This session examines how communities can build more responsive housing systems when traditional pathways—including vouchers and permanent housing development—cannot meet the scale or urgency of need. Speakers will explore how interim housing, permanent supportive housing, locally funded subsidies, and cross-sector collaboration can work together as part of a connected system rather than as isolated programs.
The discussion will focus on the distinct role of interim housing: private, service-rich places where people can stabilize, build community, and prepare for longer-term housing—not simply short-stay shelter beds. Panelists will share lessons from Homekey-era innovation, including what emergency conditions made possible, what should not be lost in a return to business as usual, and how communities can expand housing options while preserving dignity, choice, and practical pathways to permanence.
Moderator
Joanne Price, Co-Founder and Chief Real Estate Officer, Dignity Moves
Joanne has two decades in real estate development, focusing on homelessness initiatives for the past several years. She drove the LifeMoves|Mountain View project funded by the State of California’s Homekey program, delivering 100 new construction units in an eye-popping six months. She helped surpass this effort on Labath Landing, Rohnert Park, a second wave Homekey project, that also used prefabricated construction, delivering 60 units in a draw-dropping four months enabling the city to achieve an Early Occupancy Bonus and additional funding. Jo holds a BSc (Hons) in Architecture, Building, Planning & Environmental Studies from the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London and a MSc in Project Management (with a major in Private Finance Initiatives) from the University of Reading, UK.
Speakers
David Amaral, Director of Research and Evaluation, All Home
David is the director of research and evaluation at All Home where he leads research and technical assistance efforts supporting the organization’s goals of reducing homelessness and disrupting cycles of poverty in the Bay Area. He previously worked at California’s Department of Housing and Community Development and with the Blum Center for Poverty at UC Santa Cruz, where he conducted community-engaged research on food insecurity and assistance programs. Prior to research and policy work, David worked in theater and arts education in Chicago.
Rose Cade, Deputy Director of Programs, San Mateo County DOH
Rose Cade joined the San Mateo County Department of Housing in 2015 initially as a Housing and Community Development (HCD) Specialist III and subsequently an HCD Supervisor. She currently serves as Deputy Director for the Department helping to oversee both County Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Housing Authority of the County of San Mateo (HACSM). As Deputy Director, Rose works closely with senior managers and supervisors to administer programs including HUD-funded rental assistance programs, CDBG, HOME, ESG as well as state and local funded programs including Measure K, the Affordable Housing Fund and more recently State of California Homekey Program, Housing for Healthy California, No Place Like Home, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) and Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA). Rose has an MBA from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and has worked in the field of affordable housing in many capacities for 30 years.
Kalimah Salahuddin, Founding Member, REACH Coalition and Rooted Together
Kalimah Salahuddin is a dedicated community leader, advocate, and mother. She has served as a school board member for the Jefferson Union High School District for 12 years and as Past President of the San Mateo County School Boards Association. Kalimah is actively involved in policy and community initiatives, serving on the Shared Prosperity Council and as Chair of the San Mateo County Sheriff Independent Civilian Advisory Commission. She is a founding member of the REACH Coalition, a 501(c)(4), an advocacy group dedicated to promoting equity and improving community health, and Rooted Together, which is a 501(c)(3) with the same mission. She also serves on the boards of the ACLU Northern California Chapter and LifeMoves. Professionally, Kalimah is the Employee Experience Programs Manager at Exelixis, where she works to foster an inclusive and engaging workplace culture.
Pastor Paul Bains, Co-founder and President, WeHOPE
Pastor Paul Bains is the co-founder and chairman of United Hope Builders and WeHOPE. Pastor Paul is a leader and mentor and has been working with his community for over two decades to be a better place. He has been leading the congregation of Saint Samuel Church in East Palo Alto since 1999. He is a community leader and an acclaimed speaker, speaking on the issues of affordable housing, food insecurity, and workforce development. Pastor Paul is deeply-rooted in his community and the region. He is a board member or on the advisory board of many non-profit organizations within the Bay Area: LISC Housing Development Corp, Eden Housing Development, Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto Community Foundation, City Team, LifeMoves, and Able Works. Outside of work, Pastor Paul Bains loves watching his Warriors game, reading, doing fun activities, and traveling with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children.