Our Mission

To empower people with lived experience of homelessness to become systems experts, public speakers, and civic leaders—driving policy change, transforming public narratives, and dismantling barriers to housing security, financial equity, and personal dignity.

Our Journey

In 2016, John Brady experienced homelessness firsthand, spending a year on the streets of San Diego. During this challenging period, he found solace and inspiration with the Voices of Our City Choir, a group dedicated to uplifting individuals through the healing power of music and community. This experience ignited John's passion for advocacy, leading him to amplify the voices of those experiencing homelessness at local city and county meetings.

By 2023, John transformed this passion into action by founding Lived Experience Advisors (LEA), a fiscally sponsored nonprofit organization committed to training, supporting, and compensating individuals with firsthand experience of homelessness.

In 2025 LEA attained it's own 501c3 status, finding independent funding ensuring our voice is not stifled and that those directly impacted have an effective seat at the table, shaping policies that affect their lives.

Our Impact

Policy Influence: LEA members hold over 41 leadership roles in community boards, public forums, and city hall discussions, actively shaping policies and challenging misconceptions about homelessness.

Community Engagement: Through public speaking and community outreach, our members share their stories and insights, driving real solutions that address homelessness at its root.

Systemic Change: We advocate for economic security, civic engagement, and personal empowerment to tackle the systemic inequalities that fuel poverty.

Our Extensive Training

LEA has developed a unique mentorship and training experience. We work with people who have lived experience and are ready to use their voice to change the system. Our goal is to empower individuals with lived experience of homelessness to become effective, informed advocates for housing justice and system reform.

We offer 5 weeks of training followed by an intensive mentorship program to assist in growing our professional advocates

LEA Training Model

Lived Experience Training Roadmap (2)_ed

Our Mission

Our Journey

Our Impact

Policy Influence: LEA members hold over 41 leadership roles in community boards, public forums, and city hall discussions, actively shaping policies and challenging misconceptions about homelessness. ​

​

Community Engagement: Through public speaking and community outreach, our members share their stories and insights, driving real solutions that address homelessness at its root.​

​

Systemic Change: We advocate for economic security, civic engagement, and personal empowerment to tackle the systemic inequalities that fuel poverty.

Our Extensive Training

LEA Training Model

Policy Influence: LEA members hold over 41 leadership roles in community boards, public forums, and city hall discussions, actively shaping policies and challenging misconceptions about homelessness.

Community Engagement: Through public speaking and community outreach, our members share their stories and insights, driving real solutions that address homelessness at its root.