Direct Action: The EAU Committee holds rallies and actions to pressure those in authority as a means of getting our message across. We work very closely with the media, holding press conferences so that the public is aware of the conditions and issues homeless families face in the EAU. We also meet and correspond with “movers and shakers” like Department of Homeless Services’ Commissioner Linda Gibbs.

Research & Documentation: Picture the Homeless staff and volunteers conducted random surveys of 100 homeless families outside the EAU, in the spring of 2002, to identify issues and patterns of concern on the part of families directly affected by the EAU. We conducted separate surveys on issues around homeless families with disabilities in the EAU during the summer of 2003. An intensive training on outreach and interview techniques was provided to all survey team members. A report was made from the data in these surveys called, Abuse and Neglect: How New York City Violates the Human and Civil Rights of Homeless Famiies inside the EAU.

Public Education: We enlighten homeless families, especially those within the EAU, by giving them the tools to advocate for themselves and others. In addition, we also educate legislators and policymakers about issues and conditions within the EAU.

Grassroots Organizing: The EAU committee holds meetings in the park and at Picture the Homeless, and outreach to Picture the Homeless members and other homeless families in the EAU. Members, through networks of people they know, invite people to meetings and actions; but also take information to people where they are, asking for input and bringing in issues from the EAU to each organizing meeting. Attendance at meetings is not a prerequisite for any voice to be heard.

Leadership Development: New members are quickly oriented to our organizational goals and identify issues that they want to work on; some consistently participate and quickly move into leadership roles. Training is provided as members identify needs such as planning actions, and public speaking. Members are encouraged to participate in direct actions and other public events as soon as they join.