Leading with Purpose at Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day 2026
When 650 advocates gathered on the Capitol steps in Olympia for Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day, hosted by the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance on January 26, the message was clear: Housing justice is not optional; it is essential. At the heart of that message was the leadership of CEO Sesany Fennie-Jones, leading with purpose at Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day 2026.
Kicking off the speeches during the morning rally of advocates, Sesany brought both urgency and hope to the steps of the Capitol, energizing hundreds before they headed into meetings with legislators. Her presence underscored the deep commitment to advancing housing solutions at Council for the Homeless.
She greeted the crowd by first recognizing Clark County for its efforts made to charter two buses, then shared:
“It is truly powerful to stand on the Capitol steps and see so many people gathered from across Washington. What a testament to our commitment to housing justice!”
Her remarks centered on the power of collective action and the importance of showing up, especially for those whose lives are most impacted by the housing crisis.
“Many of you took time away from work, traveled hours to get here, and rearranged your lives to be present today. That sacrifice matters. Your dedication matters. Our advocacy creates a collective power that cannot be overlooked.”
As CEO of Council for the Homeless, Sesany witnesses daily how stable housing transforms lives. She brought that lived reality to the Capitol steps, reminding lawmakers and advocates alike why this work cannot wait.
“We are here because housing touches every part of our lives. When people have stable housing, they are healthier, children do better in school, families are more secure, and communities are stronger. Housing creates conditions for dignity and opportunity. Without it, everything else becomes harder.”
Her speech also emphasized the importance of centering those most affected by housing instability and homelessness.
“It is especially important that those most affected are SEEN, HEARD, and CENTERED in this conversation,” she said — a principle that guides the work of Council for the Homeless all year.
While acknowledging uncertainty at the federal level, Sesany made it clear that Washington state has both the power and responsibility to act. She pointed to the recent rent stabilization victory as proof that progress is possible when advocates remain united:
“Our rent stabilization win reminds us of what’s possible when we stay focused and united. Today is about carrying that momentum forward.”
Sesany closed with a rallying call that captured the spirit of the day:
“As we meet with lawmakers, let’s bring the same COURAGE, CLARITY, and SOLIDARITY that brought us here. Everyone in Washington deserves a SAFE, STABLE, and AFFORDABLE place to call home. Together, we can continue to make that a reality. We are fired up and ready to go!”
As advocates fanned out across the campus to meet with lawmakers, they carried forward key priorities:
- Secure a significant new Capital Budget investment for affordable homes
- Prevent evictions: Secure $3 million for the Right to Counsel program
- Pass progressive revenue cuts and ensure that Washington can meet the needs of people across the state
- Stop criminalization of homelessness and focus on real solutions instead
- Protect Washington residents from federal attacks on housing and homelessness programs
Council for the Homeless is proud to stand at the forefront of this movement, in partnership with Southwest Washington Accountable Communities of Health (SWACH), Southwest Washington Equity Coalition (SWEC), and Odyssey World International Education Services (OWIES), as we organized and chartered two buses of advocates from Clark County, and welcomed additional participants from Kelso, to ensure Southwest Washington was strongly represented. Together, we showed up. And through collective community power, we continue leading with purpose and advance our vision that everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home.
The Columbian was with us that morning as we prepared to head to Olympia, read their coverage: ‘Homeownership is getting further and further away from us’: Advocates head to Olympia to urge Legislature to address housing stability, homelessness funding to learn more about the powerful voices calling for action and leading with purpose. And don’t forget to join our Advocacy List to stay informed about upcoming events, policy updates, and opportunities to make a difference in advancing housing justice.
