During our last strategic planning process, we recognized that our vision, mission, and values didn’t reflect some of the most central aspects of our work. Most importantly, they were missing language centering equity and racial justice and the importance of leadership of people and communities most impacted by housing injustice.  

Our boards approved a strategic plan calling for an update. Over approximately nine months, board members and staff developed new language. Our mission and vision were drafted by the our board strategic planning committee, and revised by our board’s equity and racial justice committee. Then our staff and other board members weighed in with feedback. Our values started with staff, then went to our board equity and racial justice committee, our strategic planning committee, and finally to the full board for feedback.

We’re pleased to share our new vision, mission, and values. These words and the beliefs they represent guide all that we do.  

VISION

Our vision is an equitable and racially just Washington where each and every one of us lives in a healthy, affordable home in a thriving community of our choice.

MISSION*

Housing Alliance

We change public policy so that people of all races, ethnicities, abilities, genders, and identities can live in safe, healthy homes they can afford.

We do this through educating decision-makers, organizing, and amplifying the voices and priorities of people and communities most impacted by housing instability and homelessness.

Housing Alliance Action Fund

We do this through electing candidates, educating voters and decision-makers, and amplifying the voices and priorities of people and communities most impacted by housing instability and homelessness.

VALUES

A home is fundamental: Like air to breathe and food to eat, safe shelter is a fundamental human need. Ensuring that need is met for each and every one of us is a collective responsibility.

Homes End Homelessness: Homelessness is caused by a lack of adequate housing. Ending homelessness is possible.

Equity and Racial Justice: We strive to be an inclusive, anti-racist organization. We prioritize equity and racial justice in our policy priorities, organizing strategies, and organizational culture.

Accountability: We are accountable to people who need affordable homes. We center those voices and build power with people most impacted by the affordable housing and homelessness crisis.

Lived Expertise: We value the expertise of people who have experienced housing injustice. We believe that better policy is created when people and communities most impacted by housing injustice lead the way in creating and advocating for solutions.

Impact: We are building a movement to achieve transformational change. While we do that, we prioritize impact by changing policies to improve people’s lives now.

*The Washington Low Income Housing Alliance (our 501c3) and the Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund (our 501c4) share goals, but sometimes use different tactics. Combined, we’re using all the tools available to achieve our vision.