Policy Matters: The Fair Tenant Screening Act Could Save Someone’s Life

The Fair Tenant Screening Act would help put housekeys in the hands of people who are experiencing homelessness. Image from <a href="http://pixabay.com/en/keys-hand-open-chain-bunch-metal-452889/" target="_blank">Pixabay.com</a>. — The Fair Tenant Screening Act would help put housekeys in the hands of people who are experiencing homelessness. Image from Pixabay.com.

Jen Haynes from YWCA of Spokane shares how the Fair Tenant Screening Act, a bill that is pending at the state legislature, would help domestic violence survivors get into safe housing.

Spark Change Podcast Episode 14: “Finding Our Way”

Watch on YouTube.com

We give background on how the "Finding Our Way" storytelling project was conceived and executed, including details about the participant recruiting process and our “listening parties.” We also walk you through the new StoryCorps section of our website, explaining features of the public page’s edited stories, and offering a sneak peek at the raw story archive, which is still under construction but will soon be available for advocacy partners to access.

“We Had to Tell Her About Santa”: Homeless Parents Face Impossible Choices

From left, Lawrence, Zoe and Andrea Charles spent years without a stable home. In a recent StoryCorps interview, Lawrence said of his daughter, "She's just starting to realize we're poor." Photo credit: Dan Lamont for Firesteel.

In a new story produced from the StoryCorps "Finding Our Way" project, Andrea and Lawrence Charles talk about protecting their daughter while experiencing homelessness. Listen to their conversation, and see photos by Dan Lamont documenting the Charles's everyday life as they transition from homelessness to stability.

Advocacy Day Generates Excitement in Olympia and Online

Advocates from across the state joined HHAD in person and in spirit. Many of them shared their messages at our photo booths in Olympia and at Seattle University!

While we're still basking in the afterglow of Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day, our advocacy coordinator shares some highlights from the event, as well as next steps for creating change!

I’m an Advocate: Betty Jimerson

YWCA Seattle I King I Snohomish staff were joined by representatives from the Gates Foundation and Mayor Murray's office for the Jan. 22 One Night Count. Photo courtesy Erin Murphy.

Our YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish colleague Betty Jimerson is an energetic advocate who shares her personal story of family homelessness in order to help others. Read how activities like volunteering with the One Night Count, passing out sandwiches in downtown Seattle, and testifying in Olympia fit into her definition of advocacy.

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