Advocacy steps you can start today

Advocacy is integral when taking a holistic approach to ending homelessness. The issue may seem overwhelming; however, you can do a few things to bring awareness to this issue and be part of the solution. 

Choose Your Words 

One of the first steps you can take is to change how you discuss homelessness. Minimize language that dehumanizes a person and labels their situation over their humanity. Using the expression "people experiencing homelessness" rather than labels like "vagrant," "transient," or even "the homeless" is the first step in advocating well. 

Get involved with a coalition. 

Get connected to a coalition. Volunteer at your local, state, or national housing or homeless advocacy coalition, or make a financial contribution to support their work. 

Connect with local city officials 

Local cities and municipalities receive federal funding for eradicating homelessness through a "block grant." It is up to local elected officials to determine how these funds should be spent. You can help influence where this money goes by getting involved: send emails to your congressperson, attend local planning meetings, and engage with local providers.

Activate The Media 

Access to major media outlets has never been easier than it is now. You can tag your local newspaper or news station on social media about the homeless crisis in your neighborhood. You can share content with your platform educating people who follow you. You can submit editorial pieces to news outlets when vital issues related to homelessness arise in your community.

No matter what you do, no action is too small.