This photo is with @GoodTrouble writers on Jan 18th. They reached out to me because they wanted to use their influence to help our homeless friends. They also consult with other advocates besides me. @GoodTrouble HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH A HOMELESS SWEEP DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY. 1/ 2/ a TV show using its influence and audience to advocate AGAINST sweeps is a very good thing! As we fight for justice, we need to pay attention to who are enemies are and who are our allies. @GoodTrouble genuinely cares about homeless people, and they HATE sweeps!

4 tips for the homeless sector as they start on messaging 1) be proactive. By being proactive, you retain control and can counter harmful beliefs that trigger news media. Responding has little impact because the negative message is already out 2) constantly engage new networks 1/ 2/ 3) the most impact and ROI is by focusing on young adults. Young adults already care, and they influence their parents and other older adults. 4) there is a reason influencer marketing works. engage and empower local and national influencers to share the truth on homelessness

My biggest concern about @drdrew is that he pushes harmful beliefs that are not true. Drew believes forced treatment is the solution, yet after 7 to 28 days of treatment, which is NOT enough time to heal, addicts are then excited back to homelessness. latimes.com/california/sto… 2/ Addiction and mental health services are just as broken and disjointed as homeless services. @drdrew should know this, but he still shares harmful messages that hurt efforts to raise support for real solutions. Drew has become the poster child for NIMBYs and homeless haters!