#1: INCREASE YOUR AWARENESS.
GET EDUCATED. CREATE CONVERSATION.
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Understand the systemic problems that contribute to homelessness and poverty. Homelessness is a complex issue and effective interventions must happen at both the individual level and on a community wide scale.
Becoming educated about the personal and societal barriers to housing that many in our community face is the first step to ensuring that efforts towards change will be long-lasting, practical, and grounded in an informed understanding of the issue. Follow our blog. Stay up to date on local news and issues that effect the issue of homelessness. Watch for our Guest Opinion series every fourth Wednesday of the month in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. |
Put the spotlight on homelessness in Johnson County. Dispel myths that create fear and distrust of people in need. Change can only move forward with the support and engagement of a community that's ready to find the solution.
Have something to say? Email our AmeriCorps VISTA member to write a blog article or a guest opinion. Share articles and videos on social media. Talk to your friends and family about this important issue. Use your voice to give support to local initiatives. |
#2: GET HANDS ON EXPERIENCE.
EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS. MEET COMMUNITY LEADERS.
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Volunteer at one of our member agencies for a more personal look at this issue. Make friends with someone you wouldn't expect. Learn what's like to affect change from person to person. Better understand the need that exists in our community.
(Photo: Anna Brett)
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Our meetings are open to the public. Take part in our discussions and decisions as we work towards a better community.
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#3: CONTRIBUTE TO THE SOLUTION.
Keep our local agencies doing the important, ground level work that's vital to caring for people in poverty by making a donation to our nonprofit member agencies. Your contribution is crucial to their ability to provide direct service to people experiencing homelessness and anyone else in need.