From March 18–20, LifeSTEPS joined affordable housing leaders from across the state in Sacramento for the annual Housing California Conference. This statewide gathering brings together developers, policymakers, lenders, and service providers who are working to expand, preserve, and strengthen affordable housing throughout California.
This year, we were proud to have two LifeSTEPS leaders serve as panelists, contributing their expertise and real-world experience to critical conversations about the future of affordable housing and homelessness solutions.
Addressing New Pressures on Affordable Housing
LifeSTEPS Executive Director Beth Southorn participated in the panel “Ensuring Affordability: From Strong Underwriting to Strong Communities.”
For decades, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)–financed housing has been considered one of the most resilient asset classes, known for low foreclosure rates and strong institutional investment. However, the post-COVID landscape has introduced new financial pressures that threaten long-term preservation, including rising insurance premiums, increasing utility and maintenance costs, and income loss caused by vacancy and bad debt.
Drawing from a 20-year review of nearly 300 California properties, the panel brought together leaders from across the affordable housing ecosystem to explore these challenges and share strategies for protecting housing stability and strengthening communities.
Beth joined a cross-sector group of experts representing finance, development, and public agencies. Together, they emphasized the importance of collaboration, strong underwriting, and the role of resident services in ensuring affordable housing remains sustainable for years to come.
How Collaboration Can House People Faster
LifeSTEPS Director of Supportive Housing and Health Services Rachel Roguski also took the stage on the panel “How Housing First Can Create Community Fast.”
This session highlighted a powerful real-world example of what is possible when partners align around a shared goal. In just six days, 44 people experiencing homelessness were successfully housed because multiple organizations worked together to remove barriers and focus on solutions instead of obstacles.
Beth reflected on the impact of the collaboration:
“This was a fantastic panel. It is remarkable that in two weeks supportive housing was able to move in 29 people and is a beautiful example of how the collaboration between Alameda Housing Authority, Alameda County, FPI, and LifeSTEPS saved the project a lot of money and allowed us to focus on what needed to get done and save these units.”
The discussion reinforced an important truth: collaboration, communication, and commitment can dramatically accelerate housing outcomes and change lives.
Continuing the Conversation
The Housing California Conference is an important space for learning, partnership, and innovation. LifeSTEPS is honored to contribute to these statewide conversations and share the impact of resident services in creating stable, thriving communities.
We are grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside so many dedicated housing professionals and look forward to continuing this work together.
