Advocacy

Building a Movement

The advocacy work of Building Changes is focused on building a collective movement to persuade all sectors of society, especially our government — at all levels — to make a renewed, concerted effort to end homelessness.

Guiding Principles

Building Changes has joined with an assembly of homeless and housing advocacy organizations who believe that the following fundamental principles are essential to prevent and end homelessness in our country:

• Renew and expand key local, state, and federal homeless assistance programs.
• Increase the supply of affordable housing and tie in rental subsidies, as needed.
• Provide healthcare, education, and social services to all who need them.
• Assure job opportunities with incomes sufficient to pay for life’s necessities.
• Prevent discrimination against homeless persons, returning prisoners, and low-income households.

Key Activities

The spectrum of Building Changes’ advocacy activities includes:

• Framing clear, persuasive messages
• Developing broad-scale strategies
• Using effective communications
• Networking and cultivating partnerships
• Educating and engaging the community
• Convening public forums and events
• Leading policy research, formulation, and publishing efforts

Current Work

Building Changes is working closely with numerous advocacy partners in preparation for the upcoming legislative session, which begins January 11, 2010 and runs through March 13, 2010. Our partners include: Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, Washington State Coalition for the Homeless, the Committee to End Homelessness, United Way of King Country, Common Ground, Statewide Poverty Action Network, the Washington State Budget and Policy Center, and Solid Ground. We are also engaged in research, message testing, and the implementation of a long-term advocacy strategy to support our mission. See our Strategic Business Plan Report for details about our advocacy strategy.