Was there a particular experience that inspired you to pursue a career in affordable housing?

Throughout my career working in nonprofits, I became increasingly aware that housing stability is a prime issue. Ultimately, housing is the building block of all other aspects in life–including health, employment, education, transportation, criminal justice. But rent was too high for many of my clients, causing them to become homeless or forced to stay with family and friends. Housing is also tied to equity. People of color face disproportionate harm in past and current housing policies, and are therefore the most vulnerable to experiencing homelessness. I pursued a career in housing because, simply, this must stop!

Can you share a memorable project you’ve been involved with?

This year, I planned our annual Capitol Hill Day during our annual July conference in Washington DC. We had over 2,000 people attend our conference, which included an opportunity for advocacy. That afternoon, conference attendees visited Congressional offices in-person to demand more funding for programs that could effectively end homelessness. Two weeks after the event, the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) subcommittee released its numbers for their appropriations, with a much bigger increase than expected. I believe this was thanks, in part, to the hard work and commitment of those who went on The Hill during Capitol Hill Day. And you do have to be devoted to endure the DC heat and humidity in July!

What is your current role, and what are your main responsibilities?

My primary role is to engage with homeless and housing organizations throughout the country to strengthen and build relationships concerning matters of policy. I educate the public on matters concerning homelessness and offer advice on how to advocate to federal lawmakers. My work is focused on grassroots organizing with members of Congress to address the needs of our unhoused neighbors. I schedule meetings with Hill offices and constituents so their voices can be heard. My passion is to bring people together to fight for housing equity and justice. 

What are some common misconceptions about affordable housing that you’d like to address?

I work in the intersection of affordable housing and homelessness. Many people cannot afford increased costs of living, and therefore lose their housing. Yet, our society perpetuates harmful stereotypes that people become homeless because they are unmotivated, mentally unstable and/or struggling with addiction. This is far from the truth! In reality, only a small percentage of our unhoused neighbors live with mental illness or substance use conditions. More often, they develop after and not before due to facing the intense trauma of homelessness.

What do you find most rewarding about your work in affordable housing?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is knowing that, through grassroots organizing, I am indirectly helping people transition from homelessness into stable housing. Advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping policies and influencing how social justice issues are funded at the local, state, and federal level. If we can convince lawmakers to prioritize this issue and allocate the necessary resources to address homelessness, my hope is that I’ll eventually work myself out of a job. In 10 or 20 years, I envision a society where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.

How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in the face of challenges?

I stay motivated and passionate by remembering who is most impacted by my work. When I run into former clients and hear that they’ve continued to be housed for several years, it brings me so much joy! I do this work for them and for everyone else without a home. We must look out for one another, as that is our true purpose in life—not just focusing on our own interests.I work in the intersection of affordable housing and homelessness. Many people cannot afford increased costs of living, and therefore lose their housing. Yet, our society perpetuates harmful stereotypes that people become homeless because they are unmotivated, mentally unstable and/or struggling with addiction. This is far from the truth! In reality, only a small percentage of our unhoused neighbors live with mental illness or substance use conditions. More often, they develop after and not before due to facing the intense trauma of homelessness.