I’m an Advocate: Susan Russell

Following a debilitating car accident, Susan Russell lost her ability to work as a cement mason and eventually lost her home. During six years of homelessness, she was beaten, robbed and raped. In 2013 she was accepted into transitional housing. Even as she recovers from the traumas she experienced on the streets, Susan is a strong voice in the movement to end homelessness.

“How Did I Get Here?” Tacoma Parents Reflect on Losing Home in StoryCorps Interview

Franklin and Sherry Gilliard live in transitional housing with their three children in Tacoma. Image credit: StoryCorps.

The Gilliards never thought they'd experience homelessness. Then the Great Recession hit, and their small business struggled. Drowning in debt, they eventually lost their home and moved their family of five into a shelter. Listen to their story, check out an infographic about child homelessness in Washington, and learn what you can do to spark change.

I’m Thankful for Our Community of Advocates

This awesome group joined the first of two "listening parties" to review conversations collected by the "Finding Our Way" StoryCorps storytelling project. The group's input will help us decide which stories to produce and share, all in support of our collective advocacy to end homelessness. Clockwise from left: Denise Miller from Firesteel, Lisa Gustaveson and Dominic CodyKramers from Seattle University, Charlie McAteer from Columbia Legal Services, Mike Buchman from Solid Ground, Catherine Hinrichsen and Hannah Hunthausen from Seattle University, Kollin Min from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dawn Stenberg from Union Gospel Mission, and Tiana Quitugua and Haley Jo Lewis from Seattle University.

This Thanksgiving, our advocacy coordinator is grateful for the smart, caring advocates who are working to end homelessness.

I’m an Advocate: Willie Jones

Willie accepts his Real Change Vendor of the Year award in 2013. Photo credit: Real Change.

The state legislative session is just around the corner, and this year we're all going to need to step up and advocate tenaciously for policies that will help end homelessness. To inspire you, we're continuing to share interviews with amazing, passionate advocates. Today we're delighted to feature Willie Jones.

Firesteel Makes It on Cable News!

Erin Murphy (second from right), Director of Community Engagement for YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish, talks about family homelessness with hosts of the TakePart Live news program.

Firesteel is invited to talk about homelessness on cable news show TakePart Live. Erin emphasizes that families and children are greatly impacted by homelessness.

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