In this bonus episode, Baratunde learns how data, well-defined goals, and a sense of collective ownership are helping those at the front lines of America’s housing crisis work to solve, not manage, homelessness. His partner in conversation is Aras Jizan, the Portfolio Lead for Data and Technology for the Built for Zero initiative at Community Solutions.  

Guest: Aras Jizan

Bio: Portfolio Lead for Data and Technology for the Built for Zero initiative at Community Solutions 

Online: Community Solutions website, Twitter @cmtysolutions, and Instagram @cmtysolutions

Go to howtocitizen.com for transcripts, our email newsletter, and your citizen practice.

ACTIONS

- PERSONALLY REFLECT 

Say these aloud to yourself

Inspired by Aras's recommendations, repeat these: I believe that homelessness is solvable. I understand that we must fix systems, not people. I consider people experiencing homelessness in my community to be my neighbors. 

- BECOME INFORMED

Hear stories of homelessness from those experiencing it

Visit InvisiblePeople.tv which uses storytelling, education, news, and activism to change the narrative on homelessness. Their videos are compelling and tell a whole story we often don't see. They are on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

- PUBLICLY PARTICIPATE

Follow the Community Solutions Playbook

Aras's organization, Community Solutions, has an entire page literally devoted to citizen action. It's a whole playbook to learn more, connect locally, and hold our communities accountable for ending homelessness.