This month, we’re excited to introduce Ang Conn (she/they), a Housing Leadership Institute cohort member and Director of Housing Programs at The Haven, whose work and leadership are advancing housing justice in Charlottesville and beyond. Ang is a passionate, justice-oriented leader and housing advocate known for their grounding presence, compassion, and commitment to community liberation. A collective action strategist with deep roots in mutual aid, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care, Ang works to advance equitable housing policies and mobilize grassroots support for intentionally under-resourced communities. Their lived experience navigating chronic homelessness shapes their approach and fuels their drive to dismantle the systemic barriers that determine who gets housed.
In their role at The Haven, Ang leads housing programs rooted in the Housing First model, demonstrating what’s possible when dignity, choice, and low-barrier support guide the work. Colleagues describe Ang as “grounding, supportive, and deeply compassionate,” highlighting the rare blend of strategy, heart, and humor they bring to leadership. (One memorable story: early in their career, Ang accidentally called a client from their personal cell instead of their Google Voice number, and their number proceeded to be shared more widely than intended.) We caught up with Ang to hear more about what drives their work, the lessons they’ve learned through HLI, and their perspective on affordable housing today.
Q: Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to pursue a career in affordable housing?
There wasn’t one particular moment that inspired me, but rather a series of cumulative experiences during my personal journey with chronic homelessness and navigating the shelter-to-housing system. Those experiences empowered me to address not only housing injustices, but the broader systemic inequities that impact if and how people are housed.
Q: What is your current role, and what are your main responsibilities?
As Director of Housing Programs at The Haven, I have the privilege of guiding a team of three talented Rapid Re-Housing Advocates. I administer the following housing stability programs: Rapid Re-Housing, Homelessness Prevention, and the Laura DeLapp Haven Housing Fund. I also develop and maintain partnerships with landlords, housing authorities, and service providers to expand equitable access to housing opportunities. My goal is to demonstrate how low-barrier policies and procedures, coupled with harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and individually tailored supports, can lead to successful housing outcomes.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about affordable housing that you’d like to address?
One important misconception is that “affordable” housing automatically means available housing. Screening practices often prevent access to the very people who need it most. We should be screening people into safe, affordable housing—not screening them out.
When we fail to do so, we unintentionally increase people’s length of time experiencing homelessness and perpetuate harm.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work in affordable housing?
Oftentimes, the boundaries, autonomy, and choice of people navigating the shelter-to-housing system are not respected. It is incredibly rewarding to witness someone rebuild confidence in their own capabilities, rediscover their autonomy and choice, and achieve their self-identified goals during the housing stabilization process and after being housed.
Q: How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in the face of challenges?
Every morning, I walk up the path to the door of The Haven. I do a “guest check” to see who made it in from the night before and whether there are any new faces I haven’t met yet. In that moment each day,
I’m reminded that I am accountable to our guests and that they depend on me to do my absolute best to dismantle the barriers preventing them from having a safe place to call home. This is my motivation.
Q: How would you sum up your experience with HLI in one sentence?
My experience with HLI has been nothing short of invigorating!
Q: What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned through HLI?
Each session sheds light on advancing leadership skills, self-discovery, and overall well-being by fostering a sense of community in a supportive setting. HLI has far exceeded my expectations.
Ang’s dedication, insight, and compassion exemplify the kind of leadership HLI seeks to cultivate. Through their work, they not only advance housing justice but also inspire colleagues, peers, and community members to think differently about the systems that shape access to housing. We’re proud to highlight Ang’s journey and the meaningful impact they continue to make in their community.
About the Housing Leadership Institute
The Housing Leadership Institute (HLI) is a 10-month intensive program for housing professionals dedicated to shaping inclusive systems that truly serve their communities. Created and implemented by the Virginia Housing Alliance, HLI brings together training, coaching, and peer learning to help participants grow their leadership and amplify proximate leaders whose lived experience positions them to spark meaningful, lasting change.
The program consists of 7 virtual sessions, 3 in-person retreats across the Commonwealth, 5 one-on-one coaching sessions, readings and reflections to supplement each session, and additional networking and professional development opportunities.
Learn more about HLI or contact Arley Bell at abell@vahousingalliance.org.