President, Social Marketing Services, Inc.
Affiliate Instructor, University of Washington
Strategic Advisor, C+C
Social Marketing Strategy: Influential Messenger
Where Sighted: Variety of Articles and Reports Online
Behavior: Recruit Formerly Homeless Individuals to Reach Out To the Homeless
I am currently writing a new book on Reducing Homelessness: A Social Marketing Approach.
As usual, I begin this journey by reviewing articles on behavior change strategies that have worked in the past.
One strategy with success, mentioned frequently, is the deployment of Outreach Workers who go out into the community and approach homeless individuals on the street, in vacant lots, sidewalks and alleyways. The intent is to “meet the homeless where they are.” In addition, program reports describe how powerful it is when the outreach worker is one who has experienced homelessness themselves.
One example included a woman who was a Veteran and had experienced homelessness, but then moved on to permanent housing. Her story was especially helpful engaging with homeless Veterans.
Ask a Question of an
Experienced Social Marketer
iSMA is giving you the opportunity to have your questions
answered by a Social Marketing expert.