Turning Conversation into Action on Affordable Housing
On June 9, United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties, in partnership with Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition, brought together community leaders for an Affordable Housing Strategic Doing session. The room included local government leaders, nonprofit organizations, developers, landlords, financial institutions, housing advocates, and elected officials—all coming together around one shared goal: ensuring everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
Affordable housing rose to the top as one of our community's greatest challenges during our recent Community Needs Assessment. Although many excellent community organizations are working to address affordable housing issues in our community, we know no one organization can solve it alone. That's why we invited partners from across the housing ecosystem to move beyond talking about the problem and start identifying practical solutions we can build together.
Our conversation centered around one simple question:
"What would Johnson County look like if everyone had access to safe, stable, and affordable housing?"
Several projects emerged from this initial session, including:
Johnson County Housing Network
A broad coalition of housing stakeholders committed to building knowledge, trust, and relationships across the housing ecosystem. The network will create opportunities for landlords, developers, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and tenants to connect, share information, and collaborate on solutions that strengthen housing access and affordability throughout the region.
Housing Stakeholder Roundtable Series
A recurring series designed to connect municipalities, developers, landlords, and nonprofit organizations to share information, strengthen relationships, and identify opportunities for partnership.
Affordable Housing Grant Writing Workshop and Technical Assistance
Workshops and technical assistance focused on helping organizations, municipalities, and community partners strengthen their ability to pursue funding opportunities that support affordable housing development, preservation, and innovation.
Incorporating Housing Pathways into Comprehensive Plans
Ensure housing is integrated into long-term community planning and policy decisions by advocating for policy changes and creating structures that elevate community voices.
What made this gathering so encouraging wasn't just the ideas—it was the willingness of people from different sectors to roll up their sleeves and work together. Strategic Doing is designed to help communities move from ideas to action through small, measurable steps that build momentum over time.
The Strategic Doing session on June 9th was just the beginning. The cohort will continue meeting to advance the four projects, strengthen partnerships, and keep moving toward a community where everyone has a place to call home.
This collaboration was funded by ECICOG and facilitated by Jennifer Horn Fraiser and Kate Moreland. If you are interested in getting involved, contact us at info@unitedwayjwc.org.