Cuts and costs. Threats and tariffs. Questions and concerns. In the face of great uncertainty driven by actions of the federal government, one thing is absolutely certain: Way Finders stands committed to advocating for the people and communities in our region. As we have for more than 50 years, Way Finders continues to create housing solutions in western Massachusetts, built upon the foundation of our advocacy work.

As I shared recently on WHMP’s Talk the Talk, hosted by Bill Newman and Buz Eisenberg, last year Way Finders responded to more than 80,000 requests for help. “Say that number again?” said Newman in disbelief. That averages more than 1,500 requests per week from families and individuals in Hampden and Hampshire counties who are struggling to find apartments they can afford or to pay rent increases. Who must choose between paying for rent, food, heat, medication, or other necessities—or face utility shutoffs or eviction. We saw a 20% increase from the prior year’s requests for help and expect demand to continue to rise.

Listen to Keith Fairey’s full appearance on Talk the Talk, which touches upon threats to housing funding and more.

And so, we advocate! In the face of uncertainty, in the face of rising demand, in the face of disbelief. We advocate to ensure we have the resources to fund the work we do in service to our clients and the community. We advocate to share our knowledge, research, and perspective with those who can shape laws and regulations to support our work. We advocate to build relationships and partnerships at the regional, state, and federal levels—to unify our message and give it more power and influence.

A closer look at our advocacy work

The programs at the heart of Way Finders are supported by state and federal funds—namely, Residential Assistance for Families in Transition, the Housing Consumer Education Center, HomeBASE, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Especially in the state budget, funding for programs is subject to legislative debate before decisions are cast.

Our team also monitors state legislation. Thousands of bills are introduced during each two-year legislative session, and we look to find which will impact our programs and work. We then track these as they move through the legislative process, so we know when to take action or advocate on behalf of our organization or the programs we support. This work is grounded in research: We collect data on everything our teams do, plus external data about what is going on in the region, state, and country. We use this knowledge and research to inform elected officials.

Advocacy also plays a key role in our real estate development work, as our projects and properties are funded through state and federal tax credits and state subsidies. And given the key factors that a community can control at the local level, including the zoning that regulates how many units we can build and where, our Real Estate Development team is devoted to reaching out to work with local communities. By attending zoning meetings and city council meetings, for example, Way Finders can explain what our projects offer and represent. We can clear up misconceptions and highlight benefits to the community.

Later this year, we are updating the housing study we instigated in 2020 in partnership with the UMass Amherst Donahue Institute, which was the first such study of our region’s housing needs and opportunities. The value of the study was instantly recognized in promoting affordable housing as it’s a key piece of the housing puzzle—it guides the work we do to close the housing supply gap, both in policies and programs.

In fall 2024, Way Finders hosted the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) for its statewide affordable housing session—attendees included (from left): CHAPA Director of Public Policy Matt Noyes, Keith Fairey, Sue Gulluni, John Bidwell, Alisa Costa, CHAPA Municipal Engagement Program Associate Monica Keel, Anni Zhu

Our advocacy work is indeed multifaceted, and this is just a brief snapshot of what we are engaged in. With special thanks to my colleagues, Chief of Staff Anni Zhu and Policy Analyst and Project Manager Alisa Costa, who join me in leading our policy and advocacy efforts.

To all those who care about housing and the economic vitality of our region and state, and we urge you to stand with us by supporting our work. We believe in what we do. We believe everyone deserves the chance to build a stronger future. And we believe our region thrives when we put housing first.

Sincerely,

Keith Fairey, President & CEO