Behind the Scenes: Meet our Systemic Change Team

Introducing the dynamic duo driving Systemic Change: Lauren Armony and Brenna Fawson

Authors: Maddie Criglow and Elle Appleton

Since 1979, Sisters has been committed to addressing the root causes of houselessness and poverty through systemic change. Throughout our time as an organization, the Systemic Change (SC) team has worked alongside other coalitions to create and advocate for radical solutions. This included winning the campaign for people’s right to use food stamps for prepared meals in non-profit dining facilities and fighting the Sit-Lie Ordinance (which prevented people from sitting or lying on a sidewalk between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m and was deemed unconstitutional in 2009). 

More recently, Sisters has advocated for the Homeless Bill of Rights, the implementation of the Right to Rest Act, fareless transit, and ending Enhanced Service Districts like Clean & Safe (a nonprofit contracted through Portland Metro Chamber). Throughout our history, systemic change work often started in our cafe as we met and connected with customers. 

Sisters co-founder Genny Nelson said, “We learned we must listen to and take our leadership from the very people who have the experience necessary to determine what is needed. We cannot afford to let people who are afraid of the homeless be the ones exclusively responsible for making policy about their lives.”

All of these actions stem from a dedication to address the day-to-day issues affecting people experiencing the violence of poverty, from widespread criminalization to a lack of much-needed resources. Our SC team, Lauren and Brenna, continue this work through public advocacy and organizing alongside local and global communities. 

Read on for a look at what they are up to now!

Lauren Armony  - Systemic Change Director 

Lauren works downstairs in the starry light nook. They have a superpower of bringing a holistic perspective to everything we do here at Sisters. As the director of our Systemic Change department, they develop and execute our current programs and campaigns. Lauren also does the difficult and necessary job of showing up to county and city meetings, speaking out against harmful policies, and advocating for human rights for all people, regardless of their income level. 

Lauren started her time with Sisters advocating to stop the sweeps and support residents during the 2020-2021 Laurelhurst sweeps. They jumped into the 2021 Right 2 Rest Campaign, then known as HB2367. They have since acted as our main representative in various coalitions, including working alongside the Western Regional Advocacy Project (WRAP) to boost public and legislative support for the Right 2 Rest Act in 2023. Lauren also rolled out our revamped Fresh Change program, Sisters’ partnership with the Portland Farmers Market that provides houseless individuals a safe, guided way to access fresh food. 

Currently, they are developing a Housing Survey, which will be released over the next two years, in partnership with Portland State University’s Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative (HRAC). 

To reach out and learn more about all the important work that they do, email Lauren at ren@sistersoftheroad.org. 

Brenna Fawson - Systemic Change Community Organizer 

Brenna became a part of the Systemic Change team in October as a community organizer for Sisters. They join Sisters with a background in research and organizing work. Brenna has hit the ground running, engaging with Portland-area community members to develop the upcoming housing survey with Lauren.

Recently, Brenna also traveled to San Francisco to attend the widespread demonstrations against the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) with the grassroots organization they are a part of, the Portland Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (PCHRP). They detailed their experience in a recent blog post, which you can read in full here. Their work here at Sisters and beyond illuminates the fact that the criminalization of poverty, rising cost of living, and lack of affordable housing are global, interconnected issues. 

To learn more about their work, you can email them at bren@sistersoftheroad.org. 

Sisters of the Road remains steadfast in our commitment to advocacy and social justice. The Systemic Change team ensures that we keep this commitment each and every day!