Google Analytics
How We Do Our Work
Direct Action:
The Shelter Committee works directly with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) to try and change policies and laws that affect homeless people. We also attend and participate in legislative meetings with the City Council and State Assembly. We also meet and correspond with “movers and shakers” including Commissioner Linda Gibbs (DHS), Commissioner Robert Doer [Office of Temperary and Disability Assistance] (OTDA), and Commissioner Verna Eggleston [Human Resources Administration] (HRA). In addition, we hold rallies and actions to pressure those in authority as a means of getting our message across.
Research & Documentation:
In 2004 we collected 365 surveys to document conditions of homeless New Yorkers in shelters. We wanted to document and show the physical conditions homeless people face everyday living in shelters.
Public Education: We enlighten the homeless populatin, especially those within the city shelters, 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 shelter system.
The shelter committee holds weekly shelter meetings at Picture The Homeless, and outreach to members and other homeless people in shelters. Members have networks of people who they know, inviting people to meetings and actions, but also taking information to people where they are, asking for input and bringing in issues from the shelters 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.
The Shelter Committee works directly with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) to try and change policies and laws that affect homeless people. We also attend and participate in legislative meetings with the City Council and State Assembly. We also meet and correspond with “movers and shakers” including Commissioner Linda Gibbs (DHS), Commissioner Robert Doer [Office of Temperary and Disability Assistance] (OTDA), and Commissioner Verna Eggleston [Human Resources Administration] (HRA). In addition, we hold rallies and actions to pressure those in authority as a means of getting our message across.
Research & Documentation:
In 2004 we collected 365 surveys to document conditions of homeless New Yorkers in shelters. We wanted to document and show the physical conditions homeless people face everyday living in shelters.
Public Education: We enlighten the homeless populatin, especially those within the city shelters, 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 shelter system.
The shelter committee holds weekly shelter meetings at Picture The Homeless, and outreach to members and other homeless people in shelters. Members have networks of people who they know, inviting people to meetings and actions, but also taking information to people where they are, asking for input and bringing in issues from the shelters 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.
( categories: Rent Subsidies )