Faces of Homelessness Speakers'
Bureau
In 2009 the Speakers™ Bureau gave 390 presentations, speaking to over 20,500 people from over 40 states, traveling to 13 states.
Have you attended a presentation? If so, please let us know what you thought by taking this quick survey.
If you are interested in bringing our Faces of Homelessness Panel to your school, please contact Michael Stoops at mstoops@nationalhomeless.org.
The Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau is a program
of the National Coalition for the Homeless that is comprised of people
who are or have been homeless and works to educate the public about homelessness
and what can be done to end it. This approach is a unique and necessary
tool because it establishes a significant platform for those whom homelessness
affects directly to talk personally about their experiences. Additionally,
the Speakers' Bureau creates opportunities for members to advocate for
themselves and others, as well as build the necessary bridges with the
rest of society so that we may work cooperatively to end this disgrace
called homelessness.
 Ending
homelessness must begin with the understanding that people who are or
have been homeless are our neighbors and members of our community. Public
perceptions and attitudes toward persons experiencing homelessness or
in danger of becoming homeless need to change in order for positive, long-term
solutions to be realized. Most Americans rarely interact with people who
are or who have been homeless. The lack of interaction between different
groups of our society, combined with impersonal or inaccurate descriptions
of homelessness posed by the media and public officials, contributes to
a distancing of those who have housing from those who do not. As a result,
homelessness is perceived as an abstract social problem. Those who experience
homelessness are seen as the sources of their own misfortunes, and the
socio-economic policies and practices that give rise to homelessness are
then too easily ignored. This abstraction, in turn, lessens the degree
of urgency and commitment needed to work strategically and consistently
toward solutions to end homelessness that are long-term, outcome-based,
and not simply responses to crises. The Speakers’ Bureau is both
an accurate and dynamic tool to teach and challenge tomorrow’s leaders
as well as empower those who have experienced homelessness first-hand.
By fostering an environment of self-worth, respect, and understanding
for all people, the Speakers’ Bureau challenges us to believe that
we can and should end homelessness.
In 2009 the Speakers’ Bureau gave 390 presentations, speaking to over 20,500 people from over 40 states, traveling to 13 states. But, this is only a start. We need your help to set up
new Speakers’ Bureaus across the country, include people experiencing
homelessness in your presentations, and spread the word about the importance
and effectiveness of "Faces of Homelessness" panels. Please
explore the following links to learn more about the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau, and how you can get involved with it.
Homeless Empowerment Project...
The vision of the Homeless Empowerment Project is to 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. It also serves 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.
Please CLICK HERE for more information about this project.
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For more information about anything on this page, please contact:
Michael Stoops
202.462.4822 ext. 222
mstoops@nationalhomeless.org
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