The goal of the Public Awareness Committee is to change the narrative regarding homelessness by educating and informing the community of both successes and challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. This will be accomplished by the following objectives:
Foster a community of practice by hosting community conversations and/or Meet and Greets to discuss homeless and housing issues as well as clarifying common terms and definitions
Remove stigma and misconceptions around homelessness by collecting and publicizing personal stories of both struggle and success
Rally community members into action by being a part of hands-on activities such as community clean-ups, clothing drives, etc.
These objectives will be guided by a multi-level marketing and communications plan which will include the following:
Policies to advocate for person and strength-based language when talking about housing and homeless issues
Messaging to clarify between the person and the circumstances which may lead to homelessness including a review of causes and conditions
Focused communications to individuals and groups that may be ambivalent or unsure around the issues relating to homelessness
Advocacy around outreach and communications countywide and not focused in one geographic area.
The Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 1pm.
Chair - Geoff Baker
Homeless Network of Yakima County