A Place 4 Me is a cross-sector initiative that harnesses the strengths and resources of its partners to prevent and end homelessness among young adults age 15 to 24 in Cleveland/Cuyahoga County. Presented with a tremendous opportunity to increase impact through a national 100-day challenge to prevent and end youth homelessness, AP4M turned to ACS to help with communication and increase local awareness. ACS facilitated a strategy session to better understand the initiatives communication needs and opportunities and develop a communication strategy.
Outcomes (to date):
- Developed communication collateral for the 100-Day Challenge, including press releases, background documents, and Frequently Asked Questions.
- Created evergreen communication collateral, including profiles of youth and documents that cover:
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- Innovations developed through the 100-Day Challenge
- Collaboration with community organizations
- A focus on youth engagement
- Prepared speakers, including talking points for media interviews.
- Assisted in the development of a strategy and structure for the annual youth homelessness symposium that was held in January 2017.
- ACS secured the following media:
- In 2016 & 2017, ACS secured extensive media coverage including:
- The Lost Ones: http://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/the-read/articles/the-lost-ones
- Cleveland/Cuyahoga Co. Participating in 100-Day Challenge to End Youth Homelessness: http://wcpn.ideastream.org/news/clevelandcuyahoga-co-participating-in-100-day-challenge-to-end-youth-homelessness
- A Place 4 Me launches 100 Day Challenge to end youth homelessness: http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/100Days091916.aspx
- Youth Goals: House 100 Homeless Kids in 100 Days: https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/house-100-homeless-kids-in-100-days
- 100-day challenge furthers our understanding of how to end youth homelessness: https://www.usich.gov/news/100-day-challenge-furthers-our-understanding-of-how-to-end-youth-homelessness
- Conversation about race must include more voices: Heather Steranka-Petit, Margaret Mitchell, YWCA: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/11/conversation_about_race_must_i.html
- Cleveland agencies ramping up efforts to end youth homelessness: http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/cleveland-agencies-ramping-up-efforts-to-end-youth-homelessness
- College Hunger, Homelessness & Preparing Hot Meals for Those in Need: 100 Day Challenge: http://www.ideastream.org/programs/ideas/100-day-challenge-rock-n-roll-inductees-announced-body-cameras
- Cleveland exceeds goal to house 100 homeless youths in 100 days: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/01/cleveland_meets_goal_to_house_100_homeless_youths_in_100_days.html – incart_river_home
- Home Work: http://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/commentary/articles/column-home-work