The National Council of People in Shelter (CNPA) operates by drawing on the expertise of the communities it serves. The 114 national and regional delegates are elected by their peers to give them a voice. Thus, people who are or have been homeless, or who live in poverty and precarious conditions, are appointed to this body to develop proposals for accessing and maintaining housing. These individuals know what they’re talking about and have gained perspective on their own experiences. They possess skills and knowledge that professionals often fail to draw upon sufficiently. What they say loud and clear: living on the streets destroys people and forces them into a struggle for survival. We must build more housing, because having a permanent roof over one’s head means regaining dignity, as well as autonomy and independence.