How can we attract funding to solve multiple crises?

Traditional avenues of funding affordable and permanent supportive housing are restrictive and do not incentivize innovation. When it comes to developing affordable housing in an expedited manner that tackles concurrent crises, we need integrated solutions that solve for the lack of housing, the impacts of climate change and racial inequity together.

While the latest California budget is making strides towards linking housing to climate change, more investment capital is needed to affect meaningful change that addresses innovative solutions. For instance, why can’t every project be net zero? Why can’t every project recycle its water? Thinking about how each project can innovate to address intersectional challenges can open up funding that focuses on those challenges.

We are looking beyond traditional sources for funding, in part, by broadening our view of what housing means to find passionate grantors, investors, and lenders. Current models are purely based on financing from the Low Income Housing Tax Credit that is neither cost nor time efficient. We need to add new tools to the toolbelt that go beyond housing.

As you look at the innovations on display, ask yourself - what other dollars and resources might help us solve multiple crises?