A six-month program will help people who have experienced homelessness advocate for solutions to a worsening problem in Indianapolis.
The program — ”Speak Up!” — pairs coaches with people who have been homeless but now live in permanent housing. They’ll meet twice a month starting in June at a local theater company.
Some meetings will help people get a better understanding of legislation that deals with homelessness, as well as the role of advocacy in shaping public policy. Other meetings will be more creative, with participants learning about the art of storytelling and public speaking. Meetings are limited to participants.
Guy-Jo Gordon, senior program manager, said it would be great if participants came out of the series wanting to get involved in public policy.
“Ultimately, though,” he said, “the goal is to get them to a place where they own their story.”
For people who have experienced homelessness, Gordon said that means building confidence and learning how to use their strengths.
“Oftentimes, when they go through the system, they’re identified by their trauma,” he said. “So hopefully we’re giving them an opportunity to identify however they want and not be identified by their trauma.”
The series launched in late 2023 and was supposed to begin in the spring of 2024. But the nonprofit Corporation for Supportive Housing, which runs the program, needed more time to find funding.
The organization is recruiting participants from local permanent supportive housing projects, which combine affordable housing with support services to help people maintain stability.
Lori Phillips-Steele, Indiana director for the organization, said the advocates could help expand the concept.
“I think that their voice will be really important in developing policies around supportive housing and around ending homelessness,” Phillips-Steele said.
The series will last through November, with a graduation on Dec. 3 at Phoenix Theatre. The graduation will be open to the public.
If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved with future cohorts, you can fill out this form.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers housing and labor. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @ty_fenwick and Bluesky @tyfenwick.bsky.social.
Get the backstory
Using storytelling to advocate for homeless residents
A new effort will connect creatives with people who have been homeless to offer a new take on advocacy.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
