Voices of Homelessness Speakers Bureau
The Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless Voices of Homelessness Speakers Bureau is a group of homeless and formerly homeless individuals that speak to students, religious and professional groups, and others about issues faced by our homeless neighbors everyday.
Our Mission: "We will change the beliefs about homelessness. We will break stereotypes and misconceptions. We will educate the general public to gain support. We will put a face to the individuals suffering, and we will speak the TRUTH to END HOMELESSNESS in Rhode Island!."
Members of the Voices of Homelessness Speakers Bureau aim to
- Be a voice for compassion and change
- Advocate for issues affecting their lives
- Dispel stereotypes, educate people and increase awareness about homelessness through their stories
If you would like the Voices of Homelessness Speaker's Bureau to come speak to your group, please contact Loretta at 401-721-5685 x22
Documents for potential speakers:
Speaker Information Sheet
Speaker's Profile form
Speaker Reflection Form
Documents for speaking engagement sites:
Speakers Bureau Booking Sheet
Speaker Evaluation Form
Supportive Staff:
Loretta Johnson is the coordinator of the Speaker's Bureau of Rhode Island and She is very passionate about the issues that are affecting the homeless worldwide. She believes that the only way to solve these issues is by educating others. Through education, advocating the members of the homeless and formerly homeless community can come together to address the problem areas and fight the battle to end homelessness in America.
Wilma Smith is a formerly homeless mother of four and a strong advocate for social justice issues. She enjoys spending time with family and volunteering in her community. She wanted to be a part of the Speaker’s Bureau, so that she can educate others about issues surrounding homelessness.
Erik Ehn is a playwright, and the head of playwriting at Brown University. He is facilitating the Tenderloin Opera Company – an art making collective working with the Speaker’s Bureau.
Sara Fleck is a veteran's outreach specialist working with the RI Veterans Action Center. She wanted to be a part of the Speakers Bureau to support and help any homeless veterans and connect them to services they deserve and are eligible for.
Speakers:
Carlton Pona Hey "Ya’ll I was homeless for the first time 3 years ago. I stayed at the Rescue Mission for a period of 3 months. From there I’ve had a place of my own and still do to this day. I have a lot to share on my homeless times and experiences and I will gladly share with ya’ll on this problematic topic."
Diana Freeman "I am homeless and advocating to end homelessness for everyone. Rents are too high and pay is too low." – Diana Freeman (on Board of Directors for RI Homeless Advocacy Project)
Pamela Therrien "I feel that being a speaker for the bureau would give me an opportunity to show that all homeless people are not drug addicts, alcoholics, mentally ill or irresponsible. I think, rather I believe, that homelessness is a product of society. That it is like pain, it’s an indication that something is dramatically wrong with society."
John Joyce is the co-director of the Rhode Island Homeless Advocacy Project. He is currently trying to get the Homeless Hate Crime bill passed at the Rhode Island State House. He is formerly homeless and works hard every day to stay in touch with the community's needs and issue.
Francisco L Gonzalez is of Puerto Rican Ethnicity, was born in Fort Worth Texas.He lived out his childhood in San Juan Puerto Rico. In 1966 at the age of 11 his family moved to the USA. Francisco suffered homelessness while in college, and was fortunte to have a friend who took him in. he has received a certificate in Drugs and Alcohol from (URI) University of Rhode Island, and is currently completing his bachelors degree. Francisco's is into giving back to the community, he is a publicist writer, Aisstant Editor of Street Sights Newspaper, and the funder of Your Street College, the only street level of higher education organization.
Carl Freese is a native Rhode Islander who studied at the University of Rhode Island. Carl took a job in security before pursuing a career on Cruise Ships as a Cruise Director and onboard Entertainment Manager. After 11 years at sea, Carl again returned to RI, but was sidetracked by major health issues, including Cancer Surgery and a Heart Transplant. Struggling under the weight of medical bills, Carl became homeless and is now a resident at one of the House of Hope CDC properties in Warwick. Carl has become a member of the Board of Directors of the House of Hope CDC and is becoming an advocate for issues affecting the Homeless, and several Health issues.
Other Speakers:
Arline Bolvin
Joshua Bowden
Katie Hoff
Jim Kinney
Thomas Post
Robert Rathbun
Kai Whittle