Who we are
Our Commitment to Equity
Background
Racist practices, policies and beliefs in the systems surrounding us are among the primary drivers of homelessness among Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC). To achieve our vision of a community where everyone has a place to call home, we must focus on racial equity.
We’re expanding culturally-specific provider investments to engage BIPOC communities in our planning work. Our data work includes demographics to ensure we’re meeting our goals, and we invest in frontline organizations engaged in effective culturally responsive services and support frontline workers across all organizations, who are disproportionately BIPOC.
Equity Statement
We commit to achieving equity for all individuals. We acknowledge the existence of structural racism and develop, implement and evaluate policies and practices that achieve equitable outcomes with a focus on eliminating the disparities that people of color experience. We believe that focusing on racial equity allows us to more effectively serve all communities.
Learn about how our commitment to equity informs our approach to solving the homelessness crisis in our community.
Equity Advisory Committee
The JOHS Equity Advisory Committee is a standing committee that helps guide the work of the Joint Office of Homeless Services. The Committee has no legal responsibilities and is free to advise on best practices. Its role is to provide the JOHS with guidance and recommendations on ways to address ongoing and systemic racial disparities.
Lived Experience Advisory Committee
A core value of the JOHS is to engage community voices — in particular those with lived experience of homelessness. The Lived Experience Advisory Committee, made up of people who have experienced homelessness, provides insight and recommendations to the JOHS to help inform and improve our services and programs. Committee meetings are public. If you’d like to attend a meeting, see our news for meeting dates.
