Community Advisory Team will amplify voices most impacted by housing instability
The Washington State Department of Commerce is excited to announce the formation and seating of the Community Advisory Team (CAT), a subcommittee of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB). This new team is a vital evolution of the long-standing Policy Advisory Team and is designed to center equity, anti-racism and justice in housing policies. The CAT will play a critical role in amplifying voices from communities most impacted by housing instability, health inequities and systemic racism.
Building equity into housing policy
This committee has been shaped by extensive stakeholder engagement and reflects Targeted Universalism principles and an anti-bias framework. The team includes members who have experienced housing instability and have technical expertise, ensuring decisions and recommendations are deeply informed by the realities of those directly affected.
Meet the CAT Members
We are proud to introduce the inaugural Community Advisory Team. Each member brings a wealth of life and professional experience.
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Adam Dibba – Executive Director, Africans on the Eastside
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Angela Bazan – Program Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness Yakima
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Angelica Saldivar – Regional Community Services Manager, Yakima Valley Conference of Governments
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Cheyonna Lewis – Community Advocate and Volunteer
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Curtis Rodgers – Reentry Navigation, The Foundation
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Darian Sheldon – Health & Human Services Program Manager, Pacific County
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Ethan Robinson – Advocacy and Policy Manager, Habitat for Humanity Seattle - King & Kittitas Counties
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Faaluaina Pritchard – Executive Director, Asia Pacific Cultural Center
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Frank Martinez – Associate Director of Supportive Services, Opportunities Industrialization Center Washington
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Ganesha Gold Buffalo – Housing Justice Advocate and Community Organizer
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Gaye Hallman – Founder/Executive Director, A Woman’s Worth
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Heather Sheppard – Equity and Collaborative Impact Manager, Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health
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Ismail Mohammad – Housing Developer and Advocate
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Kathryn Witherington – Executive Director, Common Roots Housing Trust
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Pavel Parfilo – Affordable Housing Program Manager, Spokane County
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Vivian Rogers Decker – Homeless Student Stability Education Program Supervisor, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
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Wanjiku Kahacho – Community Liaison, King County Metro
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William Booth – Director of Operations, First Nation Foundation
Equitable representation was a central focus during the formation of this process. The group is made up of over three-quarters BIPOC members and one-third individuals from rural areas.
Selection process and acknowledgments
Members were selected through a comprehensive process led by Commerce staff and a nominating committee formed during the re-envisioning of the AHAB Policy Advisory Team. Commerce is deeply grateful to the nominating committee members for their thoughtful work and commitment:
- Guillermo Rivera – Eastside for All
- Lowel Krueger – Yakima Housing Authority
- Ma. Caroline Lopez – Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
- Mario Bañuelos – Empower Next Generations
- Michael Dotson – Banner Bank
- Emijah Smith – Community Member
Additionally, we offer special thanks to thy nguyen, who provided invaluable guidance as an equity consultant throughout this project. Their contributions ensured the team reflects diverse perspectives and expertise.
Next Steps for the CAT
The newly seated members will participate in racial equity training, develop a comprehensive work plan and charter, and engage in specialized Commerce training. The inaugural public meeting is anticipated later in the spring and will be announced via email and on our website.
All meetings will be virtual using Zoom to ensure accessibility for all.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates on the CAT, including meeting materials and announcements, visit the committee website and stay subscribed to the AHAB mailing list.
Please share this message and our website with anyone else you think may be interested in following our work.
This is a transformative moment for housing policy in Washington state, and we look forward to the innovative and impactful contributions of the Community Advisory Team.
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