So Much We Can Learn

This week the United Way hosted a training called the Housing Narrative Lab. We learned about the importance of messaging in our work toward housing stability for our neighbors. At the training, I saw just how many different people are involved in housing-from service providers and funders to CEOs and organizers. Everyone came together with the same goal of more affordable housing, but it was clear that "affordable housing," "community," and even "Orange County" meant something different to everyone there. Regardless, after two days of working together, I saw how powerful it is when we come together and bring different perspectives. There's so much we can learn from each other, and we're definitely stronger when we're united. What really stood out to me was how my ideas were actually heard and valued, and I made some real connections with others who are working toward housing justice.

This whole experience really connects to the values we have at Unidos: community, justice, and the belief that we're stronger together. We've always known that collaboration and inclusion are key, and this event was a reminder that our work goes beyond just our local efforts. Every step we take is making a difference, not just for us, but for everyone who's in this fight for a better more just future where everyone has the opportunities to thrive.

-Miriam Zuñiga