Shape the Narrative, Strengthen the Future
The Oregon Housing Narrative Campaign is a communications collaboration to expand reach and build public trust in housing and homelessness solutions Join the Oregon Housing Narrative PilotHelp shape how our region talks about housing and homelessness.
Public confidence in housing and homelessness solutions has been slipping. Organized opposition is fueling public frustration while downplaying the real progress being made. A negative narrative is gaining ground — one that reinforces skepticism and doubt, and disconnects the public from the solutions our region needs.
To ensure Supportive Housing Services receive the public support needed to be renewed beyond 2030, we cannot wait for the next high-pressure moment to build trust. We need to strengthen public understanding of, and confidence in, the solutions that are working.
Research shows that public understanding can shift. When trusted organizations communicate with clarity and consistency about what’s working, people’s views on housing and homelessness change. When coalition partners are equipped with the right tools and communicating in coordination, we don’t just send a clearer signal — we create the kind of visible, credible chorus that helps more people see real solutions as credible, necessary, and worth supporting.
The Oregon Housing Narrative Campaign is a new opportunity for HereTogether and Housing Oregon coalition members to build effective messages together and coordinate communications that strengthen public trust in housing and homelessness solutions. Over six months, participants will be invited to join a kickoff event, attend monthly messaging workshops, and receive ready-to-use social media content. It’s a flexible, six-month commitment designed to build our collective capacity for coordinated communications.
Join our pilot cohort and help shape the narrative together.
What is the Oregon Housing Narrative Pilot?
An opportunity to strengthen coordinated communications.
The Oregon Housing Narrative Pilot is a communications collaboration for HereTogether coalition members who want to shape how our region talks about housing and homelessness
Rather than asking each organization to navigate this alone, HereTogether is inviting coalition members to help shape messages in real time. The pilot is built to meet organizations where they are by providing practical tools, shared messaging infrastructure, and peer support for teams managing limited capacity, internal approval processes, and the real reputational considerations that come with public-facing communications.
Participants will:
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Attend one kickoff and five monthly messaging workshops
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Join coordinated posting windows using ready-to-use content and editable templates
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Share feedback on what is resonating with their audiences
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Complete a short monthly check-in on posting and reach
In return, participants will receive:
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Messaging guides
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Ready-to-use content and customizable templates
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Practical communications guidance grounded in best practices
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A trusted peer space for learning, reflection, and support
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A stronger shared foundation for communicating in high-stakes moments
This is a practical way to help shape the narrative, strengthen public trust, and build a stronger, more collaborative communications foundation for the road ahead.
Why Now
We can’t afford to let others define the story about housing and homelessness.
Right now, coalition partners are navigating a communications environment that feels high-stakes, fast-moving, and difficult to keep up with. Public frustration is high, negative narratives are gaining ground, and progress is overshadowed by messages that erode confidence in the investments that make solutions possible.
Many organizations are facing this moment with limited staff time, limited communications infrastructure, and real concern about getting public messaging wrong. This pilot is designed to help meet that challenge with more clarity, coordination, and support.
By aligning trusted messengers around shared, solutions-focused messaging, we can:
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Build clearer public understanding of housing and homelessness solutions
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Strengthen trust in solutions and public investment
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Shape the narrative rather than react to it
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Create a stronger communications foundation for the future
FAQ
Who can participate?
Participation is open to HereTogether and Housing Oregon coalition members. The pilot is for organizations that want to be part of a stronger, more coordinated effort to build public understanding and trust.
Do I need to work in communications to attend the kickoff?
No. You do not need to be a communications staff person to attend. If you help shape messaging, write or share content, support community engagement, or carry communications work alongside other responsibilities, you are welcome. Whether your organization has a full communications team or one person wearing many hats, this pilot is designed to make coordinated communications more possible.
Do I have to commit to the full pilot in order to attend the kickoff?
No. The kickoff is a chance to learn more about the pilot, understand what participation could look like, and decide whether it feels like the right fit for your organization.
What will participants be asked to do each month?
Participants will be invited to attend a monthly messaging workshop, join coordinated posting windows using ready-to-use content and editable templates, and complete a short monthly check-in on posting and reach. The pilot is designed to be meaningful but flexible, with clear opportunities to engage throughout the six-month period.
What kind of support will participants receive?
Participants will receive ready-to-use messaging and content, including templates they can use as-is or adapt with their own branding, stories, and voice. The pilot also offers practical guidance grounded in best practices, and a trusted peer space for learning, reflection, and support.
How much time will participation take?
The pilot runs for six months and is designed to be meaningful but flexible. Participation includes one kickoff, five monthly workshops, coordinated social media posting opportunities each month, and a short monthly check-in on posting and reach. More specific expectations will be shared at the kickoff.
Why is this work important right now?
Public understanding of housing and homelessness solutions is being shaped every day. As SHS renewal approaches, coalition partners have an opportunity to build stronger alignment, strengthen public trust, and show up with more clarity before higher-stakes moments arrive.
What if my organization has limited capacity?
This pilot is designed with real-world capacity in mind. Participants will receive ready-to-use content, practical guidance, and flexible ways to engage.
What if I can’t make the kickoff?
You can still express interest in the pilot by completing the [interest form].
What if my organization is not a HereTogether coalition member?
The pilot is designed for HereTogether coalition members. If your organization is not currently a member but is interested in this work, contact [Name].