When I started this letter I was in Sacramento, edits saw me in Washington, D.C. and by the time you read this I will hopefully be in New York!
I say all that not to illustrate how I'll be accumulating the frequent flyer miles I'll need to go back to D.C. in mid-April, but more importantly to show the sphere of influence PSHH has in critical housing issues being debated at both the state and national level.
Because of your support, the success of our projects and the professionalism of the staff, we have grown over the past 48 years into one of the most respected nonprofit voices in the field. We have the ear of policy makers and legislators at all levels of government - last week's meetings at the California Housing Convention and at the State Capitol were very fruitful; this week, delegates at the NeighborWorks Leadership Symposium and our elected officials on The Hill were keen to hear our challenges.
And, if the third Nor'easter in as many weeks doesn't blow me irretrievable off course, I'll be speaking with one of the most inspirational foundations in the country about a possible long-term partnership.
While our local housing issues may yet find solutions at the national level, I can assure you options are rapidly dwindling. Indeed, there are many in our Nation's capital who have their eyes firmly fixed on the western horizon, on us, looking for our best practices to replicate around the country.
To represent you, our neighbors and community members, around the country is a role I am proud to undertake, to advocate for those who need critical housing the most, the poor and the disenfranchised, is a humbling honor.