Bridge to Inclusion: Honoring Insight from Families with Lived Experience of Homelessness

Historically, impoverished families face ridicule and stigma. There is a tendency to blame those who are disadvantage rather than considering the socio-economic inequalities impacting the affordability of stable housing. Thus resulting in a lack of opportunities for meaningful input from those with lived experience. Rebele Family Shelter (RFS) provides emergency shelter for Santa Cruz County residents. RFS staff provide support and coordination of resources toward permanent stable housing. Families at RFS have limited opportunities to contribute to program strategies or voice opinions on policies. Implementing a family satisfaction survey with RFS clients creates an opportunity for families with lived experience to contribute and feel included in a meaningful way. Utilizing suggestions from survey data is highly recommended to help foster inclusiveness, engagement, and enact changes that will positively impact residents’ lives. This action can shift the perceived power dynamic that has long-lasting negative effects on those without shelter