The Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau Made up of people who are or have been homeless, the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau works to educate the public about homelessness and what can be done to end it.
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 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.
By fostering an environment of self-worth, respect, and understanding for all people, the Speakers’ Bureau will challenge us to believe that we can and should end homelessness.
The speakers bureau expects to be ready to make presentations this fall. If you are interested in bringing the Faces of Homelessness panel to your civic group or school, please contact: speakers@hsncfl.org