Key elements of a successful city campaign

City campaigns that have made the greatest progress or impact have had certain things in common:

• The right people – who are passionate, and regardless of their organisation or status, are willing to work through obstacles rather than give in to them
• They understand and respond to the importance of legitimacy, transparency and accountability
• They involve all key stakeholders especially those with experience of homelessness – as well as the local community
• The issue, and potential solutions, are well-defined and backed up by evidence
• There is a clear plan that helps everyone achieve the campaign’s goals
• The lead person, people or group keep track of the campaign’s progress, learn from their mistakes and successes, and adapt as necessary
• The campaign targets those who can make the changes needed and knows how to influence them
• They recognise that success takes time and it’s vital to measure and celebrate smaller steps along the way