A Collaborative Statewide Project

How we talk about housing really matters―it shapes the actions we take as a community.

A coalition of organizations across the state are collaborating with the Housing Narrative Lab, a national communications and research hub, in undertaking a narrative change project to reframe how Minnesotans talk about housing. It has started with deep research exploring our underlying values and beliefs, and the words our community currently uses to speak about affordable housing. Special effort is being taken to understand a range of perspectives, from those with lived experience, to business owners, to rural and urban, to Black, Brown and Indigenous community members, and more. Understanding how our community perceives the state of housing will inform how we best change that narrative to illuminate the realities faced by our neighbors who are struggling to find a place to call home. 

Armed with that data, we will set out to craft a new supporting narrative incorporating the values and vocabulary that speak directly to Minnesotans. The narrative will inform and persuade lawmakers, nonprofits and businesses, the media, and everyday neighbors about the importance of everyone having a place to call home.

After the research and analysis is complete, we will share these learnings throughout the state, providing communications tools and educational workshops on how we can all harness our power in setting the narrative to create meaningful change! 

The Housing Narrative Lab lifts the stories of people facing homelessness and housing insecurity and the systems that keep them from finding and keeping a home through providing narrative research, strategic communications and communications support, and education and training. Learn more about the Housing Narrative Lab at www.housingnarrativelab.org

Powerpoint Presentation on Narrative Change

For reference:

Front Porch Investments webpage on narrative change: https://frontporchinvestments.org/get-involved/how-to-help.html