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Employee Spotlight: Tapiwa Jere – Advocate Extraordinaire

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In case you haven’t had a chance to chat with our fantastic Advocacy Organizer, Tapiwa Jere, we’re thrilled to introduce her in this special employee spotlight. Tapiwa plays a crucial role in supporting and pushing our legislative agenda every day, ensuring that policies and bills receive the attention they need to pass. Let’s take a closer look at Tapiwa’s invaluable contributions and the impact she’s making on our advocacy efforts at Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties.

Championing our Cause: Tapiwa is the face behind our advocacy newsletter, keeping everyone on our list informed and engaged. She’s also responsible for sending out alerts when you text HABITAT to 231-HABITAT (231-422-4828), which we should all be subscribed to already! Tapiwa’s dedication extends to writing the letters we send to legislators, simplifying the process for us to make an impact with just a click of a button. Additionally, she organizes and encourages our homeowners, volunteers, and citizens to become advocates, reminding us all of the power of our voices and the importance of being heard. Tapiwa emphasizes, “Sometimes it can be a very slow process and it takes a lot of patience.”

Building Partnerships: As part of her role, Tapiwa works diligently to build grassroots support and establish relationships with other organizations and advocates in the community. Collaborations with organizations like Futurewise, Eastside for All, and WLIHA strengthen our network and amplify our collective efforts towards affordable housing solutions. Tapiwa particularly enjoys connecting with our homeowners, finding inspiration in their stories and their unwavering determination. Their firsthand experiences help shape our advocacy work, ensuring that real people’s voices are at the forefront of the policies we seek to influence.

Growing Advocacy and Support: One of Tapiwa’s goals is to expand our database of advocates, with a specific focus on engaging our Habitat homeowners. Having homeowners testify during sessions and increasing their participation garners greater support and conviction from legislators and fellow advocates. Tapiwa recognizes the profound impact this has on our advocacy work, stating, “Their passion and fire ignites more support and conviction from legislators and other advocates.” By growing our support base, Tapiwa aims to see more funding and policies passed, creating meaningful change for affordable housing in our community.

Advice and Recharging: For those venturing into policy work, Tapiwa offers a word of advice: be kind to yourself and remember that progress is happening, even if it may seem slow. She encourages everyone to keep going, emphasizing the importance of self-care and recharging along the way. Tapiwa finds solace in sleep, indulges in music (r&b, pop, rap, and country), enjoys shopping, cooking, and cherishes conversations with her mom.

Gratitude and Support: Tapiwa holds her family dear to her heart, with her brother being an incredible artist and her mom serving as the most influential person in her life. She draws inspiration from her mom, who works for the UN at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA), witnessing firsthand the impact of policy work and the pursuit of positive change. Tapiwa is immensely grateful for the help and support she receives from our volunteers and urges everyone to take simple actions, such as submitting letters to policymakers and sharing them with friends, family, and even strangers on the street!

Thanks to Tapiwa’s unwavering dedication and the collective efforts of our advocacy team, we can compel government officials to change policies that hinder affordable homeownership. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Tapiwa for her outstanding work in advancing our mission.

Seattle Times: Seattle Cuts a Bit of Red Tape for Affordable Housing Construction

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In a recent article by The Seattle Times, titled “Seattle Cuts a Bit of Red Tape for Affordable Housing Construction,” the city’s efforts to streamline the construction of affordable housing have been highlighted, including quotes from Ryan Donohue, Habitat SKKC’s Chief Advocacy Officer.

“The reduction of regulatory barriers is a critical step towards addressing the affordability crisis in Seattle,” he said.

Donohue’s statement succinctly captures the essence of the article. Seattle has long been grappling with a housing crisis, where skyrocketing prices and limited availability have made it increasingly challenging for many residents to find affordable homes. By acknowledging the importance of reducing regulatory barriers, Donohue emphasizes the need for practical solutions to overcome the hurdles hindering the construction of affordable housing.

“Streamlining the permitting process will expedite the development of affordable housing projects, allowing us to create more units within a shorter timeframe.”

One of the main obstacles faced by affordable housing developers is navigating the complex and time-consuming permitting process. Donohue recognizes that streamlining this process is a crucial step towards increasing the supply of affordable housing units. By expediting the development timeline, developers can respond more effectively to the pressing demand for affordable homes, enabling the community to benefit from increased housing options sooner rather than later.

“We must strike a balance between preserving Seattle’s character and ensuring equitable access to affordable housing for all residents.”

Preserving Seattle’s unique character and charm is an important consideration as the city undergoes rapid growth and development. Donohue highlights the importance of finding a delicate balance between maintaining the essence of the city and meeting the housing needs of its diverse population. This statement emphasizes the need for comprehensive urban planning strategies that prioritize inclusivity and affordability while respecting the city’s cultural heritage.

“Collaboration between public and private entities is key to achieving our affordable housing goals.”

Donohue emphasizes the significance of collaboration between public and private entities to address the affordable housing crisis effectively. The article discusses how the city is actively engaging with affordable housing developers, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to develop creative solutions that facilitate the construction of affordable housing. Donohue’s quote reinforces the idea that partnerships and cooperative efforts are essential to make meaningful progress in resolving the housing crisis.

Donohue’s insightful quotes in The Seattle Times article shed light on the crucial steps being taken to address Seattle’s affordability crisis. By reducing regulatory barriers, streamlining the permitting process, and emphasizing collaboration between public and private entities, the city is making commendable efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing. These initiatives, as highlighted by Donohue, are vital for striking a balance between preserving the city’s unique character and ensuring equitable access to affordable housing for all residents. As Seattle continues to innovate and implement strategies, it serves as an example for other cities grappling with similar challenges in tackling the housing crisis.

Click the link to read the full article.

Habitat SKKC CEO Brett D’Antonio Earns Mayoral Appointment

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Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell appointed Habitat SKKC CEO Brett D’Antonio to a select committee of community leaders who will choose the next General Manager and CEO of Seattle City Light, one of the nation’s largest community owned utilities.

The mayor’s selection is a clear recognition of Brett’s community leadership and Habitat’s successful work in innovative, affordable housing development focused on climate friendly construction and minority homeownership. Brett joins ten other distinguished community leaders in the search, which opened May 23.

“I am honored to be part of this search for a position in one of the city’s most important departments. This individual will significantly impact the future of our city and the health of our community.”  

– Habitat SKKC CEO Brett D’Antonio

Brett and his fellow committee members are charged by the mayor with the task of identifying candidates who have “… the experience and focus to prioritize customer experience, affordability, and creative climate action, along with building a departmental culture centered on accountability and equity.”

Throughout the summer, the search committee will gather stakeholder feedback from union leaders, commercial and industrial customers, environmental organizations, and other community members to learn more about the skills and experience they want to see championed in the next GM and CEO. 

In accepting the appointment, Brett said, “I am honored to be part of this search for a position in one of the city’s most important departments. This individual will significantly impact the future of our city and the health of our community.”   

In addition to Brett D’Antonio, the selection committee includes other leaders in  business, housing, labor, environment, clean energy  and environmental justice. They are: 

  • Ann Ayre, Environmental Manager, CalPortland 
  • Gilbert Archuleta, Director of Customer Energy Management, Puget Sound Energy 
  • John Putz, Research Scientist, The Energy Authority 
  • Kelly Hall, Washington Director, Climate Solutions 
  • Leo Lam, CEO, WEVE Design 
  • Steve Kovac, Business Representative, Local 77 
  • Steven Pray, Union Representative, Local 17 
  • Rod Brandon, Executive Director, Seattle Housing Authority 
  • Ryan Calkins, Commissioner, Port of Seattle 
  • Patience Malaba, Executive Director, Housing Development Consortium 

Support the 2023 Seattle Housing Levy

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What is it? The Housing Levy has been the main source of funding for the development and management of affordable housing in Seattle since 1986 and renews every 7 years.

The 2016 Housing Levy is set to expire at the end of 2023. On June 13, 2023, Mayor Harrell signed legislation approving the City of Seattle’s 2023 Housing Levy proposal. The 2023 Housing Levy will be on the General Election ballot on November 7, 2023. If approved by voters, the 2023 Housing Levy will be implemented for seven years, from 2024-2030.

Over the course of the last forty years, levy funds have built more than 12,000 affordable homes while collaborating with other local, state, and federal sources to address needs throughout the whole affordable housing continuum.

Why should the Levy matter to you? Everyone in our community is impacted by the sharp rise in housing expenses, but those with the lowest incomes and people of color are particularly disproportionately affected.

That’s where the Levy comes in! To satisfy the critical need for affordable housing, we need funding to build and maintain it. To ensure low-income individuals, families, people with disabilities, seniors, and you & I can afford to live here now and in the future, we need to support avenues for affordable housing production.

Why should you support it? Previous levies have consistently kept their word by building affordable housing, keeping families in their homes, and relocating homeless people into permanent supportive housing. 

The Housing Levy is expanding this year to accommodate the housing demands of our community. More than 3,000 affordable houses will be built for those who need them most, and thousands more people will be spared from homelessness as a result.

What can you do? Make your voice heard! Sign up to get Levy updates from us!

Over 12,000 affordable homes – including over 1000 affordable homeownership opportunities have been created since the Levy was first passed in 1986. The Levy has changed the lives of 16,000 Seattleites through the creation and maintenance of affordable homes in Seattle.

This levy has been crucial to Seattle’s vibrant communities since 1986; let us show our support for affordable housing and for our neighbors and work to pass this 2023 Seattle Housing Levy as well!

Habitat has always fought to create a world where everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home – with your help and support of the Levy, we can do just that.

Sign up to support the Levy today!

Habitat Adds New Roof and New Life to Old Home

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After months of searching for help to repair their home, Carlean and Eddie Green finally found the support they needed through Habitat for Humanity SKKC. Their Skyway home, where they have lived for more than 30 years, was in dire need of repair, especially the leaking roof that posed a threat to the entire house. Despite applying to various organizations that provide assistance to older adults, the Greens either didn’t qualify financially or the necessary funding was unavailable. With time running out, Carlean turned to Habitat for help, following a friend’s recommendation.

What set Habitat apart was their approach. Unlike other organizations, Habitat didn’t require the Greens to have money in the bank or be free of credit card debt. The Habitat team got right to work, understanding the urgency of the situation. In just 15 days, they replaced the roof, gutters, and eaves of the 64-year-old ranch-style home. Eddie, who is retired and disabled, praised the Habitat repair team, highlighting their professionalism and efficiency. They promptly addressed any additional issues they encountered during the repairs, keeping the Greens informed throughout the process. Carlean also commended the team for their politeness and respect.

“They (the Habitat team) got right to work,” Carlean said.

The total cost of the repair project, including the brand-new roof, was estimated at $17,000 by Eddie.

“We didn’t have to pay a cent,” Eddie said. 

Thanks to Habitat’s assistance, Carlean can now care for her six-month-old grandson while his mother works, free from the anxiety caused by the deteriorating condition of their home.

If given the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Habitat team, Eddie would offer his heartfelt thanks and a warm hug. For him, Habitat for Humanity is at the top of his list, representing a beacon of hope and a source of immense support in their time of need.

The Greens’ experience with Habitat for Humanity SKKC serves as a powerful testament to the organization’s mission and impact. By providing affordable housing solutions and critical home repairs, Habitat ensures that families like the Greens can continue to live in safe and sustainable homes. Their work goes beyond construction; it builds communities, preserves legacies, and transforms lives.

Habitat’s commitment to serving those in need, regardless of their financial circumstances, is truly commendable. Through their efforts, families can maintain the stability and security they deserve, creating a brighter future for themselves and the generations to come.

Carlean and Eddie Green’s story is a reminder of the profound impact that organizations like Habitat for Humanity have on individuals and communities. Their dedication to providing shelter and restoring homes not only improves living conditions but also instills hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. It is through the unwavering support of organizations like Habitat that dreams are preserved, families are empowered, and communities thrive.