Power Station

Kris Siglin does the work. And so do the members of Housing Partnership Network, a collaboration of 100 high-performing housing developers of single and multi-family housing whose reach extends to 50 states. As Senior VP of Policy at HPN, Kris advocates, with members, for public policies that increase the scale of affordable housing solutions to low-income Americans. As a trade association, HPN values both social mission and business acumen. Members not only create resources such as an insurance and a direct buying company, they engage in peer sharing of local strategies and solutions. They also identify and advocate for policy priorities on Capitol Hill and in their communities. Pending legislation, which Kris testified about before the House Financial Services Committee, includes expansion of HUD's Family Self-Sufficiency program. This program provides escrow accounts, instead of rent increases, for families in subsidized housing whose income increases over time. Listen, learn more, and do the work.

As Sarah Mickelson explains, the National Low Income Housing Coalition views it members, low-income people living in federally assisted housing, as experts on our nation's severe housing shortage. They are included in every organizational conference and convening and meet regularly with members of Congress about their experiences and recommendations. NLIHC is a relentless champion of the housing needs of lowest income Americans. At a time in which federal budget cuts to programs serving people living in poverty are commonplace, the Coalition actually secured a public funding increase. Sarah credits this accomplishment to the engagement of NLIHC's members with their Congressional representatives. And its partnerships with nonprofits focused on intersecting issues, including health, children and education, makes them even stronger.

As Sarah Mickelson, Senior Director of Public Policy explains, the National Low Income Housing Coalition recognizes it members, low-income people, as experts on the needs and experiences of those who are most impacted by homelessness and our nation's severe housing shortage. NLIHC is a constant champion of the housing needs of lowest income Americans. At a time in which federal budget cuts to programs serving people living in poverty are commonplace, the Coalition actually secured a public funding increase. Sarah credits this accomplishment to the engagement of NLIHC's low-income members with their Congressional members and its growing partnerships with many capable nonprofits that address related issues, including health, children and education. 

Luis Granados, executive director of Mission Economic Development Agency, believes in and uses the power of organizing, services, policy advocacy and capital to strengthen the foothold and economic futures of Latino families in San Francisco's Mission District. MEDA's new 501c4 initiative adds political engagement to the mix, elevating MEDA's role in determining representation of the community. Luis sees policy advocacy as an imperative for nonprofits and his vision is proving him right. Even in a time of hyper-gentrification in San Francisco, MEDA's strategies and capital investment are enabling Latino families to return to and prosper in the Mission District.

Luis Granados, executive director of Mission Economic Development Agency, believes in and uses the power of organizing, services, policy advocacy and capital to strengthen the foothold and economic futures of Latino families in San Francisco's Mission District. MEDA's new 501c4 initiative now adds political engagement to the mix, elevating MEDA's role, along with fellow nonprofits, in determining representation of and public policies impacting the community. Luis sees policy engagement as an imperative for nonprofits and his vision is proving him right. Even in a time of hyper-gentrification in San Francisco, MEDA's strategies and capital investment are enabling Latino families to return to and prosper in the Mission District.

Before Seema became executive director of National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (CAPACD), she led Chhaya CDC, an influential nonprofit representing South Asians in Queens, New York. That experience informs her work with National CAPACD, whose 100 member organizations provide housing, youth, and small business services for East Asians and South Asians across the nation. It focuses on asset building, from homes to businesses, that create stability and generational wealth in low-income communities. This work is vital in an increasingly hostile political environment. As Seema explains, an attack on immigrants is an attack on CAPACD's staff and members. Far from being discouraged, Seema sees the current moment as the time to exercise CAPACD's advocacy muscle.

Before Seema became executive director of National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (CAPACD), she led  Chhaya, an influential local nonprofit representing South Asians in Queens, New York. That experience informs her work with CAPACD, whose 100 members provide housing, youth, and small business services for East Asians and South Asians across the nation.CAPACD's asset building efforts for low-income APIs has become increasingly challenging in our nation's hostile political environment. As Seema explains, an attack on immigrants is an attack on CAPACD's staff and members. Far from being discouraged, Seema sees the current moment as the time to exercise CAPACD's advocacy muscle. Learn how National CAPACD is making it happen. 

Access to affordable housing is a national imperative but, as Frank Woodruff will tell you, it takes more than bricks and mortar to build a community. Frank leads National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA) an organization whose members are local and state level nonprofits serving CDCs (Community Development Corporations) in their communities. NACEDA's members have the technical-know how and the relationships with funders, community members and policymakers needed to fill the housing, jobs and public needs gaps where they live. Now, more than ever, the capacity to advocate for public policy that supports these needs, matters. As Frank explains: the ideas of how we advance ourselves in changing.

Affordable housing and quality jobs is a national imperative. But, as Frank Woodruff will tell you, it takes more than bricks and mortar to build a community. Frank leads NACEDA (National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations) an organization whose members are local and state level nonprofits serving CDCs (Community Development Corporations) in their communities. NACEDA's members have the technical-know how, relationships with funders, community members and policymakers needed to fill the housing, jobs and public needs gaps where they live. Now, more than ever, the capacity to advocate for public policy that support these needs, matters. As Frank explains: the ideas of how we advance ourselves in changing. 

Paty Funegra drew on her experience as an immigrant and a businesswoman to create a new model for generating economic and social change. The result, La Cocina VA, is a nonprofit, rooted in social entrepreneurship where women improve their English, sharpen their culinary skills, connect to employers and in some cases become business owners. La Cocina's bi-lingual culinary training program produces certified workers and it's partnerships with employers, from Hyatt to MGM Resorts, ensures that the employment is sustainable and successful. Women emerge from the shadows of abuse to having a voice and being able to take care of their children. Learn more about La Cocina's $2.5m expansion plan and how you can get involved.