Empowering Community Voices for Affordable Homeownership
Advocacy Ambassadors Program
The Advocacy Ambassadors Program is a community-led initiative that equips youth (ages 16–24) and adult residents with the tools, training, and support to advocate for safe, affordable, and equitable housing in York County. Whether knocking on doors, sharing stories at public events, or helping neighbors understand their insurance rights, our ambassadors are powerful agents of change—driven by lived experience and a shared vision of housing justice.
This cohort will run from August-December, 2025. Participants must live or attend school in York County, SC, to be eligible.
Our Mission
To activate and amplify the voices of local residents—especially youth and historically underserved communities—in the movement for affordable homeownership, equitable disaster response, and fair insurance access.
What Ambassadors Do
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Attend Advocacy 101 and leadership training workshops
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Conduct “knock-and-talks” to share information and hear from neighbors
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Speak at events like HFHYC’s Community Breakfast
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Advocate at city council meetings, planning sessions, and public hearings
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Help neighbors prepare for natural disasters and understand homeowners insurance
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Build awareness through social media, storytelling, and outreach events
Who Can Join
We welcome:
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Youth ages 16–24 from York County
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College students from Clinton College, Winthrop University, and local high schools
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Adults with lived experience of housing insecurity
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Residents ready to build power, not just homes
No advocacy experience needed—just a heart for your community.
Get Involved
Want to become an Advocacy Ambassador? Apply at the link below by July 30, 2025.
Our staff will review applications starting August 1, 2025 and will reach out to applicants via email by August 15, 2025 to inform them of the status of their application.
📅 Upcoming Activities
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Advocacy 101 Training: August 30, 2025
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Public Speaking at the Community Breakfast: October 16, 2025
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Outreach Opportunities:
- 9/13/2025 Flint Hill Family Reunion
- 9/16/2025 National Voter Registration Day
- 9/18/2025 Community Meeting with Men on a Mission
- 9/20/2025 Sunset Park Family Reunion
- 9/23/2025 Rock Hill High School Food Drive
- 9/27/2025 Crawford Rd Family Reunion
- 9/27/2025 HFHYC Fashion Show
- 9/27/2025 Western York County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet
- 10/4/2025 Porter Rd Family Reunion
- 10/31/2025 Fall Festival @ Clinton College
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End of Current Cohort: December 15, 2025
Have questions? Want to learn more? Reach out to:
Summersby Okey
Director of Development & Advocacy
📧 sokey@yorkcountyhabitat.org
📞 (803) 982-9828