In this powerful WAHNcast conversation, Angie Truitt and Jean Dahlquist sit down with award-winning journalist and anthropologist Brian Goldstone, author of There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America.

Through the stories of five Atlanta families, Goldstone exposes a deeply troubling and increasingly common reality: the rise of the working homeless. These are parents with full-time jobs — cleaning airports, stocking shelves, driving for Uber, caring for children and elders — who still cannot secure stable housing.

They are not visible in encampments. They are not disconnected from work. They are living in cars, extended-stay hotels, doubled up with family: America’s hidden homeless.

In this conversation, Brian shares:

• The moment he realized employment no longer protects families from homelessness

• How precarious work, rising rents, and broken systems intersect

• Why homelessness is not a charity issue but a justice issue

• The emotional toll of witnessing families fight daily for stability

• How we can move from compassion fatigue to targeted, productive anger

This is not a light conversation but it is a necessary one.

The paperback edition of There Is No Place for Us releases March 3 and will be available anywhere you buy books. Brian encourages readers to consider purchasing through Bookshop.org to support local independent bookstores.

This episode is essential listening for everyone. 

What began in 1991 as a simple idea shared over brunch in Charlotte has grown into a global movement spanning more than 650 communities, engaging over 144,000 women volunteers, and helping build more than 5,700 homes.

Mary-Margaret and Brooke share the powerful origin story of Women Build—including Rosalynn Carter’s involvement in the very first build—along with reflections on what the initiative looks like today. From volunteer engagement across build sites and ReStores to expanding neighborhood development, Women Build continues to evolve while staying rooted in its mission: empowering women to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

We also explore:

• The impact of women-led households in housing

• Gender equity in construction and homeownership

• The importance of mentorship and intergenerational leadership

• How Women Build and WAHN share a common spirit of connection and action

Whether you’ve swung a hammer before or are just curious about getting involved, this conversation is a reminder that when women gather with purpose, communities change.

Emily shares practical, approachable guidance on creating strong financial foundations, navigating career transitions, and building wealth in ways that align with personal values and community impact. From understanding your balance sheet and budgeting without overwhelm to preparing for career pivots, homeownership, and generational giving, this conversation demystifies money and puts women back in the driver’s seat.

Emily also joins WAHNcast as a recurring guest, offering quarterly financial insights to WAHN members at no cost because access to financial knowledge shouldn’t be a barrier to leadership or impact.

Whether you’re early in your career, considering a transition, or thinking about legacy and giving, this episode offers tools, mindset shifts, and encouragement to help you plan with intention and confidence.

In this episode of WAHNCast, Angie Truitt and Celia Gunn-Zaboli are joined by Karen Martin-Spellerberg of The Princess Project, a nonprofit that has spent more than two decades creating spaces where teens are not only dressed for prom, but wrapped in dignity, confidence, and belonging.

Karen shares powerful stories of transformation — teens who arrive unsure and guarded and leave standing taller, parents experiencing the rare freedom of telling their child, “You can choose anything you want,” and volunteers who return year after year because of the joy this work creates. The conversation explores how The Princess Project goes far beyond formalwear, offering mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a community where every young woman is seen and celebrated without conditions.

This episode also highlights why The Princess Project is the 2026 WAHNprom beneficiary charity, and how partnerships, volunteers, and donors help sustain a mission rooted in love.

Support ensures that every teen who walks through their doors feels confident, welcomed, and worthy.  To donate visit https://www.princessprojectsd.org/donate

Monetary donations help fund year-round programming and allow The Princess Project to purchase dresses in hard-to-find sizes so no teen is ever turned away.

Other ways to support include: • Donating prom dresses or accessories • Volunteering with a local chapter • Sharing The Princess Project with schools, families, and community partners

Every contribution helps create moments that last long after prom night ends.

Hosted by Stephanie Sleva, Senior Assurance Manager at CohnReznick and Founding Member and Board President of the Pennsylvania chapter of WAHN, the conversation explores how LIHTC portfolios are performing post-pandemic, what trends are holding steady, and where new pressures are reshaping underwriting, operations, and policy.

Stephanie is joined by:

• Cindy Fang, Partner at CohnReznick and Tax Credit Investment Services Leader, as well as a member of WAHN’s National Sponsorship Committee, who shares key takeaways from nearly 25 years of the study and what they signal for investors and developers.

• Regan St. Pierre, Director at CohnReznick and Co-Author of the Affordable Housing Credit Study, who highlights what makes the study unique and how stakeholders can use its interactive tools to inform smarter decision-making.

The episode also includes a special moment honoring Beth Mullen, CohnReznick’s Affordable Housing Industry Leader and WAHN’s Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, recognized for her extraordinary impact on the industry, her mentorship, and her unwavering commitment to advocacy.

Together, this conversation reinforces a powerful message: the LIHTC program remains resilient, effective, and essential—and the data behind it matters more than ever.

Access the full 2025 Affordable Housing Credit Study and interactive tools: https://creditstudy.cohnreznick.com

In this episode, hosts Ashley Northcutt and industry legend Babbie Jaco sit down with Colleen Fisher, Executive Director of the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH), for a deep and candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the future of rural affordable housing.

Colleen reflects on her 28-year tenure leading CARH, tracing the organization’s origins, the evolution of rural housing policy, and the high-stakes challenges facing the USDA rural housing portfolio today, from mortgage maturity and preservation to technology gaps and workforce strain. Together, Colleen and Babbie unpack what makes rural housing distinct, why it remains one of the most stable yet misunderstood asset classes, and how community, trust, and long-term commitment define success.

The conversation also explores women’s leadership in affordable housing, the importance of patience and institutional memory, and why mentoring the next generation matters more than ever. This episode is both a masterclass in rural housing policy and a powerful reminder of the human impact behind the work.

Angie Truitt, Vice President of Communications for the Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN), is joined by WAHN’s CEO and President, Ashley Northcutt, to mark WAHN’s birthday and reflect on how far the organization has come. From the early days of explaining that “WAHN isn’t a person,” to sold-out national summits, national recognition through the Giving List, and a rapidly growing chapter network, this conversation captures the heart of what WAHN has become.

Whether you’ve been part of WAHN from the beginning or are discovering it for the first time, this episode is a reminder of why this work matters and why it’s better when we do it together.

He discusses the pivotal formation of the ACTION Campaign, the power of unified messaging, and why true housing equity requires creativity, bipartisan collaboration, and relentless persistence. Bob also reflects on women’s leadership, mentorship, innovation in housing finance and technology, and the need to rethink how we build.

In a heartfelt turn, Bob opens up about the role art and painting played in grounding him during the pandemic and how creativity continues to influence his professional life. This episode is both a history lesson and a masterclass in leadership—delivered with humility, humor, and decades of hard-earned insight.

Emma offers an inside look at what it means to build trust with residents, collaborate with local nonprofits, and listen deeply to community needs. She also reflects on stories from scholarship recipients that continue to fuel her passion for this work, reminding us that breaking down barriers to opportunity can transform generations.

This conversation is a celebration of compassion, partnership, and the belief that stable housing paired with meaningful support opens doors to brighter futures. A perfect reflection heading into the season of giving.

Julia breaks down what asset management really is, why it matters, and how strong partnerships between owners, syndicators, lenders, and HFAs can mean the difference between stable properties and those at risk. She also discusses the evolution of the field, the growing demand for skilled asset managers, and the importance of technical knowledge paired with strong soft skills.

As Julia prepares for her upcoming retirement, she shares her vision for CHAM’s future, the culture she has intentionally cultivated, and why she believes “housing policy is human policy.” This conversation is full of insight, clarity, humor, and heart, just like Julia herself.

Together, they explore how profound loss can reveal the truest forms of leadership. Drawing from their essays in the new anthology Lives Lost and Leadership Found, Michelle reflects on the legacy of Sister Lillian Murphy, the visionary CEO of Mercy Housing, while Shannon shares lessons learned from her mother’s journey through resilience, disability, and love.

This conversation challenges the notion that leadership is about titles — instead, it’s a practice rooted in presence, empathy, and action. From “assuming positive intent” to “underlooking” others, Michele and Shannon remind us that leadership begins in the smallest acts of compassion.

Tune in for insights that connect loss, love, and legacy — and rediscover the heart of what it means to lead.  And get your copy of Lives Lost and Leadership Found and Shannon's new book, WE the Change: Launching Big Ideas and Creating New Realities, on our website.

Host Angie Truitt speaks with Rachel Snethen, Director of Development Operations, and Sally Schwenn, Arizona Market President, about the company’s efforts to build communities that go beyond shelter—providing wraparound services, mental health support, job training, and a true sense of belonging for America’s veterans.

From the Valor on Eighth development in Tempe, Arizona—a pioneering community for women veterans and families—to the Fort Whipple Project in Prescott and Valor in Washington (Madison, WI), Rachel and Sally share how public–private partnerships, local service providers, and dedicated nonprofit partners are transforming lives through housing.

They also discuss national progress in reducing veteran homelessness by 50%, the importance of supportive services, and how to connect veterans in need with help right now.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Housing Assistance: va.gov/housing-assistance

• VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-827-1000

• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-424-3838

• Veterans Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988, then Press 1

• Gorman & Company: www.GormanUSA.com

• US VETS (Veteran Nonprofit Partner): www.dryhootch.org

Thank you to Gorman & Company for generously sponsoring this episode! Listen wherever you get your podcasts and join us in honoring veterans by supporting the organizations that build safe, stable, and supportive homes for those who served.

Dr. Parker — an engineer, innovator, and visionary leader — shares how his journey from technology and consulting to community banking became a mission to “make it make sense” for those historically excluded from opportunity. From financing solar projects for churches and schools to redefining how creditworthiness is measured, Dr. Parker and his team are proving that sustainability and social justice are inseparable.

This conversation dives deep into:

• The intersection of energy equity and economic empowerment

• How community-led finance can build generational wealth

• What it means to “win or learn” as a principle for leadership and innovation

• Why women — and organizations like WAHN — are essential to shaping the next era of clean energy and affordable housing

Whether you’re in housing, development, or advocacy, this episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven progress.

They share how early detection and self-advocacy saved lives, how supportive workplaces — like Quadel, Eisner Amper, and DOZ — made healing possible, and why being open about the reality of cancer can change how we care for ourselves and each other.

This episode is as real as it gets: raw, informative, and full of the strength we don’t often see.

Resources Mentioned:

• Freedom Natural Deodorant – a clean alternative created with women’s health in mind

• SheMD – preventive health, risk testing, and education for women

• Flat Out Love – community and advocacy for women choosing to go flat after mastectomy

• Food Babe – clean food movement and ingredient transparency

• Cancer Vaccine Collaborative – advancing research toward a breast cancer vaccine

Breast Cancer & the Strength We Don’t See is a reminder that awareness is only the beginning — advocacy, compassion, and conversation are what truly move us forward.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, we’re honored to bring you this inspiring conversation on WAHNcast. Hosts Angie Truitt and New England WAHN President Susanna Medoff sit down with Vanessa Volz, President and CEO of Sojourner House, a Rhode Island nonprofit redefining what survivor support and housing can look like.

Vanessa shares how Sojourner House evolved from a small crisis hotline into a multifaceted agency offering trauma-informed housing, legal aid, and wrap-around support for hundreds of survivors and families each year. She reflects on her leadership journey — from attorney to nonprofit change-agent — and how building safe, stable homes is a key part of helping survivors rebuild their lives.

This conversation highlights:

• the critical role of safe, affordable housing in healing and stability

• how partnerships and systems change make a difference

• what it means to stand with survivors, always

If you or someone you know is in need of help, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or visit thehotline.org — confidential support and local resources are available 24/7.

Listen now and join us in honoring survivors and advancing hope, healing and community.

Visit: https://sojournerri.org

From growing up with housing insecurity to now leading one of Philadelphia’s most transformative nonprofits, Donna shares her journey of resilience, purpose, and partnership. Under her leadership, Project HOME continues to thrive — backed by a powerful community that includes the Philadelphia Eagles and Jon Bon Jovi, both champions for housing and hope in the city they love.

Donna talks about the importance of collaboration, meeting people where they are, and building a future where every Philadelphian has a place to call home.

From the origins of the Ally Committee to the new Ally Community initiative, the group shares stories of mentorship, practical support, and showing up on the front lines, from running the mic at Summit sessions to reshaping who sits on industry panels. Along the way, they highlight the Ally Pledge, the importance of visibility, and the teamwork it takes to move the ball down the field.

Whether you’re new to the concept of allyship or already signed the pledge, this episode will give you a clear playbook for building an affordable housing industry that works for everyone.

Kate shares how she helped launch a statewide student coalition after realizing that conversations around college affordability were leaving out one of the biggest costs students face: housing. She talks about leading advocacy campaigns as a student, building bridges across 16+ campuses, and why she believes student housing is not just a policy issue but a basic need and a human right.

Listeners will hear:

• Why housing costs are often the biggest barrier to higher education in California

• How students are driving real legislative change at the state level

• What it takes to build trust and collaboration across diverse groups—from student leaders to labor unions to universities

• Kate’s advice for emerging leaders: “If something feels a little scary or makes you feel out of your depth, that’s probably a sign you should go that direction—because that’s where you’ll learn the most.”

This is an energizing conversation about advocacy, leadership, and the next generation of housing changemakers.

Beth shares her journey from volunteering at a small community nonprofit in rural Wisconsin to leading asset management across multiple states. She reflects on how a single moment helping a senior apply for affordable housing showed her the life-changing impact of this work, and why she’s committed to creating what she calls “a world of good.”

With candor and passion, Kat discusses how her lived experience informs her leadership, why she believes in “daring to dream,” and how vacant and abandoned properties can be transformed into community assets. She also unpacks the role of policy, philanthropy, and unlikely allies in creating dignified, affordable housing—and makes a powerful case against the criminalization of poverty.

This is a conversation about resilience, justice, and the possibility of building communities where everyone belongs.  

What started as professional networking evolved into a trusted circle of mentors, cheerleaders, and truth-tellers who challenge, support, and advocate for one another—on the job and beyond. Along the way, these women became close friends, navigating leadership roles, career pivots, and life’s big moments together.

Tune in for stories, laughter, and practical tips for creating your own personal board, finding the right mix of voices at your table, and building relationships that last. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned leader, you’ll leave inspired to find your people and keep them close.

Together, they bust common myths, unpack why some communities succeed where others fall short, and dive into the powerful role of zoning, cross-sector collaboration, and public advocacy. From national data to local wins, this conversation bridges academic insight with real-world application and leaves listeners with a hopeful, actionable vision for change.

Whether you're a policymaker, advocate, or housing practitioner, this episode will inspire you to rethink assumptions and lean into evidence-based, community-driven solutions.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this WAHNcast's "Asking for a Friends" series is for informational and discussion purposes only. It is intended to feel like a conversation among friends—not as legal, medical, or professional advice. If you are facing a situation that requires legal guidance, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified attorney or professional who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Her latest venture, Hempselation LLC, is revolutionizing the construction industry with eco-friendly, non-toxic insulation made from hemp. As Delicia says, "What’s behind the walls matters," and her work is leading the charge for healthier, greener spaces for all.

Delicia's insights into resilience, entrepreneurship, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field are as inspiring as her mission to protect our planet and future generations. 

Tune in to hear Delicia's story, learn about her groundbreaking projects (including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial!), and discover how she's paving the way for innovation in infrastructure

Beyond her role as a government appellate attorney, Dominique has been recognized by the ABA as a "Top 40 Young Lawyer on the Rise" and serves as a trusted advisor to our WAHN Network. Tune in to hear her stories of resilience, her advocacy for women veterans, and her insights on shaping policies that support both family life and housing equity.

#WAHNcast #Leadership #Equity #VeteransDay #HousingAdvocate

What to Expect: - Spotting potential Year 15 disputes before they arise   - Drafting partnership agreements to avoid conflicts   - Managing investor exits and understanding purchase options   - Preparing early for smooth LIHTC compliance transitions  

If you're a developer in affordable housing or real estate, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you plan strategically and mitigate risks. 

editing done by @sam_production on Fiverr

editing done by @sam_production on Fiverr

editing done by @sam_production on Fiverr

editing done by @sam_production on Fiverr

editing done by @sam_production on Fiverr