We are building a movement that recognizes people with lived experience of homelessness as essential co-creators of solutions. Last month, we marked another milestone in this movement by bringing together more than 450 leaders with lived experience and advocates from across the country at the 2026 National Lived Experience Leadership Conference. Attendees created new connections and deepened existing ones, sparked meaningful conversations about how to end and prevent homelessness, and collaborated on solutions that center those most impacted. #NLELC26 was a success in large part because it was shaped by these very leaders.
I was very impressed with how everyone had lived experience from the organizers to the staff and presenters. I felt very comfortable like I actually belonged there… It helped me become more comfortable with advocacy, knowing I have good knowledge even if I don’t have a fancy degree or title.
Conference Attendee
This was the second year we hosted the conference on the West Coast, in partnership with the National Coalition for the Homeless, but we still experienced many “firsts” that demonstrate important progress toward shifting power:
Most notably, this year’s conference planning committees were composed exclusively of lived experience leaders. An Inclusion & Accessibility Committee was also established to tailor the experience to the diverse needs and perspectives of attendees.
The National Lived Experience Leadership and Advocacy Board (NLEAB) made its debut with two sessions: one to strengthen leadership and move organizations toward shared decision-making, and another to discuss feedback that will help shape the Board’s national policy and advocacy priorities.
Members from our Right at Home partner cohort attended the conference for the first time to learn from other local and national leaders, enhance their systems of care, and build bridges between communities.
Recognizing how important healing and wellness are in sustaining individual and collective work, we introduced a “Healing, Wellness & Sustainability” track. Offerings like the herbal wellness bar, sound healing, and animal therapy helped attendees fully show up and participate.
To help capture the energy and impact of those powerful days, we’re excited to present our first post-conference report.
We know the work must move beyond the conference to have real lasting impact. In addition to improving future conferences so these leaders are equipped to address emerging challenges, we’ll strengthen this national movement by creating more opportunities for connection and building the evidence for how their leadership drives true systems change.