Monday, July 16, 2007

HHH Visits Capitol Hill

Six members of Homeless Helping Homeless made their way to Washington, DC for the National Alliance to End Homelessness's Annual Conference. The opportunity for networking and learning about the best practices across the nation infused our group with a big dose of momentum. We now look forward to applying our experience here in Charlotte.

In addition, we worked with members of the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness to visit our legislators on Capitol Hill. Group member Tommy Yarborough was given the honor of telling his story at a reception on Capitol Hill to a room filled with NC conference delegates, staffers from various legislators' offices, and even Representative Sue Myrick (who offered her assistance in his disability case).

See some of the below photos to get a sense of the group and the trip:

The group poses by the Washington Monument - L to R, Rollon Washington, Claudia Moses, Tommy Yarborough, Dawoud Assad, Liz Clasen, and Rob Weigle.
Tommy Yarborough signs in at Senator Burr's office. Senator Burr remembered Tommy from his last visit and Tommy shared his good news of being granted a Shelter-Plus-Care voucher.
Rob and Dawoud enjoying the plenary speaker.
The group making our way through D.C. After much fuss around security, the group struck a pose outside the White House - Tommy, Claudia, Rollon, Liz, Iman (our youngest HHH volunteer), Rob, and Dawoud.
Senator Burr speaks with members of the NC delegation.
Secretary of Veteran Affairs, R. James Nicholson addresses conference participants as member Tommy Yarborough (dreads) listens.
Hanging out for breakfast at Union Station, members Rollon, Claudia, Rob, and Dawoud.
Member Claudia Moses striking a pose at lunch.
Claudia and Rollon take a break to dance on our way to the White House.