographical Area Served:  New Hampshire

NH Under The Bridge
Cindy Carlson
Manchester NH
Phone: (603) 624-8320
Email: nhunderthebridge@gmail.com
Website: www.nhunderthebridge.blogspot.com

OHIO

Cincinnati
The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) began a "Voice of the Homeless" Speakers Bureau (SB) in 1996. In 2001, the SB saw significant growth when GCCH hired a full-time Education Coordinator to administer the public education programs. The public education programs fulfill GCCH's mission to eradicate homelessness, as we believe that an educated public is a compassionate public willing to dedicate time and talent to creative solutions to homelessness. GCCH’s education programs work to combat harmful stereotypes and myths as well as motivate individuals to become active in the fight to end poverty and homelessness.

Through the SB, GCCH connects formerly homeless individuals with churches, companies, secondary schools and universities throughout the region. Within the last few years GCCH has expanded the program to present to 115 groups in 2007 reaching 5,528; 126 groups in 2008 reaching 4,012; 138 groups in 2009 reaching 4,428 and anticipates reaching over 150 groups in 2010. Most recently GCCH implemented a “Faces of Homelessness” Panel which much success, providing a greater opportunity for the larger public to dialogue and bridge a key knowledge gap, particularly with social workers and community volunteers seeking answers to tough questions.
To schedule a speaker or for more information about GCCH’s other educational opportunities including the Cincinnati Urban Experience, contact the GCCH.
Geographical Area Service:  Greater Cincinnati

Number of Active Speakers:  8
Number of Presentations in Past Year:  138
Jeni Jenkins, MA
Education Coordinator
Greater Cincinnati Coalition For The Homeless
117 E. 12th Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone:  (513) 421-7803 x14
Email:  jenijenkins@cincihomeless.org
Website:  www.cincihomeless.org

Cleveland

Since 2002, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless’ Street Voices Speakers’ Bureau has challenged many misconceptions about the causes of homelessness and about those who suffer from its effects.  The bureau has empowered individuals to discuss their first-hand experience with homelessness with schools, congregations, and other organizations in the community. The coalition has also paired the “Movable Wall” exhibit with its speakers’ bureau. The “Movable Wall” is a collection of pictures, facts, and quotes taken by those who are currently dealing with homelessness in an effort to inspire themselves and others to end homelessness.

Geographical Area Served:   Cleveland Metro

Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless
Larry Davis
3631 Perkins Ave., 3A-3
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: (216) 432-0540
Email: publicoutreach@neoch.org
Website: www.neoch.org/streetvoices.htm

PUERTO RICO

San Juan

Puerto Rico Speakers of the Street Bureau (Oradores de la Calle) began in 2005 as part of La Fondita de Jesus’ Social Justice work group. The Bureau’s mission is to educate the general public about the lives of homeless people.

Geographical Area Served:   San Juan Metro area and other place throughout the island

Number of Active Speakers:  5

Number of Presentations in Past Year:  14
.
“Oradores de la Calle" (Speakers of the Street)
Caleta San Juan 55A
P.O. Box 19384
San Juan, PR   00901-1384
Phone: (787) 724-4051
Email: cartas@lafonditadejesus.org
Website: www.lafonditadejesus.org

Contact: Glorin Ruiz
Email: glorinba@prtc.net
Phone:  (787) 205-6006
             
Contact: Maria F. Beltran
Email: mbeltran@lafonditadejesus.org
Phone: (787) 205-3611

RHODE ISLAND

The Voices of Homelessness Speakers Bureau is sponsored by the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless. The Bureau  was created due to support from AmeriCorps*VISTA. 

Mission: "We will change the beliefs about homelessness.  We will break stereotypes and misconceptions.  We will educate the general public to gain support.  We will put a face to the individuals suffering, and we will speak the TRUTH to END HOMELESSNESS in Rhode Island!"

The speakers are homeless or formerly homeless. They share their personal stories and testimonies related to:  being homeless, personal issues, struggles, and survival stories.

The Bureau has spoken recently at Brown University, Providence College, Blackstone Academy High School, and  the Harvest Outreach Ministry. The Bureau and its speakers have received lots of positive feedback.

Geographical Area Served:   Rhode Island

Number of Active Speakers:  10 to 15

Number of Presentations in 2010:  7 with 5 booked for Sept. of 2010

Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless
1070 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860-4748
Phone: (401) 721-5685
Website: www.rihomeless.org

AmeriCorps:   Loretta Johnson, Speakers’ Bureau Coordinator
Email:  loretta@rihomeless.org
Phone: (401) 721-5685 x30

AmeriCorps:  Wilma Smith, Speakers’ Bureau Coordinator
Email: wilma@rihomeless.org
Phone: (401) 721-5685  x30

AmeriCorps:  Sara Fleck, Assistant Speakers’ Bureau Coordinator
Email:  sara@rihomeless.org
Phone: (401) 721-5685 x30

SOUTH CAROLINA

Greenville County

Founded in 2009, the mission of the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ bureau is to educate the Upstate community of South Carolina concerning the realities of homelessness both locally and nationally; to empower those who have experienced homelessness to share their personal stories and insights;  and to inspire community members to join our fight to end homelessness.

Geographical Area Served:   Greenville and Anderson Counties, and Upstate South Carolina

Number of Active Speakers:  12

Number of Presentations in Past Year:   50 presentations in 2010

Upstate Homeless Coalition of South Carolina
150 Executive Center Drive
Box 211
Greenville, SC 29615
Phone: (864) 241-0462
Website: www.upstatehomeless.com

AmeriCorps*VISTA:  Dawna Harrison
E-mail:  dharrison@upstatehomeless.com
Phone: (864) 241-0462 x 725

TENNESSEE

Nashville

The Nashville Homeless Power Project (NHPP) offers the following educational activities:

Homelessness 101 Workshops:   From 15 minute presentations to all day tours, homeless and formerly homeless people will work with groups of any size to:  1) break stereotypes and help humanize homeless people; 2) give real facts on homelessness; 3) root causes of homelessness; and 4) how to take concrete action steps at many levels.

Specific Workshops include:

Presentations—one or two of the homeless or formerly homeless leaders will share personal stories with the group, along with how to get more involved.  15 minutes

Panel Discussion—from 3 or 4 of the homeless or formerly homeless leaders will: 1) share the mission and purpose of NHPP; 2) personal testimonies; 3) talk about housing and worker rights and other campaigns;  and 4) how to get involved.  Question and answer and discussion follows.—45 minutes.

Homelessness 101—from 3 to 6 of the homeless or formerly homeless leaders will do presentations, role plays, video, small groups and 1-on-1 discussion giving the audience member(s) the opportunity to develop relationships directly all done in a fun and safe environment, learn the facts about homelessness and its root causes and how to get involved.—from 1 to 3 hours.

The Tour.   This is not experiencing homelessness, but is an opportunity to engage directly with homeless and formerly homeless people as your guides.  Engage directly with homeless folks on the streets.   Engage with other stakeholders (e.g. police, businesses, other homeless organizations) that positively and negatively impact homeless people.   Tours are tailored to each group’s specific needs or requests.

Geographical Area Served:  Nashville Metro

Nashville Homeless Power Project
Jay Mazon
Executive Director
1310 Jefferson St; #200
Nashville, TN   37208
Phone: (615) 321-6100
Email: jay@homelesspower.org
Website: www.homelesspower.org

VERMONT

Burlington

The Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) began its speakers’ bureau to better educate the community about homelessness and the value and dignity of every human life.  In 2009, Bureau spoke to many schools and small businesses. The group speaker’s panel is comprised of staff members, board members, former board members and volunteers who are dedicated to COTS’ mission of advocating for long-term solutions to end homelessness.

The COTS Speakers’ Bureau’s mission is to educate the public about homelessness, the value and dignity of every human life, that housing is a fundamental human right and that emergency shelter is not the solution to homelessness.   The COTS Speakers’ Bureau encourages community involvement in achieving COTS’ mission.

Geographical Area Served:  Chittenden County

Number of Active Speakers:   18

Number of presentations in Past Year:  31

The Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS)
Beth Kreuger
PO Box 1616
Burlington, VT 05402
Phone: (802) 864-7402 x108
Email: bethk@cotsonline.org
Website: www.cotsonline.org

WASHINGTON

Seattle

Speakers Bureau
Real Change News
219 1st Ave., South; #220
Seattle, WA  98104
Phone: (206) 441-3247 x211
Email: organizer@realchangenews.org

WYOMING

Cheyenne

Since 1990, the Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless has provided services for those in need in Laramie County, Wyoming. Among their many outreach programs, the coalition has also activated a speaker’s bureau.  The Bureau’s mission is to educate the public on homelessness issues and needs.  The bureau continues to look for ways to empower the homeless by discussing the issues facing those experiencing homelessness within the community.

Geographical Area Served:  Laramie County

Number of Active Speakers:  from 1 to 5

Number of Presentations in Past Year:  2

Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless
Virginia Sellner
Director
907 Logan Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82001-5247
Phone: (307) 634-8499
Email: wch@vcn.com
Website: http://www.wch.vcn.com

If you know of one that is not listed on here,
please contact us and we will make sure we post that information here.

202.462.4822 ext. 234
mstoops@nationalhomeless.org

back to main page