Firesteel

A Powerful Display of Collective Action

From seasoned advocates to impassioned first-time participants, hundreds came together at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, demanding justice and transforming the halls into a beacon of hope. With a resounding call for equitable housing policies, this year’s event showcased the strength of collective action and the unyielding resolve of our community.
 

The day began at the Washington Center for Performing Arts, where advocates gathered to check in, grab their signature red HHAD scarves, and enjoy a light breakfast. Attendees participated in advocacy skill-building workshops and received legislative updates, equipping them with the tools needed for effective lawmaker meetings.

The day continued with a surge of energy as attendees gathered for the morning rally. At the Rally for Homes, the Capitol grounds came alive with music, chanting, and calls for change from leaders, activists, and individuals with lived experience sharing powerful stories. The rally opened with a moving performance by the Chief Seattle Club drummers, setting a reverent and unifying tone. Kawana Hughes delivered a powerful spoken word piece that echoed the lived experiences of many in the crowd. Advocates were further energized by speeches from affordable housing champions in the legislature, including Sen. Emily Alvarado, Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, Sen. Noel Frame, Rep. Natasha Hill, Rep. Brianna Thomas, Rep. Strom Peterson, Rep. Shaun Scott and Rep. Janice Zahn. The crowd’s cheers swelled with every pledge for stronger tenant protections, increased affordable housing, and solutions to prevent houselessness.

The rally ended on a high note with a live performance of the housing justice anthem “Can’t Let It Slide” by 410 Noodlez, leaving the crowd inspired and motivated.

Throughout the day, participants met with their legislators, engaging in meaningful conversations about the urgent need for policy reform and support for affordable housing. Many shared personal experiences, making the crisis more than just statistics—it became real, tangible, and impossible to ignore. The passion in these exchanges was palpable, with advocates leaving a lasting impression on policymakers.
 

This year, youth from YWCA’s The Willow after-school program joined our advocacy efforts for the second year in a row. Octavio (12), Oquealiy (11), Kejmwean (11), Melanie Rose (11), Omyli (9), Mareya Renee (9), and Mila Reine (7) brought a powerful and refreshing perspective, highlighting the impact of housing instability on young people and their families. These dynamic youth activists courageously shared their experiences and aspirations, offering heartfelt testimonies that illuminated the barriers they face and the future they are fighting for.

We asked these youth representatives to share their HHAD experience with us.

• What was your favorite part of the day?
  Oquealiy: My favorite part was making the signs like "Say yes to affordable housing" and also exploring the space [the Capitol].
  Omily: Making signs and taking pictures with them, going to the meetings and doing my speech.
   
• How did you feel when you talked to the representatives? (Excited? Nervous? Proud?)
  Mareya: I felt nervous but happy and proud of myself after the speech.
  Octavio: I felt brave, nervous but chilled.
   
• Why do you think it’s important for kids to speak up about housing and houselessness?
  Melanie: They need to know what we are thinking.
  Mareya: It's not fair to the kids that we don't have homes, it's not fair to the parents too, and it's not fair that they don't have enough money for food and rent.
   
• If you could make one change about housing or rent, what would it be?
  Kejmwean: Stop rent from getting higher, let people pay a fair rent that they can afford.
  Melanie: Make the rent go lower, making sure everyone gets a house.
   
• What’s one memory from the day that made you smile?
  Mila: My speech (talking to my representatives).
  Octavio: The comments (feedback) from the representative made me smile.

Their passion is a reminder that the future of housing justice depends on the next generation—and they are more than ready to lead the charge.

Special thanks to Youth Advocates Tejashree Jadhav and Jessica Parks who worked tirelessly to prepare and empower the kids for HHAD 2025. Their unwavering commitment to guiding, encouraging, and equipping these young advocates made their participation not only possible, but profoundly impactful. Their leadership and dedication to amplifying young voices is helping shape a future where youth are not only seen but heard—and their experiences valued as catalysts for change.
 

Beyond the meetings and marches, HHAD 2025 was about action. Advocates called for increased investments in affordable housing, stronger eviction protections, and expanded support services. Their presence was not just symbolic—it was strategic. With focused policy demands and coordinated efforts, they made it clear that this movement is growing louder and stronger by the year.

Here are a few bills and changes we advocated for:

• Rent Stabilization: HB 1217 and SB 5222 
  Excessive rent increases are driving people out of their homes and communities while increasing houselessness. These bills propose limiting annual rent and fee increases to no more than 7% for existing tenants and manufactured homeowners. This would protect renters from predatory pricing while still allowing landlords to make necessary repairs and earn a profit.
• Capital Funding for Affordable Homes 
  Washington needs nearly 650,000 new affordable homes over the next 20 years. Advocates called for the capital budget to include at least $536 million for the Housing Trust Fund to build and preserve affordable housing.
• Preventing Cuts to Houselessness Services: $253 Million Investment 
  Due to a lag in document recording revenue, Washington faces a significant shortfall in funding for houselessness services. Advocates urged lawmakers to invest at least $253 million in the operating budget to prevent cuts to essential services, including shelter, emergency housing support, and youth and family services.
   

As the day closed, participants gathered for a final reflection. The sense of camaraderie was palpable—a collective acknowledgment that no one stands alone in this fight. Volunteers, staff, and community members exchanged hugs, words of encouragement, and promises to continue the work beyond the day’s events.

HHAD 2025 was not just a day of advocacy—it was a powerful reminder of what is possible when people come together with courage and compassion. As we move forward, we carry with us the voices of the youth, the stories of resilience, and the shared commitment to creating a Washington where safe, stable, and affordable housing is a reality for all.
 

While HHAD is a one-day event, the fight for housing justice is ongoing. YWCA remains committed to advocating for policies that promote housing stability, prevent displacement, and address the root causes of homelessness. We continue to push for investments in affordable housing, stronger tenant protections, and equitable access to resources.

To everyone who showed up, shared their stories, and stood in solidarity: thank you. Your voices matter. Together, we are building a future where safe, stable, and affordable housing is a reality for all.
 

Housing justice requires collective action. Whether it’s attending advocacy days, contacting your lawmakers, or supporting local organizations, you have the power to make a difference.

You can get involved today by joining YWCA’s digital advocacy and public policy efforts. Here’s how:

• Firesteel Monthly Newsletter: Subscribe for a round-up of concrete ways to take action and timely information on housing and houselessness policies.
• Firesteel Action Center: Join campaigns to help by taking direct advocacy action.
• Action Alerts: Sign up to receive text message updates with key advocacy opportunities.
• Legislative Bill Tracker: Stay informed on the status of housing-related bills this legislative session.

The momentum from HHAD 2025 will carry forward as we continue the fight for safe, stable, and affordable housing for all Washingtonians. Together, we are making a difference.