This document discusses the history and activities of two consumer advocacy boards - the Chatham-Chatham Consumer Advocacy Board of Healthcare (CCABoH) and the Homeless Helping Homeless (HHH) program. CCABoH was established in 2002 and has advocated for issues related to healthcare for the homeless. HHH was established in 2010 and aims to educate the community and empower change through advocacy to end homelessness. Both groups hold regular meetings, conduct advocacy activities like meetings with officials, and work to overcome obstacles like engagement and recruitment.
3. CCABoH History CCABoH initiated at Union Mission, Inc. in 2002 to offer consumer leadership and feedback to Healthcare for the Homeless Program at the JC Lewis Health Care Center. CCABoH primarily worked on issues related to health care, mental health care, and other issues at Union Mission until 2006.
4. Stepping Out In 2006, CCABoH decided to seek its own non-profit status to assist the community in bringing new funding sources to programs for the homeless and at risk. Founding member Howard Jackson launched a blog to better keep in touch with youth trained in advocacy through UMI’s service learning curriculum.
5. More Change! In 2009, CCABoH moved out of Union Mission meeting space and into a new meeting space at SOURCE/Candler Adult Day Center. In 2010, CCABoH partners with Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness and works toward creating a statewide consumer advocacy group.
6. Monthly Meetings Meetings are held every second Monday and follow Robert’s Rules of Order. The board operates under a charter and by-laws. CCABoH member Renee Kennedy attends board meetings of both Union Mission, Inc. and Chatham/Savannah Homeless Authority.
7. Advocacy and Education Meetings with elected officials in Savannah, Atlanta and DC Quarterly Newsletter Holds 1st Homeless Memorial Day in Savannah in 2009 Public speaking at GAEH and NAEH conferences Howard Jackson works with youth at UMI
8. Obstacles to overcome Recruitment has changed with our move out of shelter facilities Engagement has changed since community liaison members no longer work within the Savannah agencies working on homelessness issues Involvement in state and national advocacy issues less concrete for members
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10. HHH Creed I Choose to believe change is possible I Choose to be an avid listener I choose to respect others and their opinions I choose to bring my gifts to the table and share them I choose to commit to ending homelessness
11. The Beginnings: HHH Purpose: Building Bridges = EDUCATION Empowering Change = CHANGING LIVES Ending Homelessness = ADVOCACY
12. The Beginnings: HHH History Began with voting / candidates forum First public speaking revealed POWER of personal stories
13. The Details: HHH Who: Currently, Formerly, & Potentially Homeless When: Every Wednesday at 12:00 Where: Urban Ministry Center, local soup kitchen and service center
27. Actions: Solidarity Sleep-out Goal: Implement 10 Year Plan – 250 more year-round shelter beds Plan: Housed and Homeless sleep-out together in uptown park Include rally with variety of speakers Draw media attention
28. Actions: Solidarity Sleep-out Success: Within several months, a new mayor elected (who attended sleep-out) elected and declared ending homelessness a priority Before next winter, additional 250 beds added
29. Actions: Road to Housing City bond recommendation: $167 million for roads & $10 million for affordable housing Theme: Where is the Road to Affordable Housing
30. Actions: Road to Housing Components: Prayer Vigil 20 speakers before City Council (1/3 homeless/formerly homeless) Followed-up with Press Conference Meetings/phone calls/emails to Council “Homeless Tour” with Councilman Won an addition $5 million for Housing
31. Other Actions Partnership with Police & Jail: Reduce Homeless Arrests “The Wall”: Active presence in discussions to close outdoor meal site Community Dance
33. For More Information: HHH Blog: http://www.urbanministrycenter.org/blogs/hhh-blog Program Director: Liz Clasen-Kelly – 704-926-0608, lclasen@urbanministrycenter.org