Together, we help diverse groups across the state unite and speak with one voice, working collectively to effect change.
OUR ADVOCACY
While CHOM's direct work is providing housing, CHOM is deeply dedicated to advocating for equity.
CREATE, FACILITATE
CHOM initiated and coordinates the Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services, a parent-led 4,000-member advocacy organization for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The Coalition has developed a lifelong continuum of care for populations with intellectual/developmental disabilities - a continuum of care that has been widely accepted, codified, and is in the process of being implemented - among other initiatives.
RESEARCH
CHOM plays an active role in researching and disseminating information about Federal, State, and local legislation and policy initiatives. CHOM plays an integral role in assisting groups, coalitions, and organizations in taking action to support policies, legislation, and initiatives pivotal to the successful community inclusion of vulnerable populations.
PARTICIPATE
CHOM staff actively participate in and play leadership roles in the Statewide Homeless Council, Regions I, II, and III Homeless Councils, the Maine Continuum of Care (MCOC), the Emergency Shelter Assessment Committee (ESAC), the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition (MAHC), and the Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board, among other groups.
INFORMATION
CHOM regularly tracks legislation and policy initiatives at the local, State, and Federal levels regarding resources to end & prevent homelessness and create community inclusion for vulnerable populations. CHOM compiles & disseminates Federal and State Legislation updates regualrly, which are reviewed monthly at Statewide Homeless Council, Regions I, II, and III Homeless Council, MCOC, ESAC, and Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services meetings.
HOMELESS ADVOCACY
All of CHOM's work is rooted in vigorous advocacy, working to ensure that everyone is included as part of the community. This is done through local, municipal, State, and Federal collective, grassroots advocacy efforts designed to ensure that people have access to the resources needed to live and thrive.​
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CHOM has established collaborative relationships with advocates in Maine, who all work together to effect positive, lasting change for vulnerable populations. ​
CATALYST FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION
CHOM collaborates with advocates across Maine to ensure our voices are heard at all levels of government. CHOM plays an integral role in assisting groups, coalitions, and organizations in taking action to support policies, legislation, and initiatives pivotal to the successful community inclusion of vulnerable populations. CHOM assists these groups with regularity in drafting correspondence speaking to the efficacy of policy initiatives that would assist vulnerable Mainers.
EXPERTISE ON ENDING HOMELESSNESS
CHOM staff are routinely invited to provide their expertise on the ways in which communities can work towards ending and preventing homelessness in various venues. CHOM is called upon frequently to present on its expertise both locally and nationally.
OUR ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Below are videos featuring CHOM Executive Director Cullen Ryan highlighting CHOM's advocacy. These are only two examples of the ways in which CHOM plays a collaborative role in the community to end and prevent homelessness, and has been recognized for fufilling this role.
ADVOCACY GOALS
IMPROVE HEALTH &
WELLNESS
Housing is a key social
determinant of health.
UNITE
FAMILIES
Families adequately supported and brought together create a reduction in state custody and foster care costs
REDUCE
COSTS
Smart policies create system-wide cost savings in emergency services, shelter, and healthcare costs
ACHIEVE DIVERSITY
EQUITY & INCLUSION
Everyone deserves to be part of their community.
INCREASE SELF ESTEEM & SELF WORTH
People feel secure, healthy, and feel best when they belong, and have a safe and stable place to call home
GENERATE
ACCESS
People thrive when we remove barriers and create access to jobs, social interaction, and education
