The following are Speakers' Bureaus across the country. If there is not a Speakers’Bureau in your community and you would like to start one, please contact the National Coalition for the Homeless.

California | Colorado | Connecticut | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Maryland | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Ohio | Puerto Rico | Rhode Island| South Carolina | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | Wyoming

*Denotes local Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureaus started by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH). These NCH-affiliated bureaus are coordinated primarily by full-time AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteers.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Washington, D.C.

*National Coalition for the Homeless

 “Faces of Homelessness” Speakers’ Bureau is the most visible public education and organizing tool of the National Coalition for the Homeless. This Speakers’ Bureau officially began in 1996, but NCH had encouraged homeless people to speak to various organizations for a few years prior. The Faces Panel allows people who have experienced homelessness to feel the strength and power of helping others understand a highly misunderstood situation and the satisfaction of making a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. The goal of the Speakers’ Bureau is to break stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions people have about homelessness by putting a human ‘face’ to homelessness by hearing personal testimonials.

The National Coalition for the Homeless Speakers’ Bureau also travels across the country, recruiting people in the community we travel to, as well as bringing one or two speakers from our speakers’ bureau.

Geographical Area Served: DC Metro area and nationwide

National Coalition for the Homeless
Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau
2201 P Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037-1033
Phone: (202) 462-4822 x234
Fax: (202) 462-4823
Email: speakersbureau@nationalhomeless.org
Website: www.nationalhomeless.org


Friendship Place
Friendship Place was founded in 1991.
Founded in 2007, the Speakers’ Bureau was started to promote better awareness in the
community on the issues of homelessness. The Bureau seeks to enable homeless and
formerly homeless adults to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community.

Geographical Area Served: Washington DC Metro

Friendship Place
Michael O’Neill
Community Engagement Coordinator
4713 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (202) 747-4231
Email: moneill@cchfp.org
Website: www.FriendshipPlaceDC.org


CALIFORNIA

Santa Monica

Side by Side

In 1992, local homeless and housed activists formed a protest sleeping on the lawn of Santa Monica City Hall over public shower closures and the limitation of public park usage to the homeless.  Part of the negotiations to disband that protest, the City of Santa Monica gave our homeless and housed members the ability to meet at a community center for free of charge by the City of Santa Monica.  That began Side by Side, a community partnership.  We have provided schools like Crossroads and Santa Monica College, USC School of Medicine and other venues with speakers from the homeless community.  We have also been able to participate in sensitivity training to the Santa Monica Police Department organized by civil rights attorney Robert Myers and the National Lawyer’s Guild student organizations.

The Bureau’s mission is to instruct students and adults alike that there are many challenges in the modern media which puppeteers the common constructs of the government agenda, which controls the every day lives of homeless people.  And to discuss openly the misconceptions of homelessness and speak humanely about the dynamic of the struggle that each person faces on the streets.   Most importantly to discuss with anyone who will listen, that homeless and housed people can make a difference by working together.

We illustrate the many projects and progressive solutions hundreds of people have made together in Side by Side, a community partnership.  And that the partnership between housed and homeless people may not provide an immediate fix, but over the long term, can extend compassion and caring into legislative and community centered-solutions. 

Some have been projects like Brown Bag Justice, and the Making Change street newspaper itself, and some have transformed into Randy’s S.H.E.L.T.E.R. modules and advocating for the safe sleeping arrangements of people living on the streets.  Mostly the food program is the main connection to the homeless community, and Side by Side is the component where projects arise and our speakers engage and keep their material fresh and relevant.  And ultimately, our message is that housed people have a need for meaningful participation in social services equally to those that are currently homeless.

Geographical Area Served:  Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Malibu, Culver City, and other parts of West Los Angeles.

Side by Side,
Randy Walburger,  Jennafer Yellowhorse, Moira LaMountain
c/o Helping Other People Eat - Making Change Street Newspaper
P.O. Box 235
Santa Monica, CA 90406-0235
Phone:  (310) 289-7446
Fax: (831) 384-3412
Email: editor@hopemakingchange.org; moira@hopemakingchange.org;  rwshelters@verizon.net
Website:  www.hopemakingchange.org

COLORADO

Colorado Springs

*The Street Church

Colorado Springs began a speakers group in January 2009 with the help of the National Coalition for the Homeless. The group started with six men and women who are, or have been, homeless in Colorado Springs who wanted to share their experiences with others. The Street Church is coordinating this effort to break stereotypes and inform the public on the causes and solutions needed to end homelessness in our community. Presentations are now being offered at churches, schools, with city leaders and support agencies in El Paso County.

Geographical Area Served: Colorado Springs

The Street Church
Robert Moran
P.O. Box 782
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 494-9912
Email: robert@thestreetchurch.com
Website: www.TheStreetChurch.com

Denver

People's Leadership Council

Founded by homeless women and children, the Speakers’ Bureau’s mission is to include the voices of homeless people in changing the lives of others.  The Bureau’s tag line is:  “Nothing about us without us.”

Geographical Area Served: Colorado and the Range

People’s Leadership Council
Randle Loeb
1400 Lafayette Street
Denver, Co. 80218
Phone: (303) 620-1999 or (720) 292-0757
Email: Ploughshare@fusden.org
Website: http://peoplesleadershipcouncil.wordpress.com

CONNECTICUT

Hartford

*Hands on Hartford

The Hartford, CT, Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau chapter operates out of Hands On Hartford, a non-profit organization and Hands On Network affiliate that provides food, supportive housing,  educational support services and community engagement opportunities to the Greater Hartford community. Serving the entire state of Connecticut, the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau is an alliance of concerned individuals who have experienced and continue to experience homelessness. Together we have created a platform for our members to share their firsthand experiences with homelessness and speak out against this continuing unjust reality by organizing speaking engagements hosted by a diverse range of community groups. Through the support of the National Coalition for the Homeless and AmerCorps VISTA, we are driven to expose the truths of homelessness in an effort to educate, empower, involve, and make change.

Geographical Area Served: Connecticut

Hands on Hartford
330 Main St. 3rd floor
Hartford, CT 06016-1851
Phone: (860) 728-3201

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Tracy Choomack
Email: tracychoomack@gmail.com
Phone: (860) 728-3201

FLORIDA

Charlotte County

*Charlotte County Homeless Coalition

The Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau at the Charlotte Co. Homeless Coalition was established in August of 2010.

Geographical Area Served:  Charlotte County

Charlotte County Homeless Coalition
P.O. Box 380157
Murdock, FL  33938-0157
Phone:  (941) 627-4313
Website: www.cchomelesscoalition.org

Duval County

*Emergency Services & Homeless Coalition of Jacksonville, Inc.

Founded in 2009, the Northeast Florida Faces of  Homelessness Speakers' Bureau works to raise awareness and change perceptions about homelessness within the community.

The bureau is comprised of individuals and families who are or have been homeless and educates the public about  the realities of homelessness through their own stories.

• Ending homelessness begins with the understanding that people who are or  have been homeless continue to be our neighbors and members of the community.
  
• Geographical Area Served:  Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. John's Counties

Emergency Services & Homeless Coalition of Jacksonville, Inc.
4495-304 Roosevelt Blvd; #322
Jacksonville, FL 32210
Phone: (904) 354-1100
Fax:  (866) 371-8637
Website: www.eshcnefl.org

Executive Director: Dawn Gilman
Email: ESHCUser@eshcnet.org

Hillsborough County

*Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County

The Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County launched their “Unexpected Faces, Unexpected Places” public awareness campaign in September of 2007. When an AmeriCorps*VISTA joined their staff in mid-2008 they were able to expand the campaign with the addition of the “Unexpected Faces, Unexpected Places” Speakers Bureau. The addition of the speakers’ bureau has allowed HCHC to work with more homeless and formerly homeless individuals to help educate the community about their experiences and needs. This has helped HCHC dispel the myths, stereotypes, and misconceptions about homeless people that often keep community members from stepping forward to help.
Since the launch of the campaign, HCHC staff and volunteers have done brown bag displays panel discussions conducted by the UFUP Speakers’ Bureau. Some of the speakers are single, some have families, all have a story that will break your heart and educate you at the same time.

With the completion of the AmeriCorps*VISTA members work with the Speakers Bureau, community volunteers continue to provide presentations to youth in the community.You can learn more about HCHC at: www.homelessofhc.org
 
Geographical Area Served:  Hillsborough County

Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County
PO Box 360181
Tampa, FL 33673-0181
Phone: (813) 223-6115
Email: info@homelessofhc.org
Website: www.homelessofhc.org

Leon County

*The Tallahassee-Leon County Shelter

The Tallahassee Speakers’ Bureau began in late 2007.  The mission is to educate the people of Tallahassee about the realities of homelessness, in order to dispel the harmful myths and stereotypes.  Local homeless/formerly homeless people are recruited to share their stories.  By informing the community about the resources available to the homeless, we also guide those who want to help. 

Geographical Area Served:  Leon County

The Tallahassee-Leon County Shelter
P.O. Box 4049
Tallahassee, FL 32315-4049

Phone: (850) 224-9055

Email:  office.the.shelter@comcast.net

Website: www.tallahasseeleonshelter.com

Program Coordinator: Jacob Reiter

Email: program.the.shelter@comcast.net

Manatee County

*Turning Points

Turning Points aims to educate civic groups, faith-based groups, and other organizations about the causes of homelessness through the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau. Founded in 2009, the Bureau’s purpose is to educate the public on the causes of homelessness.  The Bureau helps the general public to understand that alcohol, drugs and mental illness are only a small part of the overall situation.  The Bureau educates the general public that the lack of affordable housing, loss of employment, lack of affordable health insurance, domestic violence and the shortage of beds in treatment facilities play a much larger role in why people are homeless.  The Bureau seeks less resentment and more understanding with more community involvement in ending homelessness.

The Open Door Band, made up of homeless and formerly homeless members, seeks to benefit Turning Points as advocates against homelessness through education of the public with their stories and music.

Turning Points
701 17th Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (941) 747-1509
Website: www.cchomeless.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Linda Gaines
Email: lgaines@cchomeless.com
Phone: (941) 747-1509

Miami-Dade County

*Miami Coalition for the Homeless

The Miami Coalition for the Homeless began a speakers group in May 2009.  The mission of the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau is to provide a forum for homeless and formerly homeless individuals to share their personal stories with others; to show who becomes homeless and why; to foster a greater awareness of the reality of not having a home in America; and to spark interest in becoming involved in the struggle to end homelessness on both a local and national level.

Geographical Area Served: Miami-Dade County

Miami Coalition for the Homeless
3550 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 610
Miami, FL  33137
Phone: (305) 571-8101
Email: info@miamihomeless.org
Website: www.miamihomeless.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA:  Portia Dudley
Email: Portia@miamihomeless.org
Phone:(305) 571-8101

Palm Beach County

*The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County

The Story Tellers Speakers’ Bureau was founded in 2008.  The Bureau has speakers to meet with local organizations and groups to discuss homelessness issues. The “Story Tellers” provides a forum for homeless and formerly homeless individuals to share their personal stories with others; to show who becomes homeless and why; to foster a greater awareness of the reality of not having a home in America; and to spark interest in becoming involved in the struggle to end homelessness on both a local and national level.

Geographical Area Serves: Palm Beach Co.
.
The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County
2100 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Phone: (561) 478-5351
Website: www.homelesscoalitionpbc.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Alicia Olexa
Email:  aolexa@pbcgov.org
Phone: 561-355-4663

Pinellas County

*Pinellas County Family Resources, Inc.

The Pinellas County Homeless Leadership Board’s Speakers Bureau was established in 2008.  Its mission is to enlist the volunteer service of homeless and formerly homeless people to present their stories about their experiences of homelessness, and through these presentations aim to:
- Put a “face” on homelessness;
- Dispel myths and stereotypes about homelessness;
- Educate people and raise their awareness about homelessness issues; 
- Convince people, especially youth and young adults, that violence against street homeless persons is not "cool" and enlist audiences to join in efforts to call for a cessation of these hate crimes; and
- Inspire students, religious and civic organizations, business leaders, neighborhood residents and others to get involved in the fight to end homelessness!
 formerly homeless people to present their stories about
Geographical Area Serves:  Pinellas County

Pinellas County Family Resources, Inc.
5180 62nd Avenue North
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Phone: (727) 528-5763
Website: www.pinellashomeless.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Debra Infante
Email: dinfante@pinellashomeless.org
Phone: (727) 528-5768

Volusia/Flagler Counties

*Volusia/Flager County Coalition for the Homeless

The Faces of Homelessness Speakers' Bureau was established in 2009 in an effort to change many of the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding homelessness in the Volusia and Flagler Counties. The three Speakers' Bureau individuals work with the Volusia/Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless which has been involved with the community and improving the lives of the local homeless population for 10 years.
Geographical area served: Volusia and Flagler Counties

Volusia/Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless
Lisa Hamilton
P.O. Box 444
DeLand, Fl 32721-0444
Phone: (386) 279-0029

Executive Director:  Lisa Hamilton
Email: lhamilton@vfcch.org
Phone: (386) 279-0029

GEORGIA

Fulton/DeKalb Counties

*Gateway Center

Founded in 2009, the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau’s mission is:
to provide a forum for currently and formerly homeless individuals to educate the Atlanta community about homelessness and poverty through telling their stories; to increase public understanding of the causes and consequences of homelessness; to dispel stereotypes about the homeless; and to empower homeless/formerly homeless people .

Geographical Area Served: Atlanta Metro

24/7 Gateway, LLC (Gateway Center)
275 Pryor St., SW
Atlanta, GA  30303
Phone: (404) 215-6600
Website: www.gatewayctr.org

Community Relations Director: Molly Williams Heacock
Email: mheacock@gatewayctr.org
Phone: (404) 215-6617

ILLINOIS

Chicago

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless

Led by 15 formerly homeless adults, our Speakers; Bureau reaches more than 3,000 people each year at events hosted by schools, universities, religious and civic groups.
“What the coalition does is let my face and voice represent what we need to do to make a change,” says Leeanna Majors.

Our speaking team is passionate about its work and involves the most active homeless leaders at CCH. They talk about their own experiences, and advocate on issues related to school access, housing and jobs, and developing opportunities for homeless and at-risk people to get back on their feet.
Through its outreach, the Speakers’ Bureau mobilizes volunteers to work with CCH. In the 2011-12 school year, 299 students were active at six colleges and universities: Columbia, DePaul, Dominican, Elmhurst, Loyola and Trinity Christian; four Chicago Public high schools (Mather, Orr, Al Raby and Tilden), Deerfield’s Chicagoland Jewish High School, Northwestern University’s Sheil Catholic Center, and Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. Volunteers join homeless leaders in advocating locally and in Springfield.

Geographical Area Served: Chicago Metro

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
Hannah Willage
Speakers’ Bureau Organizer
70 E. Lake St., #720
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 641-4140
Email: Hannah@chicagohomeless.org
Website: www.chicagohomeless.org

Springfield

Homeless United for Change

Homeless United for Change
Linda Gessaman

Executive Director

213 Main St; P.O. Box 78

Buffalo, IL  62515

Phone:  (217) 816-2766 or (217) 553-0196

Email:  homelessunitedforchange@gmail.com

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/homelessunitedforchange

MARYLAND

Baltimore

*Beans and Bread Center/St. Vincent DePaul, Health Care for the Homeless, Project PLASE, & Fusion Partnerships

The Baltimore Area  "Faces of Homelessness" Speakers' Bureau is a collaborative project of Beans & Bread Center/St. Vincent DePaul, Health Care for the Homeless, Project PLASE, and Fusion Partnerships. The Baltimore Area "Faces of Homelessness Speakers' Bureau was established in August of 2010 and received non-profit status through Fusion Partnerships in spring of 2011. http://facesofhomelessnessbmore.blogspot.com/

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc.
421 Fallsway
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone:  (410) 837-5533
Website:  www.hchmd.org

Geographical Area Served: Baltimore Metro

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Vanessa Borotz
Email: vborotz@hchmd.org
Phone: 410-837-5533 x1349

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston

*Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance

The mission of the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau is to educate the public on the issues surrounding homelessness. In addition to the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau, Boston houses The Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance which enforces a policy to “educate, advocate, innovate, and collaborate” on behalf of the homeless population residing in the Boston Metropolitan area.

Geographical Area Served: Boston Metro

Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance
P.O. Box 120070
Boston, MA  02112-0770
Phone: (617) 367-6447

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Kirstie Moreno
Email: kmoreno@mhsa.net
Phone: (617) 367-6447 x16

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Christina Smith
Email: csmith@mhsa.net
Phone: (617) 367-6447 x17

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Manchester

NH Under the Bridge

NH Under the Bridge Project is a group of formerly and currently homeless persons who work together to engage and empower ourselves and others to address the issues related to homelessness in New Hampshire.  In 2000, our speakers’ panels began presenting our lives through "faces of the homeless" panels. We have spoken at every college in New Hampshire and even Harvard in Cambridge

Geographical Area Served:  New Hampshire

NH Under the Bridge
Cindy Carlson
Manchester NH
Phone: (603) 624-8320
Email: nhunderthebridge@gmail.com
Website: www.nhunderthebridge.blogspot.com

OHIO

Cincinnati

Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless

The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) began a "Voice of the Homeless" Speakers Bureau (SB) in 1996. In 2001, the SB saw significant growth when GCCH hired a full-time Education Coordinator to administer the public education programs. The public education programs fulfill GCCH's mission to eradicate homelessness, as we believe that an educated public is a compassionate public willing to dedicate time and talent to creative solutions to homelessness. GCCH’s education programs work to combat harmful stereotypes and myths as well as motivate individuals to become active in the fight to end poverty and homelessness.

Through the SB, GCCH connects formerly homeless individuals with churches, companies, secondary schools and universities throughout the region. Within the last few years GCCH has expanded the program to present to 115 groups in 2007 reaching 5,528; 126 groups in 2008 reaching 4,012; 138 groups in 2009 reaching 4,428 and anticipates reaching over 150 groups in 2010. Most recently GCCH implemented a “Faces of Homelessness” Panel which much success, providing a greater opportunity for the larger public to dialogue and bridge a key knowledge gap, particularly with social workers and community volunteers seeking answers to tough questions.
To schedule a speaker or for more information about GCCH’s other educational opportunities including the Cincinnati Urban Experience, contact the GCCH.
Geographical Area Service:  Greater Cincinnati

Jeni Jenkins, M.A.
Education Coordinator
Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless
117 E. 12th Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Phone:  (513) 421-7803 x14
Email:  jenijenkins@cincihomeless.org
Website:  www.cincihomeless.org

Cleveland

Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless

Since 2002, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless’ Street Voices Speakers’ Bureau has challenged many misconceptions about the causes of homelessness and about those who suffer from its effects.  The bureau has empowered individuals to discuss their first-hand experience with homelessness with schools, congregations, and other organizations in the community. The coalition has also paired the “Movable Wall” exhibit with its speakers’ bureau. The “Movable Wall” is a collection of pictures, facts, and quotes taken by those who are currently dealing with homelessness in an effort to inspire themselves and others to end homelessness.

Geographical Area Served:   Cleveland Metro

Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless
Larry Davis
3631 Perkins Ave., 3A-3
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: (216) 432-0540  x103
Email: publicoutreach@neoch.org
Website: www.neoch.org/streetvoices.htm

PUERTO RICO

San Juan

La Fondita de la Calle

Puerto Rico Speakers of the Street Bureau (Oradores de la Calle) began in 2005 as part of La Fondita de Jesus’ Social Justice work group. The Bureau’s mission is to educate the general public about the lives of homeless people.

Geographical Area Served:   San Juan Metro area and other place throughout the island
.
“Oradores de la Calle" (Speakers of the Street)
La Fondita de Jesus
P.O. Box 19384
San Juan, PR   00901-1384
Phone: (787) 724-4051
Email: cartas@lafonditadejesus.org
Website: www.lafonditadejesus.org

Contact: Glorin Ruiz Pastush
Email: glorinba@gmail.com
Phone:  (787) 205-6006

Contact: Ivette Perez Toro
Email: iperez@lafonditadejesus.org
Phone: (787) 402-1150


RHODE ISLAND

Providence

Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless

The Voices of Homelessness Speakers Bureau is sponsored by the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless. The Bureau  was created due to support from AmeriCorps*VISTA. 

Mission: "We will change the beliefs about homelessness.  We will break stereotypes and misconceptions.  We will educate the general public to gain support.  We will put a face to the individuals suffering, and we will speak the TRUTH to END HOMELESSNESS in Rhode Island!"

The speakers are homeless or formerly homeless. They share their personal stories and testimonies related to: being homeless, personal issues, struggles, and survival stories.

The Bureau has spoken recently at Brown University, Providence College, Blackstone Academy High School, and  the Harvest Outreach Ministry. The Bureau and its speakers have received lots of positive feedback.

Geographical Area Served:   Rhode Island

Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless
1070 Main Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860-4748
Phone: (401) 721-5685
Website: www.rihomeless.org

AmeriCorps: Loretta Johnson, Speakers’ Bureau Coordinator
Email: loretta@rihomeless.org
Phone: (401) 721-5685 x30

SOUTH CAROLINA

Greenville

*Upstate Homeless Coalition of South Carolina

Founded in 2009, the mission of the Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau is to educate the Upstate Community of South Carolina concerning the realities of homelessness both locally and nationally; to empower those who have experienced homelessness to share their personal stories and insights; and to inspire community members to join our fight to end homelessness.

Geographical Area Served: Greenville and Anderson Counties, and Upstate South Carolina

Upstate Homeless Coalition of South Carolina
150 Executive Center Drive
Box 211
Greenville, SC 29615
Phone: (864) 241-0462
Website: www.upstatehomeless.com

AmeriCorps*VISTA: Rachel Reed
Email: rreed@upstatehomeless.com
Phone: 864-241-0462 x739

Spartanburg

*The Haven

The Haven
P.O. Box 2914
Spartanburg, SC   29304-2914
Phone:  (864) 582-6737
Website: www.thehavenshelter.com

AmeriCorps*VISTA:  Lyn Radke
Email: vista2.hshelter@att.net
Phone: (864) 582-6737


VERMONT

Burlington

The Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS)

The Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) began its speakers’ bureau to better educate the community about homelessness and the value and dignity of every human life.  In 2009, Bureau spoke to many schools and small businesses. The group speaker’s panel is comprised of staff members, board members, former board members and volunteers who are dedicated to COTS’ mission of advocating for long-term solutions to end homelessness.

The COTS Speakers’ Bureau’s mission is to educate the public about homelessness, the value and dignity of every human life, that housing is a fundamental human right and that emergency shelter is not the solution to homelessness. The COTS Speakers’ Bureau encourages community involvement in achieving COTS’ mission.

Geographical Area Served: Chittenden County

The Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS)
Nicole Marshall
PO Box 1616
Burlington, VT 05402
Phone: (802) 864-7402 x207
Email: NicoleM@CotsOnline.org
Website: www.cotsonline.org

VIRGINIA

 
Albemarle County

 *Albemarle High School Fraught with the Arduous Challenge of Ending Stereotypes (F.A.C.E.S.)

Fraught with the Arduous Challenge of Ending Stereotypes (F.A.C.E.S.) is the Commonwealth of Virginia chapter of The F.A.C.E.S. of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau. The F.A.C.E.S. was created by the 2012-2013 Albemarle High School (AHS), Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

The Bureau operates out of Charlottesville, Virginia and serves all of Central Virginia. We are an alliance of concerned individuals who have experienced and continue to experience homelessness. Together the AHS FCCLA and local community members have created a platform for our speakers to share their firsthand experiences with homelessness, and speak out against this continuing unjust reality by organizing speaking engagements hosted by a diverse range of community groups. Through the support of the National Coalition for the Homeless and local community partners, we are driven to expose the truths of homelessness in an effort to educate, empower, involve, and make positive change.

Geographical Area Served: Commonwealth Virginia

F.A.C.E.S.
Rebeckah Stewart-Armistead
Coordinator
100 Guilford Lane, 95-2 Waynesboro, VA 22980
Phone: (276)782-0573
Email: rebeckah.armistead@rocketmail.com

WASHINGTON

Seattle

Real Change Homeless Empowerment Project

Real Change is deeply committed to being a voice of the poor, and we work directly with homeless and low-income people to build opportunities to publish, speak, and be heard. The Real Change Homeless Speakers’ Bureau puts a human face on poverty and homelessness by allowing homeless and formerly homeless speakers to share their experiences with others

Real Change Homeless Empowerment Project
Attn:  Homeless Speakers’ Bureau
219 1st Ave., South; #220
Seattle, WA  98104
Phone: (206) 441-3247 x214(Vendor Services)
Fax:  (206) 956-9472
Email: josephd@realchangenews.org

WYOMING

Cheyenne

Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless

Since 1990, the Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless has provided services for those in need in Laramie County, Wyoming. Among their many outreach programs, the coalition has also activated a speaker’s bureau.  The Bureau’s mission is to educate the public on homelessness issues and needs.  The bureau continues to look for ways to empower the homeless by discussing the issues facing those experiencing homelessness within the community.

Geographical Area Served:  Laramie County

Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless
Rachel Bennett
Director
907 Logan Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82001-5247
Phone: (307) 634-8499
Email: wch@vcn.com
Website: http://www.wch.vcn.com

If you know of one that is not listed on here,
please contact us and we will make sure we post that information here.

202.462.4822 ext. 234
mstoops@nationalhomeless.org

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