In this blog post, Michael Durham, Director of Networks at Funders Together for Housing Justice, reflects on the lessons that shaped his understanding of housing as a core driver of health and wellbeing. Drawing from his experience at the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, he examines the tension between addressing immediate needs and advancing systemic change, and calls on philanthropy to hold both in pursuit of housing justice.

After nearly 11 transformative years with Funders Together for Housing Justice (FTHJ), we share with deep gratitude and bittersweet joy that Lauren Bennett, our Chief of External Affairs, will be departing the organization to join the Neighborhood Funders Group (NFG) as their Senior Director of Communications and Membership. 

In this blog post, Interim Co-CEO Jessica Venegas reflects on the political moment we are living through, the ways immigration enforcement is shaping housing instability, and what philanthropy must do now to stand with impacted communities and help build a future rooted in housing justice, racial justice, and belonging.

Reflections from the 2026 Philanthropic Leaders Track

On March 2–4, 2026, philanthropic leaders from across the country gathered in San Diego for Leading Together for Housing Justice in the Face of Authoritarianism, the Philanthropic Leaders Track at the National Alliance to End Homelessness Leadership Summit on Ending Homelessness, curated by Funders Together for Housing Justice. 

In this blog post, Interim Co-CEO Maegan Scott reflects on the history and strategy that brought the country to this verison of authoritariansim and calls on philanthropy to be clear on what is required in this moment to both protect people and build the future where everyone can thrive.

By Tony Richardson, Board Chair, and Bianca Alston, Board Vice Chair, Funders Together for Housing Justice

At Funders Together for Housing Justice, moments of transition are also moments of clarity. As a Board, we remain deeply committed to the organization’s mission, values, and long-term vision: advancing housing justice as a pathway to racial justice and collective liberation.

As 2025 comes to a close, the team at Funders Together for Housing Justice took time to reflect on a year marked by transformation, transition, and deepened commitment to our mission. From a defining name change to leadership shifts and an increasingly hostile political environment, this year asked us to show up with clarity, courage, and care for one another.

What follows are selected reflections from our staff — moments that stood out, what we’re most proud of, or how the shift to Funders Together for Housing Justice resonates now, with the benefit of hindsight.

When co-interim CEOs Maegan Scott and Jessica Venegas of Funders Together for Housing Justice (FTHJ) meet to reflect on their time leading the organization, their conversation reveals deep alignment on values, shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to housing justice. What follows is an excerpt from that exchange about leadership, lived experience, and hope for the movement.

By Rachelle A. Matthews (RAM), Director of Membership and Programs

At Funders Together for Housing Justice, we know that advancing housing justice requires both courage and clarity. We are living in a political moment where attacks on racial justice, equity, and democracy are constant—and where philanthropy must decide not only what to fund, but also what to fight. 

Not all political violence is physical—it can also come in the form of brutal and harmful rhetoric, policies, and the erasure of truthful histories and stories. However, words shape ideas and worlds. Language matters and moves violence from abstract to targeted action.