By Charlene Welch & Andy Silver, Council for the Homeless
We are celebrating Andy Silver’s six years of service at Council for the Homeless as he leaves his post as Executive Director to become CEO of the Housing Initiative, which is the Council for the Homeless housing development corporation launched in 2016. First, we would like to share a letter from Andy in which he shares what being a part of Council for the Homeless meant to him. Then, scroll down to read messages from colleagues and friends sharing what Andy’s tenure has meant for them, their organization, the people they serve, and the community.
On February 9, Kate Budd, Council for the Homeless talented and capable Deputy Director, will become Executive Director. I will transition to my new role as CEO of the Housing Initiative, which is CFTH’s housing development corporation.
As I come to the end of my tenure, I am happy to report that CFTH has never been stronger. From our growing impact in the community to our stellar staff and strong financials, we are in an excellent position to continue to provide community leadership, compelling advocacy, and practical solutions to prevent and end homelessness in Clark County, WA.
I am extremely proud of the work that we have accomplished together. We worked with our community partners to embrace the housing first model, resulting in successes including Lincoln Place apartments and ensuring our shelter model works for people who have been homeless the longest. We led advocacy campaigns that achieved increased protections for vulnerable tenants and greater access to affordable housing through the Affordable Housing levy. In addition, we convened community partners to solve complex problems leading to the creation of our Housing Solutions Center in 2013, the centralized access point for people experiencing homelessness in our community. Among its successes, the HSC integrated the approach known as Diversion, which helps people who have the capacity to end their homelessness quickly by providing them with expert coaching and resources. In 2017, we helped 93 households – including 64 families with children and 29 senior citizens – move into safe, stable homes through this approach.
Even with these bright spots, the need for CFTH has never been greater. We continue to see rising rents causing increased homelessness. Though we celebrate that 86% of people who ended their homelessness through our community’s housing programs remain housed two years later, we mourn that only 18% of people who needed housing assistance received it last year. The increased demand for homeless services and lack of sufficient resources has led to an outpouring of support, but also an increased need for coordination.
As I leave to grow the Housing Initiative, there is no one better suited to lead than Kate. Her integrity, knowledge, energy and passion will serve us well as she harnesses the community’s potential and works to unite partners behind a common vision. And, CFTH will continue to benefit from a strong board of directors, amazing staff, and numerous donors and partners who work alongside us every day. It has been my pleasure to serve with you. I also want to salute the men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Clark County. You demonstrate perseverance and resilience as you move forward in your journey to safe and stable homes. It has been my honor to serve you.
CFTH was founded to lead a communitywide response to homelessness. Thank you for being part of this effort and for your support during my time as CFTH Executive Director. I am confident Kate will carry this mission forward. I look forward to staying in touch and celebrating more CFTH and community accomplishments.