Who are we?
The Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County (HLC) was created when a group of nonprofit leaders and service providers began discussions about the housing crisis, as well as the deeply entrenched obstacles to affordable housing development in communities throughout San Mateo. Those conversations led to HLC’s incorporation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2001. HLC was founded to build a network of people who support the development of new housing, to build community support for housing, and to advocate for policies that address the root causes of the housing shortage.
Today, HLC is a membership organization that works with our partners to preserve and expand the range and supply of adequate, accessible, and affordable housing for residents and workers of San Mateo County. We organize to ensure everyone who works here, lives here, or grows up here can obtain a suitable home.
Vision:
HLC envisions a San Mateo County that works together to build inclusive, equitable, and healthy communities where all people can access safe, affordable homes and the resources needed for their families to thrive.
Our Values:
Equity
HLC believes that its our collective responsibility to build communities where all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation, or income, can afford decent stable housing and live in safe healthy communities. When we find and implement solutions that work for people experiencing the toughest challenges, we will find solutions that work for everyone.
Respect
HLC staff respect each other and the communities we serve. We strive to live in balance and support each other to be present for all of our responsibilities, including work, community, family, and self.
Inclusion
HLC’s success is the community’s success. We are committed to building trusting and honest relationships with community residents, housing developers, business leaders, and our elected leaders and dedicated government partners. Our power is in our ability to authentically listen to all voices, bring people together, and find common ground.
Growth Mindset
Through dedication and hard work, HLC staff are constantly evolving, improving, getting stronger. We embrace continuous improvement, reflection, and learning as part of our work to develop effective teams, strategies, and vibrant communities.
Connection
We know that housing, health, education, transit, and the environment are all connected to each other. We see our opportunities and challenges holistically and work together for effective solutions.
Nimble and Adaptable
We keep our eyes focused on our mission and understand that opportunities and context change. With a strong vision and mission, we are adaptable in our approaches to take advantage and respond to new opportunities and challenges when they arise. We are always ready and willing to help out to get the job done.
Compassion
We see ourselves in our community, their successes and their challenges. Our passion and dedication for this work come from our hearts. We are community builders and are committed to constantly being in dialogue with our communities to understand and advocate for their hopes and dreams.