Who We Are
The Housing Narrative Lab is a national, evidence-based narrative and communications hub that builds public support for safe and affordable housing options to make all our communities healthy, stable and welcoming.
We conduct timely national, state and local narrative research to get a pulse on public perceptions about housing issues; provide narrative training and strategic messaging support to those working on housing solutions; and develop storytelling that moves people to action. We work with a wide-array of organizations across housing, economic development, healthcare and other sectors that share a common goal: ensuring everyone has a safe, stable place to live.
Learn what we’ve been doing in our 2022-23 Impact Report.
Our Approach
We know that housing is the foundation of healthy people, families and communities. A home is one of our most basic needs – providing security and safety, a place to rest, cook and study and the chance to build a good life. But too many people struggle to afford rent or access the housing that they need to thrive because our country has under-invested in affordable and supportive housing solutions for decades, but the stories we see and hear everyday don’t reflect this reality. If we want to create a world where everyone has a safe and affordable place to live, we have to tell stories that move people to action. That’s why the Lab exists — to create a new, effective narrative that builds robust support for the kinds of investments in housing that we all need and deserve.
Scale, Consistency, Repetition
We know that narrative work requires scale, consistency and repetition. That’s why the Lab trains people to share their stories about what a home means to them and works with social media and pop culture creators, journalists and communities to share powerful stories about the importance of a home so that we reach everyone, everywhere, all the time.
The Power of Storytellers
Stories move people to action. At the Lab, we know that stories are the most powerful tool in our toolbox to shift the public conversation about housing as a basic need. We coach, train and mentor people to become effective storytellers and advocate for solutions that ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.
Our Commitment to Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
We envision a country where everyone has a fair opportunity to live in an affordable and decent home in a healthy and safe community. We know that a history of racial segregation and discrimination and ongoing barriers, such as voucher discrimination and eviction records, are the reason Black, Brown, Indigenous and immigrant communities are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity and homelessness. Today, women, especially Black women and those with children, people with disabilities, people leaving incarceration and LGBTQ+ young people of all races are also excluded from access to safe, accessible and affordable housing. The Lab works intentionally to build support for housing for everyone – regardless of race, gender, income or place of birth.
Our Team
The team at the Housing Narrative Lab brings together seasoned veterans with deep experience in narrative change, research, strategic communications, issue campaigns, organizing and advocacy.
Marisol
Executive Director
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Marisol (she/her) has spent a career championing the stories and voices of people with lived experience, so they lead in creating the solutions that help every family thrive. First as a career journalist telling the stories of families working to make ends meet, and then in the nonprofit world, where she led narrative strategies to change hearts and minds about those living on the brink and move people to action. A first generation American from a Caribbean family full of colorful storytellers, Marisol is originally from NYC. Home is chicken and rice, family game nights and gathering around the dining room table until the wee hours talking about books, movies and everything we love
Sarah
Deputy Director
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At the Lab, Sarah (she/her) focuses on strategic partnerships, communications and organizational growth. She has worked in the philanthropic and nonprofit space for decades, creating and implementing grantmaking strategies, designing programs and serving as a key advisor to leaders. In all her roles, Sarah has focused on the power of stories to create a more just world for everyone. Home is a lovely place to rest, nourish my family and friends and feel safe. It is simple pleasures -- laughter, pets, gardens, art, books and memories.
Jeff
Senior Advisor
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Jeff (he/him) is a nationally recognized leader and strategist at the intersection of national policy, politics and organizing. He has experience in a wide range of leadership and tactical capacities in the non-profit sector, including grassroots legislative and issue advocacy, coalition and team building, strategic media and communications, polling, data and analytics, leadership development and philanthropic fundraising. He has led campaigns for a wide range of issues: Affordable housing, renters’ rights, fair wage laws and environmental justice. Home is family, security and harmony.
Dustin
Projects Coordinator
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Dustin (he/him) is a multi-disciplinary professional who has worked across various industries and sectors. His core background is in advertising and logistics, but also includes mentoring, gardening and teaching. He joins Housing Narrative Lab as a connector or conduit helping to bridge partners, projects and stakeholders alike. Having grown up in an underserved neighborhood, Dustin is passionate about challenging systemic and social inequalities as a means of moving toward a more equitable future. Home is where I rest, work and create. It's a place where safety, warmth and I reside.
Gillian
Narrative Strategy Consultant
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Gillian (she/her) has dedicated her career to storytelling, first as a journalist and now as a strategic narrative and communications professional. Most recently, she served as the senior marketing communications manager at a major research institution, where she developed and led integrated marketing campaigns and crafted brand messaging and stories that elevated the research. Earlier, Gillian supported communications efforts for global development organizations, work that was inspired by her experience as a rural public health educator with the Peace Corps. Home is peace, safety and memories.
Kriselle
Social Media Consultant
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Kriselle (she/her) is an award-winning marketing and communications professional with a decade of expertise in the industry. Kriselle has a diverse background that spans various sectors, including fashion, architecture, higher education, and politics, most recently as the deputy digital director for a presidential campaign in Nevada. A dedicated storyteller and narrative strategist, Kriselle’s knack is crafting compelling narratives and content that resonate with audiences. Her work is characterized by a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Home is wherever my husband and dog are. I feel safest when I’m with them.
Advisory Committee
Lauren Bennett
Director of Communications and Policy
Funders Together to End Homelessness
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Lauren Bennett (she/her) is responsible for all communications and advocacy/public policy efforts for Funders Together. She has gained experience in both the not-for-profit and private sectors focusing mainly on public relations, social media, and community outreach. Previously, she held the position of Communications Leader for a not-for-profit healthcare organization focused on payment reform and price and quality transparency. Lauren is passionate about advocating and using influence to bring about awareness and social change around reproductive rights, infertility, and family planning. Lauren has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations from Eastern Illinois University.
John Brady
Director
Lived Experience Advisors
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John Brady (he/him) brings a unique set of skills, passion and perspective. With lived homeless experience, he holds an MBA in Marketing & Operations and an entertainment background. For five years, John has been an active advocate for the unsheltered in the San Diego area. In this role, he has become educated in many of the issues that are relevant to our homelessness crisis on a local and national level. His has been cited in The San Diego Union Tribune, The Huffington Post, NBC 7, LA Times, and The Voice of San Diego, among many other media outlets. John is also a regular speaker at conferences, community groups, and governmental bodies. Additionally, he is the Vice-Chair of the SDMTS Security and Passenger Safety Community Advisory Group and serves on the Community Action Plan on Homelessness Leadership Council and The Homeless Court Advisory Committee.
Jacqueline Chapman
Board Vice Chair
Philadelphia Unemployment Project
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Jacqueline Chapman (she/her) is a leader at The Welcome Church in Philadelphia and Vice Chair on the board of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project. In 2008, Jacqueline lost her housing and was forced to sleep on couches, in shelters, on church floors, on the streets, and in parks. She became involved with The Welcome Church in 2010, participating in their bible study classes and fellowship. After moving into her own apartment in 2013, she took a first aid course and started working at the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, where she is now on the board.
Natali Fani-González
Council Member
Montgomery County Council (MD)
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Natali Fani-González (she/her) is a top-notch grassroots communicator and organizer who has designed, built and ran successful public engagement campaigns in many of the most significant social change movements of the past two decades. Natali’s work has helped shape opinion, change behavior, advance policy and transform thinking. Natali served almost a decade as Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Montgomery County (MD) Planning Commission in a county of over one million residents, as well as Commissioner with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. She focused on making neighborhoods healthier, and always with the understanding that Black and Brown families cannot accomplish their full potential when they are constantly affected by outdated policies designed to divide communities.
Nanci Flores
Media Relations Manager
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
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Nanci Flores (she/her/ella) previously worked as the Communications Assistant at EMILY’s List. In Arkansas, she served her hometown's legacy television station as a Production Intern and Fayetteville’s KNWA and Fox 24 as a Newsroom Intern. Nanci graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Political Science.
Chelsea Fuller
Managing Partner/Senior Strategist
Black Alder
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Chelsea Fuller (she/her) is a seasoned strategic communications and media strategist with more than a decade of experience supporting movements for radical change. Known for her work inside of and other formations working to end systemic violence, Chelsea has led countless successful campaigns and messaging strategies, effectively shifting national and international narratives around central issues like race, white supremacy, patriarchal violence and community safety. As a former journalist and media advocate, Chelsea is highly-regarded for her work in helping journalists and media managers adjust their reporting of systemic issues–work that has ultimately led to more accurate, nuanced and authentic coverage. Chelsea holds a BA in News Editorial Journalism and Africana Studies from West Virginia University, an MA in Strategic Communications and Social Justice Advocacy from American University.
Levi Giafaglione
Consultant
Lived Experience Advisors
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Levi Giafaglione (he/him) is a passionate Housing Navigator working with the downtown unsheltered population in San Diego. In his time working in social services, he has specialized in TAY care, LGBT care and individuals with serious mental illness. Levi offers insight into ways for the current system to be improved, because he works in it every day. After coming out as LGBT, Levi's experience with homelessness began at the age of 19. He struggled for 6 years before he landed on his feet and began working in homeless services. He also spent time working with asylum seekers on their way to their permanent homes. Since joining Lived Experience Advisors, Levi has been a regular voice at city council meetings. His story has been featured on the "Voice of San Diego" and "Homeless in San Diego" podcasts. Levi is interested in real estate investing due to his belief that housing solves homelessness.
Michael Jackson
Writer and Editor
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Michael Jackson (he/him) is a writer and editor, based in New York City, focusing primarily on ways policy and politics can improve lives. He draws from his own experience with housing insecurity and poverty, interweaving personal narratives, public policy expertise, and political science to shed light on the people and problems all too often marginalized or forgotten. Previously a Housing Narrative and Communications Fellow at Community Change and researcher at Demos, Michael holds a political science degree from California State University, East Bay and was a fellow in the Columbia University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Ph.D. program.
Greg Kaufmann
Chief Advisor, Storytelling and Narrative
End Poverty in California (EPIC)
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Greg Kaufmann leads storytelling and narrative work at End Poverty in California (EPIC), founded by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs. At EPIC he creates platforms for people in poverty to share their experiences, ideas, and insights so that we change the story about poverty in California. Prior to joining EPIC, he was poverty correspondent at The Nation where his column was syndicated by Bill Moyers and Melissa Harris-Perry called him “one of the most consistent voices on poverty in America.” He was the founder of TalkPoverty.org, a senior fellow at Center for American Progress, and journalist-in-residence at the Roosevelt Institute. Most recently, he worked as narrative advisor to Stacey Abrams at the Southern Economic Advancement Project.
George L. Leventhal
Director of Community Health
Kaiser Permanente
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George L. Leventhal, Ph.D. (he/him) is an innovative policymaker with a history of proposing new service delivery solutions for people most in need. In his role at Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Leventhal develops policies for, and provides oversight and support to, a range of activities that address social determinants of health in the region, including: access to health care for the uninsured, affordable housing, homelessness, food security, and behavioral health in schools. Dr. Leventhal earned his Ph.D. in Public Policy from the University of Maryland. He also holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Johns Hopkins University, and a BA in English from the University of California at Berkeley.
Annie Neimand
Director of Impact and Evaluation
Third Sector
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Annie Neimand, Ph.D. (she/her), works with social justice leaders and organizations to apply the science and practice of social change and storytelling to their work through research, strategy, and evaluation and learning. Annie applies her expertise in science-driven strategies, radical and intersectional research and storytelling, and human centered-design, to support organizations in developing systems and culture change strategies. Annie spent 10 years as the Research Director for the Center for Public Interest Communications and the frank gathering. Annie received her MA and PhD in sociology from the University of Florida, where she studied social movements, strategic communications, and intersectionality.
Amanda Richer
Displacement Consultant
BEING
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Amanda J. Richer (she/her) is a photographer, artist, displacement advocate, health program manager and community liaison in Seattle, Washington.
Donald Whitehead
Executive Director
National Coalition for the Homeless
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Donald Hugh Whitehead Jr. (he/him) is recognized as a leading expert on homelessness, having served as the Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, Assistant Director at St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, Program Director at Ohio Valley Goodwill, Grant Manager at Goodwill of Greater Washington and Director of Communications at Greenpeace Ohio. Donald served two terms as President of the Board of Directors for the National Coalition for the Homeless, two terms on the Board of Directors for Faces and Voices of Recovery and two terms on the Georgetown Center for Cultural Competency. Donald has served on advisory committees for Presidents Bush, Clinton, Bush II, and Obama and testified before committees in the 107th and 108th Congress.
Khadijah Williams
National Director, Policy and Advocacy
LIFT, Inc
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Khadijah Williams (she/her) utilizes her deep knowledge of families and personal experience with poverty to ensure that families, regardless of zip code, can thrive. Khadijah’s career spans education, policy and community engagement. Khadijah currently serves as a Board member and 2022-23 Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee for the National Homelessness Law Center and Board member for the Innovative Academy of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She is the inaugural National Director of Policy and Advocacy at LIFT, which uses cash+coaching to break the cycle of poverty for families, two generations at a time.