ChangeMakers with Katie Goar

California’s housing crisis has pushed families, investors, and homeowners to rethink what housing can look like.

In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie Goar sits down with Whitney Hill, co-founder and CEO of SnapADU, to explore how accessory dwelling units, better known as ADUs, are changing the housing landscape across San Diego and beyond.

Whitney shares how SnapADU launched during the 2020 shutdown, why California’s regulatory changes created a massive opportunity, and how her company has now completed more than 100 detached ADU builds.

The conversation covers:
• The real drivers behind ADU demand
• Why fami...

Affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing communities today. But how does it actually get funded?

In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie Goar sits down with Jason Blain, Senior Commercial Banker at Independent Bank*, to break down how banks, developers, and public programs work together to create affordable housing.

Jason shares a behind-the-scenes look at the real financial tools driving housing development, including tax credits, rate buydowns, and community partnerships. He also explains why homeownership still plays a critical role in building long-term wealth and stability.

This conversation goes beyond theory. You’ll...

What happens when housing authorities stop pushing paper and start moving people into homes faster?

In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Shaina Fite, Public Housing Manager at Yardi, breaks down how outdated systems are slowing down affordable housing and how technology is starting to change that. Shaina shares her journey from growing up in public housing to helping distribute over $200 million in rental assistance, offering a perspective shaped by both lived experience and industry expertise.

The conversation explores why paper-based systems create delays and risk, how automation speeds up housing placement, and what artificial...

America doesn’t have a housing construction problem. It has a rules problem.

In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Jared Jones, co-founder of Middle Housing Partners, breaks down how microfill housing, ADUs, duplexes, and small multi-unit developments are reshaping affordability.

Jared explains why millions of homes are missing from the market, how outdated zoning laws slowed growth for decades, and how new legislation is opening the door for everyday developers to build again.

You’ll hear why nurses, teachers, and working families are priced out of their own communities, and how small-scale hous...

Most solutions to homelessness focus on policy. Beth Silverman is taking a different approach.

On this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie Goar sits down with Beth Silverman, co-founder and executive director of the Lotus Campaign, to break down how private sector partnerships are creating real housing solutions.

Beth explains how her model connects landlords, developers, and social services to reduce risk, remove barriers, and create access to housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

You’ll hear why homelessness is often misunderstood, how small financial gaps keep people out of housing, and what it...

Housing affordability is one of the fastest growing challenges in America. 

In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Morgan Mansa breaks down what’s really happening behind the housing crisis, and why the solution is more complex than most people think. 

Morgan is the Director of Housing Affordability and Community Revitalization for Wake County, one of the fastest growing regions in the U.S. She has helped drive thousands of housing solutions by focusing on systems that move people from instability to long-term housing. 

In this conversation, she shares: 

Why building more h...

In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie sits down with Dontrelle Young Foster, President and CEO of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, to explore what it takes to transform communities from the inside out. Drawing on 25 years of leadership and service, Foster shares how HABD’s 90 year legacy is evolving through bold redevelopment, public private partnerships, and a long term strategy called Thrive 2035 aimed at revitalizing 12 communities and thousands of housing units.

Foster reflects on her journey from finance analyst to CEO, her early connection with residents, and how housing work moves far beyond br...

On this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie sits down with Family Scholar House President and CEO Cathe Dykstra for a bold conversation about what affordable housing should really accomplish. 

Cathe leads one of the nation’s most comprehensive models linking housing, education, and long-term economic mobility. Serving more than 106,000 households across 48 states, Family Scholar House helps single parents and young adults not only secure stable housing but earn college degrees, build careers, and move permanently off government assistance. 

This episode challenges the “bootstrap” myth and reframes affordable housing as a pathway out of poverty, not a li...

In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie sits down with Marcia Davis, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers, for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the future of affordable housing in Southwest Florida. Marcia shares how growing up in public housing shaped her career and why she chose to spend more than two decades working inside the system to create stability and opportunity for families. From her early work as a child welfare investigator to leading one of Florida’s most ambitious housing redevelopment efforts, her story shows how lived experience dr...

In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, Katie sits down with Evan Holladay, founder and CEO of Holladay Ventures, to explore what it truly takes to build affordable housing with lasting community impact Evan shares his path into real estate development, starting with a chance college connection and growing into a career shaped by persistence, curiosity, and service. He explains why affordable housing sits at the intersection of people, design, and opportunity, and why building alone will never solve the housing crisis without stronger systems and partnerships. The conversation dives into Evan’s work mentoring the next generation of de...

Tiffany G. Dickerson, known across the industry as the Housing Highlighter, joins ChangeMakers with Katie Goar for a conversation about why public housing authorities must take control of their own story.Tiffany shares her unconventional path into affordable housing, moving from probation and parole work into resident services and eventually into communications strategy. Along the way, she saw a major gap. Housing authorities were doing meaningful work, but no one outside their walls knew about it.You hear why consistent communication matters, how silence allows others to define your narrative, and why positive stories help balance inevitable challenges. Tiffany breaks...

Amy Ginger joins ChangeMakers with Katie Goar for a grounded conversation on what works in affordable housing and what slows progress.

Drawing on more than 25 years across HUD, local government, and national leadership, Amy explains why Housing Choice Vouchers matter, why utilization dropped after the pandemic, and what housing authorities do every day to keep people housed. Amy shares practical lessons from Fairfax County, including longer search times, market aligned payment standards, and geography based strategies.

She also breaks down how Moving to Work flexibility fuels housing production, employer partnerships, and faster development. The discussion covers...

Affordable housing is no longer a coastal issue or a niche policy topic. It touches every community, every income bracket, and every generation. In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie Goar speaks with Dennis Shea, Executive Director of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy, about why housing affordability has shifted from a “silent crisis” to a national priority. Dennis shares how growing up in a modest New York City home shaped his understanding of place, stability, and opportunity. He breaks down the data connecting housing to health, academic success, labor mobility, and economic growth. He also explains why bipartisan mome...

Episode 136: Laura Archuleta, President and CEO, Jamboree Housing Corporation On this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, we meet Laura Archuleta, President and CEO of Jamboree Housing Corporation, one of California’s leading nonprofit affordable housing developers serving more than 20,000 residents statewide. Laura shares how her mother’s experience growing up in public housing and her own family’s story of resilience shaped her lifelong commitment to housing as a foundation for opportunity. She and Katie explore Jamboree’s innovative developments across California, from motel conversions for formerly homeless residents to permanent supportive housing for veterans like Heroes Landing in Santa An...

In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, we meet Neil Brickfield, Executive Director of the Pinellas County Housing Authority in Florida. 

Neil shares how his journey from running the Police Athletic League to leading one of the state’s largest housing authorities shaped his mission to serve families and seniors with dignity and stability.

He and Katie discuss the challenges of building affordable housing in one of Florida’s most densely populated counties, how partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Evera Healthcare are improving residents’ quality of life, and why projects like Flats on Fourth an...

In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, we meet Scott Bader, President of the Door County Housing Partnership. 

With more than 40 years in real estate, Scott shares how he shifted from selling vacation homes in Wisconsin’s “Cape Cod of the Midwest” to leading efforts that create permanent affordable housing for the local workforce.

Scott explains how the community land trust model works, why Door County’s unique mix of tourism and second-home ownership has fueled a housing crisis, and how his team collaborates with partners like Habitat for Humanity to keep homes affordable for teachers...

In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie Goar sits down with Maura Collins, Executive Director of the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA). With more than two decades at VHFA, Maura shares how Vermont’s unique rural landscape shapes its housing challenges and the innovative strategies her agency is using to respond. 
From the state’s growing second-home market to the pandemic-driven housing crunch, Maura explains why Vermont needs to triple its home construction by 2030 and how employers, policymakers, and communities are coming together through initiatives like “Let’s Build Homes.” 

She also highlights VHFA’s upgraded credit rating, its 50-year mi...

Greta J. Harris, President and CEO of the Better Housing Coalition, joins Katie Goar on ChangeMakers to discuss how Richmond’s largest nonprofit housing developer is tackling the affordable housing crisis head-on.

In this conversation, Greta shares the Coalition’s mission to create safe and affordable communities, while helping residents achieve upward mobility. She explains Richmond’s economic challenges, the impact of rising costs on affordable housing, and why workforce housing is critical for a city’s long-term success.

You’ll hear about:

• How the Better Housing Coalition grew from a small advocacy group into a half-bi...

In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie Goar sits down with Gavin Naples, Senior Vice President of the Homeless Veterans Program at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Gavin shares how the foundation, born from the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller on September 11, has grown into one of the nation’s most trusted nonprofits, providing over 2,000 mortgage-free homes and now tackling veteran homelessness head-on.

Gavin explains the foundation’s three-pronged approach: building long-term supportive housing through Veterans Villages, creating a nationwide case management network, and partnering with HUD-VASH to fill critical service gaps.

He discusses the scop...

This week on ChangeMakers, Katie Goar sits down with Lauren Taylor Dreher, founder and managing partner of Bear Impact Fund, for a powerful conversation about transforming the affordable housing landscape.

Lauren shares how her early days cleaning out foreclosures evolved into a career blending real estate operations, private capital, and nonprofit partnerships. She opens up about her pivot into affordable housing, the flaws in current financing models, and the innovative hybrid approach she's built to bridge the gap between government-supported housing and market-rate rentals.

From unlocking underutilized single-family homes to creating a path for renters to...

In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, we’re joined by Rob Fredericks, CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara. 

Rob shares his three-decade journey from cleaning up construction sites to leading one of California’s most respected affordable housing agencies. He breaks down how his team is reimagining what affordable housing can look like—blending beauty, functionality, and deep community impact. 

From adaptive reuse projects and supportive housing for formerly homeless residents to tackling the "missing middle" and preparing for the silver tsunami of retiring seniors, Rob offers candid insight into the...

ChangeMaker Yvonda A. Bean, CEO of the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA), joins Katie Goar to share her transformative journey as a national leader in affordable housing.  With 25 years of experience turning around crisis-stricken housing authorities, Bean reveals her core philosophy: investing holistically in people—residents, staff, and community partners—is foundational to success. She discusses innovative solutions she’s pioneered, from housing formerly incarcerated individuals in Louisiana to partnering with mental health services, proving that creative collaboration can overcome resource limitations and systemic challenges.

Now leading IHA’s recovery from receivership, Bean details her 12-month action plan, "A New Day an...

Join Katie Goar on Changemakers for an inspiring conversation with Janine Betsey, Director of Tax Credit Operations at the Gene B. Glick Company.  Janine shares her deeply personal journey into affordable housing—from growing up in a Glick property to leading strategies that preserve and revitalize communities across 13 states.
 
Discover how Glick’s innovative "rapid rehab" model transforms aging apartments into modern, dignified homes—complete with amenities like dog parks, craft rooms, and solid-surface countertops—while minimizing resident disruption.  Janine reveals why curb appeal, resident services, and generational impact are core to their mission, and how the Glick Housing Foundatio...

In this episode of Changemakers, Katie Goar sits down with Joaquín Cintrón Vega, CEO of the Denver Housing Authority, to explore his transformative vision for affordable housing. Born in Puerto Rico and shaped by early experiences of community resilience, Joaquín shares how his 24-year career centers on housing as a foundation for human dignity and economic mobility—not mere transactions.  
He details Denver’s innovative strategies to tackle its affordability crisis, including the groundbreaking Sun Valley Redevelopment (a half-billion-dollar neighborhood transformation preserving resident voices), the nationally recognized Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program (awarded NAHRO’s Excellence Award for creative...

Katie sits down with Ann Bischoff, CEO of Star House, a groundbreaking nonprofit empowering youth exiting homelessness in Columbus, Ohio. Ann shares her deeply personal journey—from surviving childhood trauma to becoming a policy advocate—and how it fueled her mission to create safe, transformative spaces for vulnerable young people. 
 
Discover how Star House’s innovative 24/7 drop-in model prioritizes immediate safety, trauma-informed care, and unconditional support, helping over 1,600 youth annually rebuild their lives. Learn about their pioneering research partnerships, the urgent need to address systemic barriers, and their ambitious expansion project to convert a vacant church into a second s...

Katie sits down with Kyle Kamrooz, founder of Bonus Homes.

He shares his innovative approach to affordable housing and helping middle-class families maximize the long-term value of homeownership. With decades of experience in mortgages and fintech, Kyle introduces the model behind Home Appreciation Partnerships (HAPs)—a unique solution that enables homeowners to access their home equity without having to sell.

Discover how Bonus Homes transforms houses into income-generating assets by managing them as rental properties, taking the hassle and risk of landlording off the homeowner’s plate. Kyle breaks down the challenges many homeowners face, the down...

Katie welcomes ChangeMaker Milet Hopping, President and CEO of the Waco Housing Authority, to explore innovative strategies for tackling affordable housing challenges. With over three decades of experience, Milet shares her journey from social work to housing advocacy, emphasizing how stable housing transforms lives and communities.

Discover how Waco is pioneering public-private partnerships to redevelop aging properties and create mixed-income housing, including Shady Acres—a senior-focused community with pet-friendly amenities and wellness hubs—and Lovely Village, a sanctuary for survivors of human trafficking. Milet also highlights the transformative power of the "Go-To College Tour," a youth initiative that introdu...

In this inspiring episode of Changemakers with Katie Gore, Ashley Northcutt, President and CEO of the Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN), shares how she pivoted from a 15-year career in public accounting to leading a groundbreaking movement empowering women in affordable housing. Dive into a conversation about WAHN’s mission to unite professionals across the industry—from finance to property management—through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Discover how WAHN is bridging gaps with initiatives like college campus chapters, virtual technical trainings, and the annual Summit—a sold-out event blending wellness, networking, and problem-solving to tackle housing challenges. Ashley highlights the power...

Katie Goar sits down with ChangeMaker Kevin Campbell, the visionary Executive Director of the Raleigh Area Land Trust, to explore innovative solutions for affordable housing. Discover how Raleigh’s booming growth and rising housing costs are impacting families, and learn why the land trust model is uniquely positioned to address affordability challenges. Kevin delves into the history of this approach, its roots in the civil rights movement, and its modern-day application in creating stable, equitable communities. From securing land in gentrifying neighborhoods to partnering with local leaders and developers, this conversation highlights the power of collaboration, policy, and community-driven solutions. Tu...

Katie sits down with ChangeMaker, Chris Krehmeyer, President and CEO of Beyond Housing, a visionary leader dedicated to transforming communities in St. Louis. With over 30 years of experience, Chris has mobilized over $175 million in investments to create thriving neighborhoods. Join us as Chris shares his journey into affordable housing and community development, starting from his early days at the St. Louis County Housing Authority to leading one of the most impactful organizations in the region. Chris discusses the challenges and successes of decades-long efforts to address housing, education, healthcare, and economic development in underserved communities. He highlights Beyond Housing’s ho...

In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie sits down with Bob Simpson, founder of Simpson Impact Strategies and CEO of the Multifamily Impact Council, to discuss the critical role of affordable housing in strengthening communities and driving economic growth. With over 25 years of experience in housing finance and policy, Bob shares insights into the challenges and opportunities in the multifamily housing industry, including the need for innovative financing solutions, regulatory streamlining, and the importance of impact investing. Bob delves into the mission of the Multifamily Impact Council, which aims to establish industry standards for impact investing in affordable housing, ensuring that...

In this inspiring episode of ChangeMakers, Katie welcomes Paige Lohoefer, the visionary founder of The Birthday Party Project. Paige shares her incredible journey from being a successful wedding planner to creating a nationwide nonprofit that has brought joy to over 73,000 children experiencing homelessness through unforgettable birthday celebrations. Paige opens up about the pivotal moment that sparked her mission—a powerful image of a child in Haiti that moved her to action. She discusses how The Birthday Party Project not only celebrates children on their special day but also fosters hope, confidence, and a sense of belonging in kids and families facing...

In this episode of Changemakers with Katie Goar, we sit down with Terri Lee, President and CEO of Atlanta Housing, to explore her journey as a leader in housing policy and urban development. Terri shares her experience as Atlanta's first Chief Housing Officer, her transition to leading Atlanta Housing, and the transformative initiatives she has championed to address affordability in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. From the One Atlanta Housing Affordable Action Plan to Atlanta Housing’s efforts in preserving and creating thousands of units of affordable housing, Terri discusses the challenges and opportunities in combating the housing cris...

In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katie welcomes Angela Jimenez, the first female CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of High Point. From her personal journey as a former public housing resident to her current leadership role, Angela shares how her experiences shape her approach to transforming affordable housing. She discusses innovative initiatives including the conversion of outdated housing developments into modern communities, the creation of the Cecil Brockman Academic Center for youth education, and comprehensive programs supporting residents from early childhood through senior years. Angela provides insights into High Point's affordable housing challenges, including a 10,000-unit shortage and...

In this episode of Changemakers, Katie speaks with Leonard Spicer, Executive Director of the Newark Housing Authority. Leonard shares his journey into affordable housing, beginning with an unexpected entry at the Chicago Housing Authority and leading to significant roles within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He describes the challenges and rewards of his work in Newark, emphasizing a balanced approach between development and maintaining quality in existing housing stock. Leonard discusses the importance of community input, long-term partnerships, and strategies for addressing Newark’s affordable housing needs, including innovative approaches to rent control and digital inc...