Miami played a key role and are continuing to
support the foundation that developed the Lotus
House and is developing additional homeless shelters
in Miami.
The book that summarized Summit discussions
recommends 28 ways that REALTORS® can use
their expertise in housing to help homeless advocates provide housing, including raising funds to
acquire and renovate buildings as shelters and affordable apartments.
“Don’t overthink the initial step,” the book said.
“As one REALTOR® says, ‘Just find the housing
and the funding and get the homeless off the street.”
Lambert has set up a foundation named Housing
Ownership Matters for Everyone (HOME), Inc. to
provide affordable housing to low-income working
people and help the homeless find decent, affordable housing. Lambert has given Lena Harley the
opportunity to pay it forward by appointing her to
HOME’s board of directors.
Lambert said part of her foundation’s mission is “to
assist Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing to
provide temporary housing and services to prevent
individuals and families from becoming homeless
and help those who are experiencing homelessness
to be quickly re-housed and stabilized.”
Meadows is now vice president for government affairs
for the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and plans to develop a national policy on
homelessness for the NAR. “We’re kind of silent
on that,” she said.
“I’m excited to continue the work I’ve done at the
national level,” Meadows said. “I continue to believe
that not just homeownership but housing matters at
all income levels.”
John Van Gieson is a freelance writer based in
Tallahassee, Fla. He owns and runs Van Gieson
Media Relations, Inc.
REALTORS® can use their
expertise in housing to help
homeless advocates.
Photos courtesy of
The Lotus House
The Lotus House seeks
to improve the lives of
homeless women, youth and
children. The shelter shares
some of their stories of
homelessness on its website,
http://lotushouse.org/cat-egory/stories/.
(Above) Martha’s story:
“Drugs led me to
homelessness … “
(Middle) Brenda’s story:
“I came to Lotus House
in 2007. I became
homeless due to
domestic violence …”
Courtesy of USDA, Photo by Bob Nichols
