The atmosphere was electric—a series of packed rooms buzzing with conversations that shifted between hope and determination, sentiments uniquely framed by firsthand homelessness experience.
National Coalition for the Homeless’ 2024 National Lived Experience Leadership Conference had made a rare stop on the West Coast, co-hosted by Destination: Home and drawing in hundreds of changemakers and advocates – the majority directly affected by homelessness – to exchange ideas, address inequities and share lessons learned.
I was among more than 350 fortunate attendees participating in this coveted gathering—a brief yet poignant opportunity to come together and collectively address the homelessness crisis. The speakers conveyed their thoughts honestly and with genuine passion, but they were sharing more than simple words – they were extending a call to action, stoking resilience, creativity, and solutions that arise when those most affected by homelessness lead the conversation.
We spoke candidly about systemic gaps encountered and the many ways in which lived experiences fueled both pragmatic and innovative solutions. We addressed challenges we’ve faced within the ecosystem in accessing resources, dismantling stigmas, and reimagining systems.
While I was honored to be part of this camaraderie, I also had the privilege of presenting and participating in a panel discussion. This gave me a platform to deep-dive into my work here at LifeMoves where I serve as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Lived Experience. As the Bay Area’s largest provider of interim supportive housing, we understand that LifeMoves has a responsibility to lead by example in breaking down barriers.
Our latest initiative, a pilot lived experience recruitment program, does just that by highlighting the value of lived experience as a critical qualification. Currently, 34% of our staff have reported lived experience and of those, 7% have participated in our program, all of whom, I’m happy to report, have charted a successful course toward permanent housing and long-term stability. They are now tapping into those complex journeys to drastically improve LifeMoves’ efficacy – from outreach to operations.
LifeMoves’ pilot program lowers the barriers for and expedites the hiring of individuals who have experienced housing instability. After all, who better understands our processes, pain
points, and opportunities than the clients we serve? The personal insights and perhaps more importantly, the empathy that our team members with lived experience bring to their roles enriches our organization in immeasurable ways. Their contributions drive innovation, foster trust, and make our services more effective and compassionate.
Lived experience isn’t just a story to be shared. It’s a perspective that must inform decisions. Some of LifeMoves’ most forward-looking ideas—like non-congregate shelters that balance privacy with community, on-site pet runs that accommodate those whose furry family have become a lifeline, as well as other client-focused solutions—are direct results of former client’s contributions. These voices, which have proven so pivotal in shaping our LifeMoves’ programs, are still too often excluded from key decision-making processes in the broader systems. This conference is a small step in the larger exit from that antiquated, exclusionary practice.
At the conference, I encountered people from every walk of life – former clients, community leaders, policymakers, and advocates. Each shared a common goal – to end homelessness while instilling a sense of dignity and humanity. Their stories underscored a critical truth: We cannot create effective solutions for people without including them at the table.
The warm reception to my presentation affirmed my belief that lived experience inclusivity isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. When people with lived experience are empowered to cast shape to our programs, we move closer to real, sustainable change.
As the conference concluded, I walked away with a renewed sense of purpose. My biggest takeaway? True progress requires not just listening but acting on the expertise of those who’ve lived through homelessness. Their perspectives are invaluable, not only as participants but as leaders driving the change we need.
I’m excited to further incorporate the conference’s profound vision into my work at LifeMoves and beyond. More than anything, I’m grateful to have been part of a community that believes in the transformative power of stories, voices, and people working together toward a more compassionate world, where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-reoccurring.
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