I grew up in Eugene, where homelessness was impossible to ignore. It has always troubled me that in a society with so many resources, people are still living and dying outside without their most basic needs being met. Homelessness is so often treated as inevitable rather than a problem we can solve. I believe allowing people to suffer on the streets should never be considered normal or acceptable. It was that belief that led me to Corvallis Housing First, where I remain active on the Community Engagement Committee, and later to Creating Housing Coalition in my home community of Albany.
CHC appealed to me not only for its work creating affordable housing, but for the thoughtfulness and sustainability built into its approach. Having studied ecological engineering because of an interest in sustainability, I love seeing those values reflected in everything from solar panels, bioswales, and community gardens to repairable appliances and cooperative living. I joined the board to support that work, learn from a different approach to housing, and build the experience and relationships to contribute more over time.
