Housing& is a regional catalyst for change where housing, health, and economic opportunity converge. Serving over 500 members across 30+ jurisdictions in Greater Washington, Baltimore, and Richmond, Housing& brings together public, private, and nonprofit leaders to accelerate the production and preservation of affordable housing. Through research, advocacy, training, and collaboration, Housing& advances housing solutions that strengthen communities and expand opportunity for all.
The Vision
Housing& envisions a future where diverse communities share equitably in the knowledge, wealth, and resources uniquely represented across Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond. As economic growth continues, so does the persistence of inequality—disproportionately impacting communities of color and limiting their ability to thrive. HAND remains steadfast in catalyzing research and solutions that fulfill the promise of a region where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The Mission
To cultivate a cross-sector community that centers affordable housing as the foundation for thriving, equitable communities—advancing health, education, and economic opportunity across the Capital Region.
The Mission
To cultivate a cross-sector community that centers affordable housing as the foundation for thriving, equitable communities—advancing health, education, and economic opportunity across the Capital Region.
THE IMPACT
Since incorporation, Housing& has grown to a nonprofit membership collective of 500 changemakers from the public, private, and social sectors working to advance affordable housing across the Capital Region of Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond. Rooted in the understanding that housing is the foundation for thriving communities, we embrace its intersection with issues such as education, health, and economic opportunity to drive meaningful, lasting change. Guided by our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and longstanding values of Impact, Equity, and Collaboration, we disrupt systems of inequity by activating our members through advocacy and programming that center diverse communities. Our name may have evolved, but our mission—and our commitment to building just systems—remains steadfast.
HISTORY
For over 30 years, Housing& has brought together a passionate community committed to solving the region’s housing affordability challenges. Founded in 1991 by John D. Spencer to support nonprofit real estate developers, the collective began with informal gatherings and peer learning—a spirit that continues today through our Training & Capacity Building Series. As the organization grew across the Capital Region, it formalized its structure, established a board, and earned nonprofit status in 1998. With leadership spanning from Jill C. Norcross to Heather Raspberry, and now Courtney Battle, Housing & continues to evolve—advancing a vision of diverse, inclusive communities where housing is the foundation for opportunity.
THE HISTORY
For over 30 years, Housing& has brought together a passionate community committed to solving the region’s housing affordability challenges. Founded in 1991 by John D. Spencer to support nonprofit real estate developers, the collective began with informal gatherings and peer learning—a spirit that continues today through our Training & Capacity Building Series. As the organization grew across the Capital Region, it formalized its structure, established a board, and earned nonprofit status in 1998. With leadership spanning from Jill C. Norcross to Heather Raspberry, and now Courtney Battle, Housing & continues to evolve—advancing a vision of diverse, inclusive communities where housing is the foundation for opportunity.
