San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative

The San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing housing issues in the eight-county region of the San Joaquin Valley, California. This collaborative body aims to promote affordable housing through policy advocacy, fostering partnerships, and convening stakeholders to share innovative solutions.

Background

The organization was formed as a regional body to tackle the housing challenges faced by the community, including those affected by the foreclosure crisis and the loss of redevelopment agencies. It serves as a unified voice for the region, advocating for affordable housing and community development interests at local, state, and federal levels.

Mission and Objectives

The San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative's mission is to lead policy advocacy for systemic change, foster cross-sector partnerships, and convene stakeholders to discuss and implement solutions for affordable housing needs. Key objectives include:

• Policy Advocacy: Working towards systemic changes that support the development of affordable housing.
• Partnerships: Establishing a network of partners to increase the availability of affordable and workforce housing.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Hosting events like the Annual Affordable Housing Summit, webinars, and other forums to bring together stakeholders from across the Valley to discuss and address housing challenges.

Activities

1. Annual Affordable Housing Summit: This event brings together elected officials, agencies, and stakeholders for meaningful discussions on affordable housing issues.
2. Membership Program: The organization is transitioning to a membership-based model with categories for organizational, associate, and individual members. This aims to increase ownership, impact, and resources.
3. Strategic Plan: Focuses on training and capacity building for developers, increasing the region's visibility, and encouraging local governments to support affordable housing.

Leadership and Governance

The organization is led by a board of directors and an executive director who oversee the strategic direction and implementation of its programs.

Impact

The San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative plays a critical role in addressing the housing needs of a diverse region. By advocating for policy changes and facilitating partnerships, it helps ensure access to affordable housing options for vulnerable populations, including farmworkers and families at risk of homelessness.