Marcus Moore
I was born in Brooklyn but raised in Bergen County New Jersey. When I moved back to NYC I got a job working security. I was staying with someone, but...
Speakers Bureau
Our members have talked to hundreds of classrooms and faith communities and organizations and professional associations – and we’d love to come speak with YOU.
“When a member of Picture the Homeless speaks to a crowd, they don’t just bring their own knowledge,” said Speakers Bureau member Rogers. “They carry the wisdom and stories and insights of the whole team. I’ve learned so much during my time at Picture the Homeless, from dozens of powerful people who I’ve worked alongside, and that’s what I try to bring to the table.”
At Picture the Homeless, we believe that homeless people are the real experts on homelessness. And unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and negative stereotypes about homeless people. Most people don’t truly understand the issue. The best way to change these myths is for people who have experienced homelessness to get out there and tell the real story!
“We’re up against a lot,” said Jean Rice. “We fight against negative policies that impact homeless people, and we fight against the negative public discourse that dominates the media coverage of homelessness. But we’re fortunate to have a disciplined and effective and knowledgeable team of experienced public speakers who can get out there and tell it like it is.”
If you’d like to invite a member of our Speakers Bureau to address your community, please contact Sam Miller (646-314-6423 or [email protected]) – let us know what you’d like to learn more about, and we’ll connect you with the best spokesperson!
“One of our goals as a Speakers Bureau is to show people how we’re all connected,” said Rogers. “We’re all impacted by the housing crisis. Probably half of all New Yorkers have someone in their family who’s homeless in one form or another, even if we don’t necessarily think of it as ‘homeless.’ Maybe your sister is crashing with you because of a domestic violence situation, or you’re still living with your mom because you can’t afford the high rents in NYC. Maybe someone you care about is in a shelter, or living in overcrowded conditions. We’re all in this together.”
Some members of our Speakers Bureau:
Arvernetta Henry
“Lots of people don’t qualify for supportive housing. If you are on a fixed income, don’t have a mental illness or a substance abuse problem, you still need a place...
Ousmane Drame
“I am a construction worker, originally from West Africa. Right now I’m homeless, and have been for a while. I’m really not a shelter person, because of many reasons. Right...
Ms. Lewis
“If Mayor de Blasio wants to learn from the City’s mistakes, he should ask homeless families and individuals what they need. My situation doesn’t apply for the current programs he’s...
Charmel Lucas
Charmel Lucas was born in East Harlem and is a mother of five. She was married 22 years and is now a widow. She worked for the Board of Education...
Al Williams
“This administration would rather sell its vacant properties to private developers than house this city’s homeless population. Our protest is a warning shot to the de Blasio administration to signify...
Rogers
“Poor people instinctively know that we need truly-affordable housing and stable jobs. Developers, builders, and speculators see vacant spaces as future wealth. That future wealth does us no good now,...
Danielle Stelluto
“I am a woman, daughter, mother, and friend. I am a full-time student at Hostos College, teaching my kids and the youth knowledge. Hard worker, activist, writer, and public speaker....
Jean Rice
Jean was born on July 1st, 1939 in Anderson, South Carolina and was educated in the New York City Public School System. From 1979 through 1981 Jean attended Norwalk Community...
William S. Burnett
William is a Roman Catholic and a lifelong activist and organizer. He studied philosophy and theology at Wadhams Hall Seminary-College. William has been a leader of Picture the Homeless since...
Darlene Bryant
"I tell people, if you're tired of talking about the problem and ready to do something about it, PTH is the place to be."
Members of our Speakers Bureau!