Barbara Duffield
Executive Director
Our Advocacy Principles
Education is Essential
Access to education, from early childhood through post-secondary, gives children and youth the tools to end their homelessness and achieve their dreams.
Grassroots Approach
Change must be rooted in the realities of local communities. We listen and learn, then advocate and implement.
Youth Leadership
Young people are the experts on their experiences, needs and strengths. We must accept their guidance and follow their lead.
Child Development
The lack of housing, good nutrition, health care and other basic needs damages childhood development and has lifelong impacts on health and well-being. The developmental needs of children and youth must be central to all advocacy, program design, outcome measures, and policy.
Prevention Must Be a Priority
We will not solve adult homelessness until the complex realities and comprehensive needs of children and youth take a front seat in federal, state, and local homelessness policy. Intervening early is a key to better life outcomes and preventing future homelessness.
