It all started in a healthcare economics class, a transformative moment that stirred something deep within me. As we discussed the disparities affecting BIPOC communities, particularly the inequities in health and access to healthcare, I felt an overwhelming sense of urgency and frustration. It was in that classroom, grappling with the harsh realities of a system that limits access for so many, that I recognized how deeply housing affects every aspect of someone’s life.

I had always been passionate about bridging the affordable housing gap, but after leaving the corporate real estate industry the year prior, I believed my path was elsewhere. However, as I pondered the intersection of healthcare, economic stability, and social justice, I realized that housing is foundational—it’s the cornerstone of our lives, influencing everything from healthcare to education and overall well-being. That realization marked the beginning of a journey I never anticipated, setting the stage for what would become the Welcome Home Foundation.

A few months later, a seemingly unrelated trip to San Francisco brought everything into focus. I had no intentions of delving into housing equity during that visit, but upon landing, I was immediately confronted by the city’s stark homelessness crisis. Engaging in conversations about the realities faced by the unhoused community, I saw firsthand the desperate need for not just housing but also comprehensive support and services. Walking the streets and seeing the human faces behind the statistics left a lasting impression. The gravity of the situation stayed with me long after I left the city, awakening a new awareness of the similar struggles faced by people in my own community.