Housing Unlimited Staff Spotlight: Michael Katz

Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Michael moved to the DC area in 2006 with his mother and brother. Having graduated from Northwood High School in Montgomery County, Michael has called this his home ever since.

Michael is a passionate tabletop gamer who loves connecting with friends to play Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and a variety of board games—his favorite being Everdell.

Michael’s journey to Housing Unlimited is deeply personal. Having benefited from mental health services himself, he felt a strong calling to support others facing similar challenges. That drive led him to join Housing Unlimited in August 2023, where he now serves as a full-time Program Associate and where he provides a crucial role to supporting both the Finance and the IT teams.

Michael enjoys the fact that each day brings new opportunities to learn as well as to problem-solve. One highlight of his time here was participating in Housing Unlimited’s recent Open House discussion panel on the importance of housing intervention for people in mental health recovery. Sharing his story and bringing awareness to the voices of tenants was a powerful experience. “Listening to people with lived mental health experiences helps us understand their real needs,” he says. “The Open House was a chance for supporters to connect more deeply with our mission and for tenants to be truly heard.”

Thank you, Michael, for allowing us to share your story!