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Voices of Homelessness

Formerly known as StoryPower (and before that, the Speaker’s Bureau), Voices of Homelessness is a team of Rhode Islanders who have each experienced homelessness and now share their respective stories to raise awareness and advocate for change. 

 

Speakers share their stories in many venues: in the classroom and legislative hearings, at rallies and panel discussions, at community events and more. Voices of Homelessness leaders raise awareness and build the public will for change that’s critical in building the political will we need to get things done. They are the leaders of our movement to end homelessness in RI: when they speak, people listen. 

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Contact: Brianna Ehler, our Community Engagement Lead, at brianna@rihomeless.org for more information.

Want to join?

Do you have lived experience of homelessness and want to become an advocate or educator? Join the Voices of Homelessness group today. Speakers are compensated for their events. 

Want to book a speaker?

Want to educate your board room, classroom, or any one else on the intricacies of the homeless experience? Submit your interest here and we'd be happy to work with you and invite a speaker to your space.

Meet the Speakers

Wilma Smith

Speaker

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Wendy Thomas

Speaker

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A Tribute to Diamond

The Coalition lost a beloved and long-time member of Voices of Homelessness in December of 2024.

 

Ruth "Diamond" Madsen was an unstoppable force of compassion and love, unapologetically herself, full of life, and determined to fight for the well-being of others. Diamond was a bright light that touched the lives of so many people, and her loss is felt deeply in our community.

 

Her memory and words will live on, and continue to inspire and uplift all of those who were fortune enough to know her. 

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