We Tested Homelessness Messaging—Here’s What Actually Works

The way we talk about homelessness is broken, and it's fueling criminalization, not solutions. In this behind-the-scenes conversation, I’m joined by Ara Berberian and Stephane Gringer, partners at Chameleon Collective, to unpack the research and strategy behind our new advocacy messaging toolkit. We tested what actually works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to changing public opinion on homelessness. What we found might surprise you. 💥 Why empathy isn’t enough 📊 The three audience cohorts that shape the national conversation ⚠️ How well-funded misinformation campaigns are winning the narrative war 🧠 What nonprofits and advocates need to do right now to stop the spread of harmful myths If we don’t fix the messaging, we will lose the fight, and the homelessness crisis will continue to get significantly worse for all of us. 👉 Explore the toolkit at https://invisiblepeople.tv/toolkit More: Can We End Homelessness? Hennepin County Shows How https://youtu.be/yq1C8l4uSZc?si=XXZX7Hz2b1ibQMzc From a Tent to a Home: No Longer Homeless https://youtu.be/0hkkGH_QADA?si=vLXNtgK72hkphWXC Why People Stopped Caring About Homelessness—And How to Fix It https://youtu.be/JF4hpRuWuD4?si=fY6YLTyt_f7G768R Executive producer: Mark Horvath Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex Gasaway https://www.youtube.com/alexgasaway Associate producer: Erin McGinnis Created by: Alex Gasaway and Erin McGinnis YouTube Podcast https://shorturl.at/XciIu Apple Podcast https://apple.co/4cckQ86 Spotify https://spoti.fi/3XyM98c ================================== Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/c/invisiblepeople?sub_confirmation=1 Invisible People’s website: http://invisiblepeople.tv Support Invisible People: https://invisiblepeople.tv/donate Sign up for our newsletter: https://invisiblepeople.tv/email Invisible People’s Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/invisiblepeople https://twitter.com/invisiblepeople https://www.instagram.com/invisiblepeople https://www.facebook.com/invisiblepeopletv https://www.tiktok.com/@invisiblepeopletv About Invisible People There is a direct correlation between what the general public perceives about homelessness and how it affects policy change. Most people blame homelessness on the person experiencing it instead of the increasing shortage of affordable housing, lack of employment, childhood trauma, lack of a living wage, or the countless reasons that put a person at risk. This lack of understanding creates a dangerous cycle of misperception that leads to the inability to effectively address the root causes of homelessness. We imagine a world where everyone has a place to call home. Each day, we work to fight homelessness by giving it a face while educating individuals about the systemic issues that contribute to its existence. Through storytelling, education, news, and activism, we are changing the narrative on homelessness. This isn’t just talk. Our groundbreaking educational content reaches millions of people every month. Our real and unfiltered stories of homelessness shatter stereotypes, demand attention and deliver a call-to-action that is being answered by governments, major brands, nonprofit organizations, and everyday citizens just like you. However, there is more work to be done on the road ahead. Homelessness is undoubtedly one of our biggest societal issues today and will only continue to grow if we don’t take action now. Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change and thoughtful dialogue around poverty in North America and the United Kingdom.