Homeless Empowerment Project
2008

Mission: The vision of the Homeless Empowerment project is empower those who have or are experiencing homelessness through trainings and skill-building workshops on issues such as “knowing your rights” and Lobbying 101 so that they can advocate for themselves.  To educate the public by dispelling the stereotypes and misconceptions that exist today and to create bridges between the National Coalition for the Homeless and other organizations working to end homelessness. 

*click here for Homeless Empowerment Project workshops.

• Develop a training program for current and potential speakers on the public policy that surrounds and affects the issue of homelessness.  (Bringing America Home Act formerly HR 2897, Universal Living Wage bill, National Housing Trust Fund Act etc.)

• Develop an advocacy program for current and potential speakers that will enable them to lobby on their own behalf.

• Develop monthly forums comprised of homeless individuals that will aid in developing national advocacy strategies.

• Develop training materials and videos to be utilized by other groups from around the country doing similar projects.

• Develop local community access television and public radio programs to generate awareness.

• Develop an extensive Homeless Empowerment Project website to provide opportunities for people to learn about homelessness from a different perspective, establish ways for them to become involved and link newly established existing Homeless Empowerment Projects together.

• Create bridges between NCH and other organizations that are working to end homelessness.

• NCH has a goal of recruiting 75 people in DC who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness.

• This project will teach and challenge tomorrow’s leaders as well as empowering those who have experienced homelessness.

• Meet bi-weekly to set the agenda and direction of the monthly forums

• To develop currently and formerly homeless individuals to take a leadership role in education and advocacy.

• Engage churches in our work by asking them to serve as a link between us, and the homeless individuals they serve in their ministry.

Homeless Empowerment Project Committee: Steve Thomas, David Pirtle, James Davis and Jesse Smith

Contact: Michael O’Neill, Director, Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau with any questions via phone at 202-462-4822 x222 or email at mstoops@nationalhomeless.org