
How You Can Advocate for Family Promise of Cobb County and Support Our Mission
Oct 22, 2024
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At Family Promise of Cobb County, we are on a mission to prevent homelessness, help families achieve stable housing, and end childhood homelessness in our community. But we can’t do this alone—we need the support of advocates like you! Advocacy is a powerful way to bring awareness to issues facing families in Cobb County and beyond, and to push for policies that create lasting change.
In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to advocate for Family Promise of Cobb County and promote our key focus areas: affordable housing, ending childhood homelessness, and preventing homelessness. Whether you engage at the local, state, or federal level, your voice matters!
Why Advocacy Is Important
Many people may not realize that Cobb County has a growing homeless population. The perception of homelessness is often shaped by larger urban areas, but right here in our own community, families are struggling to find stable housing. Family Promise of Cobb County provides essential services to help these families, but the issue requires systemic change. By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can make sure our county—and beyond—has the resources to address homelessness and prevent more families from falling into crisis.
Advocating on a Local Level
1. Talk to Local Officials - At the county level, you can make a direct impact by advocating to local representatives about the need for affordable housing and homeless prevention programs. Contact your Cobb County Board of Commissioners and express your concerns about housing instability. Share your personal experiences or stories of how homelessness affects your community. Ask them to prioritize affordable housing initiatives and explore programs that help families avoid homelessness before it starts.
2. Attend Public Meetings - Many local decisions are made during city council or county commission meetings. By attending these meetings, you can stay informed about policies being discussed and provide public comments when housing and homelessness issues are on the agenda. Even a brief statement in support of affordable housing or emergency shelter programs can make a difference.
3. Partner with Schools - Work with your local school boards and parent organizations to highlight the growing number of homeless and housing-insecure students in the Cobb County and Marietta City School Districts. Advocacy at the school level can ensure that children experiencing homelessness receive the resources they need to succeed academically, such as tutoring, transportation, and meals.
4. Spread Awareness in Your Community. - Many people in Cobb County may not be aware that homelessness is a local issue. You can help by spreading the word! Host community discussions, organize information sessions at your local place of worship, or create social media campaigns that bring attention to the facts. The more people who know, the more support we can build.
Advocating at the State Level
1. Contact State Legislators - Georgia state legislators play a crucial role in funding housing programs and passing laws that protect tenants from eviction. Write or call your Georgia State Representative and Senator and urge them to support policies that increase funding for affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Emphasize the importance of programs that support working families who are struggling to make ends meet.
2. Support Statewide Advocacy Efforts - Georgia-based coalitions, like the Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness, often lead statewide advocacy campaigns. These groups provide opportunities for you to join their efforts, such as attending rallies or contacting state officials to support homelessness prevention measures. You can participate in state-level lobbying days, where constituents visit the Capitol to talk directly with legislators.
3. Advocate for Tenant Protections - Many families experiencing homelessness face eviction due to unstable job markets and rising rental costs. Advocating for stronger tenant protections—such as longer notice periods for evictions or better access to legal counsel for low-income renters—can help prevent families from becoming homeless. State legislators are key decision-makers in creating these protections.
Advocating at the Federal Level
1. Engage with Your Congressional Representatives - Federal housing programs provide critical resources for homeless families, including funding for emergency shelters, housing vouchers, and affordable housing developments. Contact your U.S. House Representative and Senators and ask them to support federal initiatives that address homelessness, like the Housing Choice Voucher program and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. These programs can make housing more accessible to struggling families in Cobb County and across the country.
2. Participate in National Advocacy Days - Organizations like the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) host advocacy days where citizens can lobby their federal representatives on issues related to housing and homelessness. Participate in these events by scheduling calls or meetings with your elected officials to discuss how national policies affect our local community.
3. Raise Awareness on Social Media - Federal decisions about housing policies often depend on widespread public support. Use your social media platforms to amplify the conversation about the importance of affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Share facts, stories, and updates from Family Promise of Cobb County and other advocacy groups to keep these issues at the forefront.
How Family Promise of Cobb County Is Making a Difference
At Family Promise Cobb, we help families experiencing homelessness find stable housing, connect them with vital resources, and offer support services that guide them on the path to self-sufficiency. Our rotational housing model relies on local congregations to provide temporary shelter, while we work with families to secure affordable, long-term housing.
We also advocate for more affordable housing options in Cobb County and raise awareness about the growing crisis of childhood homelessness. By supporting Family Promise of Cobb County, you’re helping families regain stability and hope for the future.
How You Can Support Family Promise of Cobb County
Even if you can’t participate in formal advocacy, you can still support our mission by spreading the word, attending our events, or donating to help us continue our work. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
Attend our events: Join us at fundraisers like Dungeons & Drafts and others throughout the year. Every dollar raised supports our efforts to end homelessness.
Donate: Your donations directly fund our programs, helping families move into stable housing. Click here to give now!
Volunteer: Get involved by volunteering your time at Family Promise Cobb, whether it’s through hosting families, assisting with events, or helping us advocate.
Together, we can bring hope to families in need and create a future where no one in Cobb County has to experience homelessness.
Join Us in Advocacy Today!
Becoming an advocate for Family Promise of Cobb County
is as simple as starting a conversation. Share what you’ve learned with friends, family, and colleagues. Reach out to your local, state, and federal representatives. Attend events and public meetings. Every action you take brings us one step closer to ending homelessness in Cobb County and beyond.