Act! Speak! Build!

ACT!SPEAK!BUILD! logo color

Be part of this international event to take

ACTion, SPEAK up and BUILD change!

March 30 – April 6

Every day, thousands of families around Los Angeles County are affected by housing issues. Some families live in overcrowded conditions; others are forced to live in poor quality homes infested with insects or mold, and more. In addition, the cost of living in Los Angeles is high and so many families are forced to pay a substantial amount of their income for housing. These families deserve safe and affordable homes.

Do you believe that everyone deserves a safe place to live?

Do you want to make a difference in your community?

Register to Participate in Act! Speak Build! Week

Click Here to Sign Up Box 11.1.12

 See Below for Suggested Ideas

Many schools and colleges are on Spring Break during Act! Speak! Build! Week   You are encouraged to participate in activities when school is back in session. 

 

  • Postcard Campaign – Provide youth the opportunity and tools to support the California Homes and Jobs Act.  Though such advocacy activity, awareness will be raised about important state legislation that will; Create 29,000 jobs annually through public-private partnerships and generate millions in additional state and local revenue; Help California leverage an additional $2.78 billion in federal, local, and private funding; Get California building again to stabilize the housing market.  Postcards will provided by HFH GLA.
  • Shanty Town/Sleep Out – The purpose of a Shanty Town or a Sleep Out is to raise awareness about poverty housing and homelessness in the minds of both the participants and observers.  During a shantytown event, students spend at least one night sleeping outside in cardboard boxes or constructed shacks in order to draw attention to housing issues.  HFH GLA’s Youth Programs coordinator can work with students and help them have a successful event.
  • Pruitt-Igoe Myth - Screen the “Pruitt-Igoe Myth” at your class or school. This award winning documentary reflects upon the Pruitt-Igoe housing development, which has often been stereotyped, and used as an argument against modernist architecture and affordable housing programs.  However, those stereotypes are unfair and have had a negative impact on affordable housing development and funding.  The “Pruitt-Igoe Myth” crushes these notions.  Recommended for high school or college aged students.  Participation in this activity is dependent upon the availability of HFH GLA staff and the film.  If you select this option, we will contact for with more details.
  • Meet with an Elected Official - Meet with an elected official!  An excellent way for youth to engage in the political process and advocate for affordable housing related legislation.  The California Homes and Jobs Act would be excellent legislation to support.  HFH GLA can work with youth to help them prepare and ensure they have the proper tools and materials for success.
  • Make Public Comment – What better way to raise your voice!  Speak at a public meeting that’s taking place in your community.  This may be a County Board of Supervisors, City Council, School Board or even a Planning Commission meeting.  Educate your local elected officials and advocate for affordable housing.  HFH GLAs Youth Programs Coordinator can assist in coordinating logistics and ‘help prepare our youth to raise their voices.
  • Build Awareness Through Creativity – The arts have been used throughout history to express opinion and raise awareness about issues.  Submit an essay, poem, song or picture of how you are contributing to the need for affordable housing in Greater Los Angeles.  This is a perfect project for those aged 5 – 13.
  • Build! - Organize a build day. Put your muscle where your mouth is and not only build awareness, but, help build a house.  Participant groups will be asked to fundraise at least $250 for a week day build. All funds will go toward the Youth House.
  • Nickels for Nails – Make a difference through Nickels for Nails and see first-hand how donating extra change can make a life-altering difference for a deserving family.  The money collected will go towards the house that youth build. Teachers and youth groups who sign up will receive a label with a container to help with having a successful fund drive.  All funds will go to the Youth House.

For additional questions about Act! Speak! Build! Week or any of our youth programs contact:

Youth Programs Coordinator youthprograms@habitatla.org

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