by Nneka D. Coxeff

March 14, 2025, marked another impactful and inspiring Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day (HHAD) in our state capitol in Olympia.

Advocates from across the state gathered to voice their support for affordable housing and homelessness services.

Our SW Washington Contingency Joined Hundreds from Across the State

The day was filled with energy, unity, and determination, all centered around a shared commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to safe and stable housing.

Council for the Homeless partnered with Southwest Washington Community Health (SWACH) and Fourth Plain Forward to bring 75 passionate advocates to Olympia.

Together, we filled two buses with participants from various organizations across four legislative districts: 17, 18, 19, and 49. These districts represent Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Wahkiakum counties and surrounding areas. Among those in attendance were nine youth under the age of 18, demonstrating the wide-ranging support for housing justice.

Arriving at the State Capitol, we were among the 740 advocates from around the state to prepare for the day ahead.

Wearing Red in Solidarity

The iconic red scarves were back, as red is the color of homelessness and housing advocacy. They were visible everywhere across the Capitol campus, during the 118 meetings with lawmakers, and throughout the opening rally on the Capitol steps.

At the rally, tribal members drummed us in, uniting our hearts with rhythm in solidarity, while state representatives and leaders offered empowering words of encouragement. A spoken word artist painted a powerful picture, eloquently describing why housing justice is critical for all.

I joined my fellow neighbors within the 49th District, filling a courtroom with passionate advocates eager to share their stories with lawmakers. Those directly impacted by housing instability spoke about their personal experiences, emphasizing the urgent need for rent stabilization and House Bill 1217 to pass.

Representative Monica Stonier was among the lawmakers who listened attentively, responding with deep empathy and emotion to the testimonies. Her heartfelt reaction underscored the gravity of the issue, reinforcing the importance of pushing for legislative change. Given that the 49th district is one of the largest in attendance, our advocacy was organized into a single meeting with all 49th district offices offices.

Other districts held individual meetings with lawmakers, contributing to a total of 118 meetings throughout the day.

Housing Advocacy Will Help to End Homelessness

We are incredibly grateful for the tireless support of all the advocates, community organizations, and lawmakers who continue to work for safe and affordable housing for all.

As we move forward, Council for the Homeless remains committed to our ongoing efforts to prevent and end homelessness. The momentum from this year’s Advocacy Day fuels our continued advocacy, and we look forward to the next steps in this critical journey toward housing justice.

Join our Advocacy Email List to stay in the know raise your voice, advocate for change, and continue our mission to prevent and end homelessness in Clark County.

 

Nneka D. Coxeff, Communications manager, leads external messaging for Council for the Homeless. With more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, she is deeply committed to advocacy and storytelling that uphold mission integrity. She is thrilled to serve Clark County, where she resides with her family.