ChangeMakers with Katie Goar

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, nurses, service workers, and other essential members of the community.You’ll hear about the challenges of scaling workforce housing in a resort destination, the importance of donor and government partnerships, and how small wins like one home at a time can make a lasting impact.This conversation highlights a practical model that other communities facing housing shortages can adopt, and it shows how local leadership and collaboration can build not just homes, but stronger communities. 

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 milestone, and the delicate balance of advancing financial sustainability while staying true to its social mission. Katie and Maura explore the real-world impact of rising housing costs on everyday Vermonters, the role of public-private partnerships, and why affordable housing solutions must evolve beyond short-term fixes. If you’re interested in innovative approaches to solving the housing shortage and what it takes to keep small communities thriving, this conversation offers both practical insights and inspiration.

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-billion-dollar organization.• The realities of “Not in My Backyard” pushback and how transparency and community engagement build trust.• The importance of wraparound resident services that help families thrive beyond housing.• Innovative financing strategies, from tax credits to a bold $100 million capital campaign.Greta also opens up about the Coalition’s values, the tough choices leaders face, and why doing “what’s right, not what’s easy” guides every decision. Her insights are both inspiring and practical for anyone working toward stronger, more equitable communities.

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 scope of veteran homelessness, the overlooked impact on children, and how community involvement—from delivering Thanksgiving turkeys to providing peer support—restores dignity and connection for veterans in need.Gavin also shares the foundation’s vision of reaching “functional zero” homelessness among veterans and invites listeners to support the cause through donations or volunteer efforts.

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 achieve economic stability, Lauren breaks down a scalable model with long-term impact.If you care about housing or bold solutions to complex problems, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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 challenges, creativity, and heart behind their work.If you care about local solutions, thoughtful design, and housing that truly builds community, you’ll want to hear this one.

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 and Better IHA," which prioritizes five pillars: people, finances, operations, properties, and partnerships. She highlights the unique support from HUD, city leaders, and local philanthropies—a rare advantage in turnaround scenarios—and explains strategic decisions like selling aging properties to address deferred maintenance. Bean also shares her leadership approach during crises: running toward problems with calm confidence, radical transparency, and an unwavering commitment to residents’ dignity.Throughout the conversation, Bean reflects on housing "choosing her" despite early career dreams, and how her lived experience fuels her mission. She emphasizes that progress hinges on remembering "it’s not about me"—service to vulnerable families is what sustains hope amid daunting challenges like the industry’s $70 billion maintenance backlog. For housing professionals and changemakers alike, this episode offers a masterclass in resilient, resident-centered leadership.

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 Foundation acquires at-risk properties to sustain long-term affordability.  Janine’s passion—for deals that "make her tick" and for ensuring every resident feels valued—shines through in this candid look at preserving housing as a foundation for stability.   Tune in for actionable insights from a leader named among Indianapolis’ "40 Under 40" and "Women to Watch."

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 housing solutions), and pioneering financing models like bond recycling and impact investing.  Joaquín also reveals how Denver empowers residents as "co-creators" through initiatives like the "Wall of Fame" celebration and community-responsive planning, ensuring housing becomes a platform for opportunity.  For leaders in social impact, this episode offers actionable insights on shifting from compliance to transformation and building catalytic public-private partnerships—all fueled by Joaquín’s conviction that "our superpower is connecting to build with communities, not for them.”

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 shelter. Ann also debunks myths about homelessness, highlights the resilience of Gen Z, and offers actionable steps listeners can take to support this critical cause.  Tune in for an inspiring conversation about healing, advocacy, and the power of community-driven solutions.

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 downsides of traditional home sales, and how holding onto appreciating property can provide lasting financial benefits.This model helps preserve low mortgage rates, generate passive income, and create long-term financial flexibility through shared future appreciation.From policy implications to real-life stories of financial relief, this conversation delves into how Bonus Homes is offering a new way to think about homeownership and financial planning. Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or simply curious about alternative housing finance, this episode provides fresh insight into building long-term value through real estate.Tune in to hear Kyle’s vision for a smarter, more flexible path to financial security—one home, one partnership at a time.

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 introduces local youth to higher education opportunities and cultural experiences. From advocating for policy changes to addressing rising rents and workforce housing shortages, this episode dives into how housing leaders and local partners are working together to address affordable housing challenges.

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 of storytelling to shift perceptions about who needs affordable housing and why stability transforms lives. Learn about innovative tools like the She Speaks directory, amplifying female voices in the industry, and the Asking for a Friend podcast series, offering anonymous career guidance. Ashley also unveils bold visions for the future, from expanding outreach to high schools to creating funds for women developers. Tune in for a masterclass in leadership, community-building, and driving systemic change—proving that when women collaborate, the affordable housing crisis doesn’t stand a chance.

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. Tune in for inspiring stories, including the first homebuyer in Raleigh’s land trust—a 62-year-old Army veteran who thought homeownership was out of reach—and gain actionable insights for replicating this model in other cities. Whether you’re a policymaker, advocate, or simply passionate about housing justice, this episode offers a roadmap for building inclusive futures.

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 holistic approach, which goes beyond just building homes to creating entire ecosystems of support—from schools and healthcare facilities to grocery stores and movie theaters. Chris also delves into the importance of collaboration, the role of philanthropy, and the need for systemic change to truly transform communities. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of resilience, innovative solutions, and the ongoing fight for equity and opportunity in St. Louis and beyond. Whether you're a community developer, policymaker, or simply someone passionate about social change, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of comprehensive, place-based strategies to create lasting impact.

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 investments not only deliver strong financial returns but also improve lives and build resilient communities. He also addresses the complexities of affordable housing development, the role of private investors, and the controversial topic of rent control.Throughout the conversation, Bob emphasizes the importance of creating more affordable housing to address the growing demand, while also preserving existing units. He highlights successful initiatives in cities like Dallas, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles, and discusses how state and local governments can incentivize affordable housing development.Tune in to hear Bob’s vision for the future of affordable housing, his thoughts on the intersection of policy and investment, and why he believes affordable housing is not just a social good, but also a sound economic policy. Whether you're an investor, policymaker, or simply someone passionate about housing equity, this episode offers valuable insights into how we can work together to create more sustainable and inclusive communities.

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 unimaginable challenges. Paige also highlights the profound impact these celebrations have on volunteers, families, and the broader community. With The Birthday Party Project now active in 20 cities across the U.S., Paige delves into the logistics of scaling her nonprofit, the importance of community support, and how she mobilizes over 35,000 volunteers to make these celebrations possible. She also addresses common misconceptions about homelessness and emphasizes the power of joy and connection in transforming lives. Tune in to hear Paige’s heartfelt advice for anyone looking to launch their own initiative and make a difference in their community. This episode is a testament to the power of one person’s vision to create ripple effects of hope and joy across the nation. If you’re inspired to support The Birthday Party Project or want to learn more about their mission, visit their website and see how you can get involved.

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 crisis. She also reflects on the personal experiences that drive her passion, including her childhood in rural Louisiana and the impact of stable housing on family well-being. Tune in to hear about Atlanta’s bold housing strategies, including Choice Neighborhoods revitalization efforts, policy reforms, and community engagement approaches, all aimed at making the city a place where long-time residents and newcomers alike can thrive.

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 the impact of COVID-19 on the local housing market. Through her leadership, the Housing Authority focuses on creating environments where public housing is indistinguishable from private developments while empowering residents through education, financial literacy, and pathways to homeownership. Angela's personal story of experiencing homelessness and living in public housing adds depth to her mission of breaking stereotypes and building stronger communities.

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 inclusion. He also highlights his dedication to mentorship and community service. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of housing leadership and the complexities of community-focused development.