Your Voice Matters

The way we talk about housing instability and homelessness directly influences the systems designed to address them. When misconceptions go unchallenged, they can lead to policies that fall short of what’s needed. That’s why informed, community-based advocacy matters.

Whether you are new to these issues or already engaged, the tools below are designed to help you use your voice with confidence and clarity. Below, you’ll find key talking points, shared language, and timely policy priorities related to housing and homelessness in our Brown County. These are meant to support consistent, informed conversations across many perspectives and settings.

Together, we can ensure decisions are grounded in accurate information and lived experience.

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Core Policy Areas

Change happens at every level—from community conversations to local zoning decisions to state and federal investments. These areas highlight where advocacy can make a difference.

Key Messages & Talking Points

Core Message: Housing is a basic human need. Homelessness is solvable when our community invests in housing, prevention, and coordinated care.

Supporting talking points:

  • Housing First saves lives and taxpayer dollars (lower emergency room visits, jail, and emergency service costs).
  • Eviction prevention is cheaper than shelter or rehousing.
  • Families, seniors, veterans, and youth in Brown County are affected — homelessness is not just a “big city” problem. Green Bay has had the third-highest rate of homelessness and chronic homelessness in the State of Wisconsin for many years.
  • Stable housing = better health, education outcomes, and workforce participation.

How to talk about homelessness respectfully:

  • Use people-first language: “people experiencing homelessness,” not “the homeless.”
  • Avoid blame; emphasize systemic barriers and community solutions.
  • Honor dignity, privacy, and lived experiences.

How to Take Action

✅ A. Contacting Elected Officials

  • Who to contact (list of Brown County Board supervisors, Green Bay Mayor, city council members, state legislators, U.S. reps).
  • How to write an email or call (template included).
  • Tips for speaking at city council or county board meetings:

Be Clear and Prepared

  • Know the issue you’re addressing (e.g., shelter funding, affordable housing, eviction prevention).
  • Bring a few key facts, short stories, and — if possible — local data.
  • Be ready to explain how the issue affects people in your community.

Lead With Solutions, Not Just Problems

  • Officials appreciate conversations that include realistic ideas, not just concerns.
  • Suggest solutions like expanding shelter capacity, supporting rental assistance, or collaborating with nonprofits.
  • Emphasize how these solutions benefit the entire community (public health, safety, economic stability).

Use Real Stories (Respectfully and With Permission)

  • Personal experiences make an impact — especially when they show success or unmet need.
  • Use anonymous stories to respect individual privacy.
  • Focus on dignity, resilience, and community benefit — not fear or shame.

Be Brief and Focused

  • Officials often have limited time. Focus on:
    • The issue (What’s happening?)
    • The impact (Why does it matter?)
    • The solution (What can be done?)
  • Aim to speak in 1–2 minute summaries.

Be Respectful and Professional

  • Approach the conversation as a partnership, not a confrontation.
  • Use polite language — even if you disagree.
  • Thank them for their time, past work, or willingness to listen.

Highlight Community Collaboration

  • Explain how nonprofits, shelters, faith groups, healthcare providers, and volunteers are already working together.
  • Point out where a government partnership could strengthen those efforts.

Bring Local Perspective

  • Officials often respond strongly to what’s happening in their own district or county.
  • Share local statistics (shelter waitlists, rising rent, number of families seeking help) when available.
  • Emphasize ways this affects constituents, neighborhoods, and local resources.

Follow Up

  • After the meeting or conversation, send a thank-you email or message.
  • Include a short summary of your main points, any data you offered to send, and your contact information.
  • Keep communication open for future collaboration.

✅ B. Sharing Stories

  • Ethically and safely share stories from clients or people with lived experience.
  • Consent forms and confidentiality guidance. Use anonymous stories to respect individual privacy.
  • Focus on dignity, resilience, and community benefit — not fear or shame
  • Insert testimonial submissions form

✅ C. Social Media & Public Awareness

  • Sample posts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X/Twitter).
  • Use facts + human stories + calls to action.
  • Coalition hashtags (example: #HousingIsHealing #BrownCountyCares).

✅ D. Media Engagement

  • Press release template.
  • How to talk to reporters.
  • Letters to the editor & op-ed template.