Homeless Congress
Homeless Congress is an organizing group of community members, advocates, and local leaders with lived experience of homelessness. Supported by NEOCH, the Congress meets monthly on the east and west sides of Cleveland, where sheltered, unsheltered, and formerly homeless residents are invited to discuss areas of mutual concern and pursue change
Our Mission
To build power within Cleveland’s homeless community through solidarity and collective action
Our Values
Unity * Solidarity * Accountability * Integrity
Respecting People * Solution-Focused
Our Work
The work of the Homeless Congress is based on the understanding that genuine progress in addressing homelessness can only be made if it is led by those most directly impacted - that is, people with lived experience of homelessness. It is this unique perspective that provides a broad view of the myriad social conditions that perpetuate homelessness, and what can be done to eliminate them. Collective action and leadership development are critical to building a unified voice among unhoused folks that can affect substantial change.
2022 Policy Priorities
Amplifying homeless voices and protecting the rights of the unhoused
Prioritizing affordable housing
Eliminating barriers
Empowering tenants
How To Get Involved
People experiencing homelessness consistently face barriers that deprive them of their ability to acquire their most basic needs. The Homeless Congress expressly rejects this practice: community is a basic human necessity, and everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in it. All people with lived experience are welcome to join the Homeless Congress and contribute to the fight to end homelessness.
Join Our Homeless Congress Community Meetings
Homeless voices have been historically and systematically marginalized and silenced. If you want to be an advocate, the first and most important thing you can do is to speak out. Come to a Homeless Congress Community meeting and make your voice heard.
When: The second Tuesday (12:00 pm) and Thursday (1:00 pm) of every month
Where: Tuesday meeting (St. Paul’s Community Church) & Thursday meeting (Bishop Cosgrove Center)
Who: Anyone currently experiencing sheltered or unsheltered homelessness or people with lived experience of homelessness. The Homeless Congress especially needs people who can commit and attend meetings long-term.
Sign Up to Receive Updates
If you would like more information on how to get involved, add your contact details to the form below.
