Vital Condition
Humane Housing
Humane Housing as a Vital Condition and a Foundation for Thriving
Housing is the foundation of dignity, stability, and opportunity – where families grow, children learn, and communities flourish. Humane Housing efforts bring together neighbors, organizations, and leaders to create multi-sector solutions that make safe, affordable, and connected housing possible for everyone. By aligning people, data, and resources, we work to close the wealth gap and build sustainable neighborhoods where housing is humane, equitable, and thriving for all.
Forsyth County faces a 25,000-unit housing deficit by 2029, and nearly half of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The numbers show the urgency, but they also point the way toward solutions.
Networks
Forsyth County Humane Housing Network
Forsyth County Human Housing Network (FCHHN)
A highly active Thriving Together network, The Forsyth County Humane Housing Network (FCHHN) is focused on creating a housing feedback loop that connects data, lived experience, and collaborative action.
To strengthen the humane housing ecosystem, we advance five interconnected strategies:
1. Mapping analyzing housing reports and assets across the county
2. Multisolving connecting partners across sectors to influence outcomes together
3. Network Building fostering collaboration through convenings, shared communications, and collective action
4. Alignment supporting a county-wide housing plan
5. Advocacy advancing public policy and community education that promote humane, equitable housing for all.
Early work groups have identified promising opportunities, including:
- Property tax and insurance relief
- Legal support for eviction prevention, landlord mediation, and heirs property
- Home repair and maintenance programs
- Community education and advocacy
- Strengthening existing and future housing funds
FCHHN builds on and connects existing housing efforts across Forsyth County, from sheltering our unhoused population through the WS/FC Continuum of Care to prevention and stability initiatives like the Forsyth IAF Homelessness Prevention & Rehousing Group, the WSF Housing Fund, and Moving Families Forward (Partnership for Prosperity). These are just a few of the many partnerships underway, and we know not everyone is at the table – we invite you to join us by sharing your work, ideas, and voice.
Learn More & Get Involved
Introduction
Watch
Lessons from the Past. Directions for the Future.
Read
Housing Report
Review
Presentation Slides
Understanding to Action Housing Series
Session 1
Video: Understanding the Current Landscape for the Future
Access Passcode: f1Yy&dd2
Session 2
Video: Insights and Innovations
Access Passcode: gi2wJ.q4
Receive Humane Housing updates, upcoming convening dates, and ways to contribute.
housing@thrivingtogetherforsyth.org
Planning Committee
Multi-sector and community members are contributing diverse perspectives and know-how to moving the FCHHN work forward.
Vivian Pérez Chandler
Executive Director
Asset Building Coalition of Forsyth County
David Docusen
Chair, The Neighborliness Center
President, International Ministry Network
Shereka Floyd
Housing Programs Manager
City of Winston-Salem
Charlie Gardner
Program Director, Impact Investing
Winston-Salem Foundation
Adam Hill
Executive Director, Forsyth Futures
Thriving Together Backbone Partner
Andrea Kurtz
President, ASK Impact Strategies
Paula McCoy
Director, Partnership for Prosperity
Esharan Monroe-Johnson
Facilitator, Northington & Associates
Thriving Together
Katheryn Northington
Facilitator, Northington & Associates
Thriving Together
Kenneth Reid
Co-CEO, Action4Equity
Thriving Together Backbone Partner
Stephen Sills
Housing Consultant
Innovative Research Insights
FAQs
What is the focus of the Humane Housing Network?
We’re developing a community housing plan informed by asset mapping and community input, while also advancing short-term strategies that can make an immediate difference.
What are some of the short-term strategies?
We’re prioritizing prevention—helping people stay in their homes is more effective and humane than crisis rehousing.
How is this network different?
In a time of limited resources, collaboration and innovation are essential. Our shared commitment to long-term, humane housing goes beyond short-term fixes—we’re working toward generational stability and wealth.
How does the network make decisions?
Our collective norms are emerging as we grow, guided by our shared values, commitment to equity, and belief that everyone deserves a home that sustains their wellbeing.