CoC Lived Experience(d) Advisory Council

The CoC Lived Experience(d) Advisory Council (LEAC), formally known as the Consumer Advisory Council, provides a formal mechanism for individuals or persons in families who are currently or formerly homeless to convey input and policy recommendations on local efforts to prevent and end homelessness. LEAC membership is structured so that it is represents the broad array of people who experience homelessness in Arlington County. Members are recruited through local housing and human services providers. They do not serve as representatives of these providers but rather provide insight and recommendations based on their own knowledge and opinions. The LEAC is accountable to the Leadership Board and is charged with providing them feedback on policy and strategies in the execution of Arlington County’s Action Plan.

More specifically the LEAC:

• Identifies problems in the current systems of housing and services that are particularly important to correct.
• Provides advice and recommendations for improvements to homelessness programs and services.
• Educates policy makers and legislators on how laws and regulations affect homeless people and what changes could help people move out of homelessness.
• Educates the community about the experience of homelessness.
• Suggests ways that community members can participate in activities to learn more about homelessness.
• Advocates for system reform and necessary funding at the federal, state, local, and community levels in support of Arlington County’s Action Plan

Do you have lived experience with homelessness? For more information on how to join the Lived Experience(d) Advisory Council, please complete the Consumer Advisory Interest Survey or contact Regina Chambers, Racial Equity Senior Management Analyst, at 703-228-1041 or rchambers@arlingtonva.us.