Featured Advocates

“There Was Always a Helping Hand”: Reflecting on Success Stories Heard at The Moth’s Community Showcase

The Moth helped 18 Seattle-area storytellers craft narratives about how family homelessness affected their lives. Nine people told their stories to a live audience on April 28. Image credit: Catherine Hinrichsen of the Seattle University Project on Family Homelessness.
The Moth helped 18 Seattle-area storytellers craft narratives about how family homelessness affected their lives. Nine people told their stories to a live audience on April 28. Image credit: Catherine Hinrichsen of the Seattle University Project on Family Homelessness.
Last week, nine storytellers bravely stood before a live audience and shared how homelessness has affected their lives. Firesteel's new volunteer advocacy assistant, Jenn Martinis, contemplates a theme that emerged from the evening: The storytellers were all amazing people who eventually found their home, but having access to a support system was critical to their success.

I’m an Advocate — and an Activist: Amanda M. Vail

Amanda M. Vail writes that to her, activism "means forming opinions and being willing to have open, honest, and respectful discussions about them." Image courtesy Amanda M. Vail.
Amanda M. Vail writes that to her, activism "means forming opinions and being willing to have open, honest, and respectful discussions about them." Image courtesy Amanda M. Vail.
"It’s the small, meaningful conversations we have person to person that create societal change." Writer and activist Amanda M. Vail shares how she advocates for causes that matter to her in this inspiring post.

“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.
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!
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.
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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