Ampersee Advisory Team: A Community-Driven Initiative
The Ampersee Advisory Team is a collective of individuals with lived experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity, working together to shape the future of their community. More than just an advisory group, they have become a family unit, supporting one another, sharing critical resources, and advocating for meaningful change. This team plays an essential role in ensuring that the voices of those most affected by housing instability are heard and valued in the development of solutions tailored to their needs.
The Ampersee Advisory Team is a collective of individuals with lived experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity, working together to shape the future of their community. More than just an advisory group, they have become a family unit, supporting one another, sharing critical resources, and advocating for meaningful change. This team plays an essential role in ensuring that the voices of those most affected by housing instability are heard and valued in the development of solutions tailored to their needs.
Led by Michelle S. Johnson, with key team members Elan Bridges and Reeta Chandler, the advisory team provides firsthand insights that guide the Institute of Public Scholarship in its efforts to create sustainable housing solutions. Team members contribute by identifying gaps in local resources, advising on services that would benefit the community, and offering recommendations for the design and implementation of housing initiatives. Recognizing the value of their lived expertise, the Institute compensates advisory team members for their time, knowledge, and contributions.
Ampersee Advisor Team Meetings
Each month, the Ampersee Advisor Team gathers in a welcoming and supportive community space, where members share a warm meal and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of the initiative. These meetings serve as a vital hub for planning, collaboration, and collective problem-solving, with a focus on addressing housing insecurities, strengthening community bonds, and empowering individuals with financial literacy and other essential life skills. With an atmosphere of trust and shared purpose, advisors work together to develop strategies that support stable housing, economic growth, and overall well-being for those in need. Conversations are guided by a commitment to inclusivity and action, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective valued. The meetings not only provide a space for strategic planning but also foster deep connections, equipping team members with the tools and resources to create lasting impact in the community. |
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The advisory team is a core component of the Ampersee Home Start Initiative, a groundbreaking project focused on building ten homes for individuals and families who have experienced housing insecurity. These homes are not just structures but foundations for stability, empowerment, and a renewed sense of belonging. Through the guidance of the advisory team, this initiative is driven by those who understand the challenges firsthand, ensuring that the community being built truly serves its residents.
At its heart, the Ampersee Advisory Team is about collective empowerment—turning struggle into strength and experience into action. By fostering mutual support and advocating for housing justice, they are helping to shape a future where safe, affordable, and dignified housing is a reality for all.
At its heart, the Ampersee Advisory Team is about collective empowerment—turning struggle into strength and experience into action. By fostering mutual support and advocating for housing justice, they are helping to shape a future where safe, affordable, and dignified housing is a reality for all.