Bringing in the voices of those who know the system best

“They are not expecting us to do much.”

 “It’s good to feel part of community and not to be alone in this.”

 “Together we will shake the world up.”

Those are some of the comments made at a recent Anchorage event designed to learn ways to better incorporate the voices of those with lived experience in this work.

 The Jan. 18 workshop held at Catholic Social Services’ 3rd Avenue Resource and Navigation Center used deep listening, rapport building and brainstorming to build a framework for action and improvements to Anchorage’s homelessness response.  ACEH staff and partners gathered with individuals who have recent lived experience in homelessness. Some were staying in shelters. Some were recently housed. One was living outdoors. We shared a meal then divided into small groups to give everyone a chance to be heard. All of those with lived experience were paid for their time

 Some of the recommended next steps are:

• Better training for staff who provide services from “a walk in our shoes” perspective;

• Creating a feedback process that is responsive and that never retaliates;

• Ensuring better cross-system collaborations with healthcare, child welfare, corrections, transportation and employment; and

• Establishing spaces to build community and empowerment together including an arts workshop and shared community kitchen.

The project was made possible through the Alaska Humanities Forum Strengthening Communities Dialogue Grant.