Community Gathers as Panel Affirms: ‘Housing is the Foundation for Health’

What a marvelous crowd and what an enlightening conversation at Housing Unlimited's Open House on Friday, September 12th! The energy was palpable as staff, tenants, board members, and community partners gathered to network, sample delicious food from Sunflower Bakery, and celebrate our shared mission.

Tours of Housing Unlimited's new headquarters in Rockville were provided and afforded guests the opportunity to see tenant artwork hung on our walls and displayed on our shelves. We also proudly showcased the stenciling and signage that Whiting-Turner Contracting Company generously provided, which adds both professionalism and meaning to the space.

We were honored to be joined by friends and colleagues from the Office of Council Member Laurie-Anne Sayles, Rockville Housing Enterprises, the Montgomery County Local Behavioral Health Authority, Montgomery County Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEPH), John Edward Fowler Memorial Foundation and many other vital local organizations. Your presence underscores the collaborative spirit that makes our work possible.

The highlight of the event was a powerful panel discussion, "Housing is Healthcare," expertly moderated by Housing Unlimited staff member and advocate Stephanie L. Joseph. Grounding the conversation in both professional and lived experience, Stephanie set the stage with a vital truth: "We are not just opening our doors; we're opening the conversation... Housing is not a reward for recovery. It's the foundation that makes recovery possible."

The panel featured the candid and moving voices of those who know this truth firsthand: Housing Unlimited long-time tenants Babbz Ricketts (7 years), Christine Golding (8 years), and Laurs Warner (11 years), along with Michael Katz, a Housing Unlimited Program Associate who brings his own lived experience to his work.  The stories they shared spoke for themselves, painting a vivid picture of the comfort and hope that a home provides.  A few special moments during the panel discussion include:

• When asked what it felt like to step into their own home for the first time, Babbz shared, "I finally felt like things were gonna be okay. I finally had a place to stay where I didn't have to worry."

• Christine, reflecting on her journey to self-sufficiency, said, "It means so much to me to be on my own and not have to be dependent on [my family]. I can depend on myself... Happiest day of my life."

• Laurs spoke passionately about how the structure and community of his home helped him get on—and stay on—the right track. For him, having a house and neighbors he can rely on is everything. "You gotta get around people," he emphasized.

• Michael provided a unique perspective on how quality, affordable housing creates the capacity for healing. "Therapy is work. Tackling these things is work, and it can be exhausting," he explained. "By having those stressors [of housing instability] removed, it opens up space for improvement and for growth."

The discussion illuminated how a home provides more than just a roof; it offers the independence to cook a meal, the confidence to take on responsibility, the community of a housemate, and the quiet space to heal.

The profound insights shared at our Open House are a testament to our shared mission. Thank you to our panelists for their courage, to our moderator for her leadership, and to every guest who attended for showing that you care. The conversation continues, and with your support, so does our work to provide the foundation of home for all our 253 tenants.