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My fellow affordable homeownership network members:
At WHRC, our hotline has seen a 28% increase in call volume since the start of the year, largely driven by folks concerned about their ability to stay housed amid a growing affordability crisis. This work is especially complex when we are experiencing many of the same pressures as the community members who turn to us for support and resources.
Recently as we were working on a resource page for immigrant homeowners, I heard from a few network partners who were themselves looking for guidance in this area. Last month a vendor shared with me that they were navigating options for helping their parents age in place, which made the work they did for us personally, and not just professionally, meaningful. In my own life outside work, I am questioning whether to cut back on road trips and nonessential purchases this summer with my family, as the price of fuel continues to rise. When my team and I hear from households in need, we often hear in them our own families, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and ourselves.
Because the work we do directly impacts our communities, this work is always personal. It was along that vein that our team chose Closer to Home as this year’s theme for our annual Washington State Affordable Homeownership Forum. We know that often the most meaningful change happens closest to home.
That spirit is at the heart of this year’s forum, happening Tuesday, June 2 from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM on Zoom. This free statewide convening is designed for everyone working to increase and preserve affordable homeownership in Washington, whether advocates, homeownership and financial counselors, lenders, policymakers, funders, housing providers, educators, and community partners alike.
The forum will feature lively conversations and interactive sessions on legislative priorities, fair housing and federal threats, statewide coordination opportunities, and strategies for leaning in on equitable homeownership, at a time when it may feel easier and safer to lean out.
We’ll also share important updates about opportunities to engage with WHRC statewide, including outreach, advocacy, education, and network-building efforts happening throughout the year.
Last year, partners from across Washington showed up in incredible numbers, and this year we’re making the forum completely free to ensure even broader participation. If you care about the future of homeownership in Washington, this space is for you.
We hope you’ll join us on June 2 and invite your colleagues and partners to attend as well.
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