A Compelling Call to Action: Uniting Voices to End Homelessness in Western Australia

This is my personal and professional view as a Strategic Advisor for Social Change.

Homelessness is a pervasive issue that affects countless individuals and families across the world. It is a crisis that demands urgent attention, innovative solutions, and, most importantly, the inclusion of voices that have experienced homelessness firsthand. Despite the growing recognition of the value of Lived Experience, those who have endured homelessness face significant barriers in getting their voices heard, being financially valued, and driving systemic change in housing and homelessness policies. To truly address homelessness, we must recognise and uplift these voices, integrating their insights and experiences into every level of decision-making.

The Power of Lived Experience

Individuals who have experienced homelessness possess unique insights that are invaluable for shaping effective policies and programs. Their Lived Experience provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities of homelessness, from the systemic issues that contribute to it to the personal challenges of navigating life without stable housing. These individuals have firsthand knowledge of what works and what doesn’t, and they can identify gaps in services that policymakers and service providers might overlook. Involving them in decision-making processes ensures that policies are grounded in reality and are more likely to succeed.

However, despite the critical importance of these insights, people with Lived Experience of Homelessness often struggle to have their voices heard. There is a persistent stigma associated with homelessness that can lead to the marginalisation of those who have experienced it. Their perspectives are frequently dismissed or overlooked in favour of academic research or the opinions of professionals who may not fully understand the realities of homelessness. This exclusion not only perpetuates stereotypes but also leads to policies that fail to address the root causes of homelessness or meet the needs of those affected by it.

The Fight for Financial Recognition

Beyond being heard, there is a pressing need to financially value the contributions of those with Lived Experience. Too often, individuals with this valuable insight are asked to share their stories or participate in advisory roles without appropriate compensation. This expectation that they will offer their expertise for free is not only exploitative but also reinforces the idea that their experiences are less valuable than those of paid professionals. It is a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities that persist in the realm of homelessness advocacy.

To genuinely honour the contributions of individuals with Lived or Living Experience, we must ensure that they are fairly compensated for their time and expertise. This means paying them for their participation in consultations, advisory boards, and public speaking engagements. It also means creating opportunities for them to take on leadership roles within organisations and initiatives dedicated to addressing homelessness. By doing so, we not only acknowledge the value of their insights but also help to empower them economically, which is a crucial step in breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness.?

Driving Systemic Change

Effecting systemic change in housing and homelessness requires more than just tokenistic inclusion of Lived Experience. It demands a fundamental shift in how we approach these issues, placing the voices of those who have experienced homelessness at the forefront of decision-making processes. This involves creating platforms and structures that enable meaningful participation, such as Lived Experience Advisory Councils, Co-design processes, and Partnerships with organisations led by people who have experienced homelessness and advocate for Lived Experience to be Embedded in Decision Making roles.

Furthermore, systemic change requires a commitment to addressing the root causes of homelessness, including poverty, inequality, and lack of affordable housing. People with Lived Experience can offer critical insights into these issues, helping to shape policies that are holistic and effective. Their involvement can also help to ensure that policies are implemented in a way that is sensitive to the needs and realities of those affected by homelessness.

A Call to Action

To truly address the crisis of homelessness, we must recognise the value of Lived Experience and take meaningful steps to include and compensate those who have endured it. This means listening to their voices, respecting their insights, and ensuring that they are fairly compensated for their contributions. It also means working to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent them from being heard and driving change.

The struggle for recognition and financial valuation is not just about justice for individuals with Lived Experience; it is about creating more effective, compassionate, and sustainable solutions to homelessness. By elevating the voices of those who have experienced homelessness, we can develop policies and programs that are grounded in reality and truly capable of making a difference. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action to ensure that Lived Experience is at the heart of our efforts to end homelessness.

Here’s my own opinion on the breakdown of the categories, focusing on different aspects of Lived, Living, and lived experience:

1. Lived Experience Leadership (LEL)

• Definition: Individuals who use their Lived Experience as a foundation to lead, inspire, and direct initiatives or organisations. They often hold formal leadership positions.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Lead organisations or projects with a focus on Lived Experience. Shape policy and strategic direction using insights from personal experiences. Serve as a spokesperson or representative for Lived Experience communities. Mentor others with Lived Experience.

2. Lived or Living Expertise Advocacy (LEA)

• Definition: Individuals who actively advocate for changes or improvements based on their personal Living or Lived Expertise. They may not hold formal leadership roles but are influential in advocating for change.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Speak publicly about personal experiences to raise awareness and promote understanding. Engage with policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders to influence decision-making. Participate in campaigns, panels, or advisory groups to advocate for systemic changes. Educate and inform others about issues related to their Lived/Living Expertise.

3. Lived Experience (LE)

• Definition: Individuals who have personal experience with a particular issue or situation but may not engage in formal leadership or advocacy roles. They may share their experiences informally or in supportive contexts.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Share personal stories in supportive, non-formal settings to help others understand their perspectives. Provide feedback and insights in community discussions or focus groups. Participate in peer support roles, offering empathy and understanding to others with similar experiences. Contribute to surveys or research that inform policies and programs.

4. lived experience (Non-Advocacy Role)

• Definition: Individuals who bring their lived experience to their job role but do not actively advocate or lead initiatives based on that experience. Their primary focus is on fulfilling their professional responsibilities.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Use personal experience to inform their work, enhancing understanding and empathy in their role. Provide a unique perspective within the workplace, helping to shape a more inclusive environment. May offer informal support to colleagues or clients with similar experiences. Focus on job-specific tasks and responsibilities without actively seeking to advocate for broader systemic changes.

Summary

These categories help differentiate the ways individuals with Lived Experience or lived experience can contribute, from formal leadership and advocacy roles to more supportive or non-advocacy-based positions. Each category recognises the value of having lived experience while acknowledging the diverse ways individuals can choose to engage based on their interests, skills, and capacity.