Improve Your Community |  Address Top Issues for the Disabled |  Share Your Story |

Calling others to action is what Advocacy is all about - whether elected officials that hold local, state or national office; or stakeholders from state, national organizations, or others in your community, your efforts are never wasted.  

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Here are helpful tips on how to write an effective advocacy letter and share your story in a compelling way.

Download an editable template, or copy and paste the following:

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SAMPLE LETTER

[Your Name and Address]
Andy Advocate
123 Main Street
Anytown, Any state

[Date]

Month day, year

[Recipient Name and Address]

The Honorable [REPRESENTATIVE’S FIRST NAME, LAST NAME] U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative [Last Name]: 

I am writing to you as a constituent with a disabilities regarding the lack of affordable housing and a housing authority to address issues important to people with disabilities like reasonable accommodation to provide modifications to rental properties for disability access. Today, I urge your support for the expansion of affordable housing and the creation of a local housing authority to assist members in the community like myself who are overwhelmed by the lack of disability access and shortage of affordable housing. 

My name is [Name] and I am an individual currently impacted by the current housing shortage. The length of time it takes to get onto a Section 8 Housing list is staggering. Combined with the time it takes for affordable housing to become available, we are truly in a state of crisis. I am writing to ask that you consider the impact that the lack of affordable housing and the lack of oversight by a housing authority has on people like me who cannot afford to live in neighborhoods where I work, and have to tolerate unfair treatment by my current landlord. 

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Studies show that creating safe and healthy communities has a positive effect on the environment. The elimination of conditions created by slumlords and lack of affordable housing not only helps to create healthy communities, it improves peoples lives. The home protects the dreamer and having access to a place we can actually call home is the American Dream for so many of us. Access to good quality homes and support for low income families improves outcomes for future generations. Housing authorities are a necessary component to assist people with disabilities resolve complex issues related to disability access and home modification in rental properties. 

This issue is important because [describe your personal experience with this issue and how it has affected either you or someone you care about].

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When people with disabilities struggle to find affordable housing and a resolution to alleviating the stress of tolerating life in an unlivable dwelling, it affects their quality of life. I leads to living with friends and relatives. It also leads to homelessness. In America, we all deserve to live in strong, healthy, and safe communities where good and affordable housing is not the exception, but the rule. In turning a blind eye to this growing issues, we are doing the disabled members of our community a great disservice. In your role, you have the ability to make a difference. That is why I strongly urge you to consider appropriating funds that would it make it possible to expand affordable housing and create a housing authority in all communities. It would make a huge difference in the lives of people living with disabilities and their loved ones. 

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Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope that this letter helps you understand the importance of this widespread issue and you begin working towards ways to solve it. Please let me know that I can count on your support. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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