Housing Advocates do more than assist families in finding stable housing. They walk alongside them, breaking down barriers, celebrating wins, and reminding them that joy is an essential part of stability. Briahna, a Housing Advocate for The Road Home’s Foundations and Tailor Place programs, embodies this philosophy every day. Her role is not just about paperwork and logistics—it’s about relationships, trust, and the deep understanding that stability means more than just a roof over one’s head.
A Day in the Life of a Housing Advocate
“No two days are alike,” Briahna shares. But one thing remains constant: connection. Whether through virtual check-ins or in-person meetings, she spends her days ensuring that families feel seen and heard.
Some days, this means helping a family navigate community resources. Other times, it’s a simple “How are you doing? How is life feeling right now?” These conversations are just as crucial as goal-setting and problem-solving. “I care about you even when you’re not filling out an application or trying to find employment. I care about your day-to-day, too.”
This holistic approach acknowledges that stability isn’t just about housing—it’s about emotional and mental well-being. When families feel supported in their everyday lives, they are better equipped to take the next steps toward their goals.
The Challenges Families Face
One of the biggest obstacles Briahna sees is the interconnectedness of basic needs. “To have housing stability, you need stable employment. To maintain employment, you need reliable childcare. To access childcare, you need transportation. To afford transportation, you need income from employment.” The cycle can feel impenetrable.
Briahna’s role is to help families identify a starting point. She understands that breaking through this cycle requires creativity, persistence, and a deep knowledge of community resources. “It’s so much harder than people realize,” she says. But with patience and advocacy, families can begin to find a way forward.
The Role of Joy in Stability
Housing stability isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving. That’s why Briahna encourages families to participate in events like Family Fun Nights, where they can access experiences that bring joy and connection.
“For many families, survival mode has been the norm. Taking part in activities like accessible museum days or library programs is a reminder that joy is part of a stable life, too.” These moments replenish emotional reserves and help families avoid burnout.
Briahna also ensures that families can access these opportunities by addressing barriers like transportation and accessibility. “Joy should be part of the equation from the beginning, not just something that happens once everything else is ‘fixed.’”
Building Relationships Beyond Office Hours
Community events also allow Briahna to to build deeper relationships with families. “These moments remind families that I’m not just a provider—I’m a person, too.”
She recalls the countless hugs she receives from participants and their children at events. “It may seem small, but the trust required for a simple hug is never lost on me. It’s a moment of mutual admiration and safety.”
By experiencing families outside of office hours, she can connect with them as individuals, not just as participants. “We’re all just trying to navigate the world,” she says. “And when we see each other as whole people, it strengthens the trust we build together.”
A Calling Rooted in Advocacy
Briahna’s passion for this work began in a domestic violence shelter, where she witnessed the devastation of homelessness firsthand. “Seeing people start over from square one made me want to advocate for them long-term.”
Now, she walks with families through their entire journey, not just in moments of crisis. “This work is a love letter to people who have endured unthinkable hardships. It’s about telling them, ‘You’ve always deserved a safe, secure, and happy life.’”
A Legacy of Hope
When asked what she hopes families take away from their time with a Housing Advocate, Briahna’s answer is clear: “I want them to move from surviving to thriving. But more than anything, I hope their faith in humanity is restored.”
She wants families to know that despite the challenges they’ve faced, they are not alone. “People in this community care about them so much.”
Through her advocacy, Briahna is not just helping families find housing—she’s helping them find home. And in her words, “We’re all just walking each other home.”
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