Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Ascencia strives to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive comprehensive homeless services agency. We do so by actively soliciting input and feedback from all stakeholders to outline our commitment to supporting our staff and our clients through our work to end homelessness. With our DEI work, we strive to be a leader in the community, and we recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, understanding that homelessness is associated with not only structural racism, but also ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, sexual identity, ability, and socio-economic status. 

We critically examine our program outcomes using multiple demographics to determine if and where bias and discrimination exists with respect to access and outcomes. Ascencia is committed to this work on a long-term/ongoing basis and acknowledges that this depth of change takes time, continual effort, training, investment, and reinforcement. We believe that embracing and championing diversity benefits not only those we serve but our organization, staff, volunteers, and community.  

DEI in our Work

Ascencia is committed to addressing the issue of racial equity. Homelessness results from systematic inequities, which disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous, People of Color and the LGBTQIA communities. Ascencia also engages in targeted outreach efforts to reach marginalized communities. This can involve collaborating with community organizations, social service providers, shelters, and advocacy groups that have established relationships and trust within these communities. Ascencia’s Executive Director advocates for systemic changes via providing Letters of Support for bills that address these issues and by participating in advocacy group meetings and making phone calls to our representatives and constituents.