Question: Hello! Curious to hear if any other CoCs have had experiences with lived expertise advocates, who receive compensation for their services, have seen any of their benefits reduced due to such compensation? We have been experiencing it here in the LA CoC, which works almost as a disincentive for these advocates to provide their services. Thank you!
August 18, 2021
By Samantha Vethavanam
Los Angeles City & County CoC
San Diego’s (Regional Task Force on Homelessness) policy, which is under review by the Board, includes a de minimis stipend and reimbursement of certain costs for Board and Committee Members. Because these are volunteer positions, we have been mindful to not inadvertently create an employment relationship. I have had the conversation with members about the impact on benefits and the small stipend is not expected to have an impact. That said, I found little guidance when developing our policy. Would like to see yours and am happy to share ours once approved.
Hi, everyone. The Glendale CoC would also be interested to find out more. We have been looking into this, but any information you might have would be extremely helpful!
San Bernardino County has not implemented providing compensation to our advocates with lived experience either. I also would like to hear more. Thank you Samantha!
Good Morning, Samantha. We have not implemented providing compensation to our advocates with lived experience but I’d love to hear more on this because we have been exploring this option and the reduction in benefits is concerning.
Thanks,
Tara