East Bay Coalition for the Homeless - Roger Williams University
East Bay Coalition for the Homeless - Roger Williams University
East Bay Coalition for the Homeless - Roger Williams University
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
EBCAP Board Responses: Again, message B (homelessness does not discriminate + focus on independence) was ranked<br />
as “most effective” by more respondents. In contrast to <strong>the</strong> EBCH board responses, here message A (homelessness<br />
statistics) was ranked as <strong>the</strong> next potentially effective message – thought some ranked it last. Message C (<strong>Homeless</strong>ness<br />
can happen to anyone) garnered an equal number of #1 and #2 rankings. Message D (identifying <strong>the</strong> homeless<br />
as people one might know + <strong>the</strong> independence focus) had <strong>the</strong> most #3 and #4 rankings.<br />
Overall, board member responses suggest that a message that helps break <strong>the</strong> stereotype of a homeless person and that<br />
also emphasizes <strong>the</strong> EBCH focus on helping families become independent would be <strong>the</strong> best message.<br />
B. Are <strong>the</strong>re o<strong>the</strong>r messages that would be more effective<br />
EBCH Board Responses: EBCH board members’ comments advocated a “short and sweet” approach, using superlative<br />
words and strong visual language. Some added that it would be important to highlight <strong>the</strong> reality of job loss and <strong>the</strong><br />
fact that homelessness can affect anyone, not just a homeless stereotype. Respondents also indicated that it is important<br />
to emphasize that <strong>the</strong> EBCH is a hand up, not a hand out, and include phrases such as “we need your help.”<br />
Members also felt that including a statistic in <strong>the</strong> message could be very powerful.<br />
EBCAP Board Responses: EBCAP board respondents tended to suggest that a combination of all <strong>the</strong> suggested messages<br />
would be a good approach. One board member suggested referencing <strong>the</strong> housing and <strong>for</strong>eclosure crisis. Ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
respondent wrote that <strong>the</strong> suggested messages were too dramatic and vague and felt that highlighting specific<br />
cases or statistics would be more effective.<br />
60