The Housing Justice Storytelling Initiative is an intensive workshop to develop and share video stories of courageous hope and collective action that center Bay Area residents who have experienced housing insecurity. 

The initiative is designed to empower and engage storytellers, strengthen video production skills within the housing justice movement, and build narrative power so that people can see and believe that we are building a future where everyone can afford to live and thrive in the Bay Area. 

We will be offering a cohort starting in 2025, with applications likely opening in the first quarter of 2025. Please fill out this interest form if you want to be notified when the application opens.

Interest form for 2025 cohort
About 20 people of diverse ages and backgrounds, standing together and smiling at the camera, in front of a banner with the Begins with Home logo repeating across it.
Spring 2024 Housing Justice Storytelling Initiative Cohort, including organizational staff, storytellers, and two of our videographers.

The participants—both organizational staff and storytellers with lived experience—will receive training and coaching during a series of virtual and in-person workshops to learn best practices and develop a concept for a short video. They will then be matched with local videographers who will shoot, edit, and produce the videos in partnership with each organization. These services are provided for free, and storytellers will be compensated.

Participants will develop their own unique project concepts as part of a regional storytelling effort. Concepts should broadly align with the goals and messaging of Begins with Home to inspire hope and collective action for housing justice in the Bay Area. 

This initiative is part of the Begins with Home regional narrative campaign and will be led by All Home with the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern CA (NPH) supporting and advising. Final videos will be co-owned by Begins with Home and the participating organization, and subject to the storyteller’s permission and intent.  

If you’d like to be notified about future cohorts or have other questions about the program, please fill out this interest form or email [email protected].

Watch Stories of Home from the first cohort

Three generations of one SF family saved their home from speculators and ensured they could afford to stay there permanently, with the help of the San Francisco Community Land Trust.
An affordable home saved James’ life, and allows him to live out the rest of his days with dignity at Shores Landing, a supportive housing community built and operated by MidPen Housing.
After coming to the United States as a refugee and being unhoused for 16 years, Solomon has blossomed thanks to the stability of supportive housing with Episcopal Community Services.
Maria knows it’s possible to solve homelessness, because her own experience with St. Mary’s Center proves it.
Farmworkers often live in substandard housing that is owned by their employers—a particularly vulnerable situation that has inspired Maria and others like her to speak out and advocate for more stable, affordable homes with Puente de la Costa Sur.
Angie is finding purpose and stability as a team-member with SOS Richmond, providing support and services to her unhoused neighbors, some of whom she lived alongside not long ago.