Description
Staff and partners at both Habitat La Crosse and Milwaukee Habitat have created interactive, educational programs to better understand how local history has impacted our housing patterns. Participants in these programs examine primary sources and data maps to see how segregated housing and racial discrimination were conscious, institutional choices and have very real effects on issues of equity and access in our communities today.
Presenters Beth and Natalie will share content from these existing programs. They will share their experiences facilitating these programs for diverse groups, including how they inspire participants to make a commitment to affordable housing and take informed action.
Sharing examples from two sides of the state, Beth and Natalie can offer best practices for affiliates on addressing challenging but critical issues. They will highlight how they've developed multidisciplinary partnerships, engaged elected officials, and broadened their advocacy efforts.
Beth & Natalie are co-coordinators of Habitat Wisconsin's statewide advocacy committee. They share a commitment to place-based learning, leveraging local history to better understand our present issues and plan for a more equitable future.
Learning Objectives
Understand how local histories of discrimination have shaped current housing patterns.
Learn tips on incorporating local history exploration into advocacy work.
Identify clear action steps to take on housing equity in your own community
Presenters
Natalie Heneghan
Natalie Heneghan is the Community Outreach Director at Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region. Natalie manages the organization's marketing, communications, and advocacy efforts. She uses storytelling and relationship-building skills to inspire people to take better care of our built environment and create equitable, sustainable communities. Natalie has over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, focused on building rehab, material reuse, community education, and local housing issues. Natalie holds a BA in History from Macalester College and a Master’s in Heritage Studies and Public History from the University of Minnesota.
Beth Van Gorp
Since 2015, Beth Van Gorp has been part of the Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity team and is currently the Director of Advocacy and Government Relations, which is a new position for the organization. Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity is in the midst of plans to double production of new homes for homeownership and critical home repairs by 2028. Beth's professional experience includes over 20 years with Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte, NC. Her roles with Habitat have included volunteer coordination, accounting, safety, AmeriCorps and grants management. A native of Iowa, she is a graduate of the University of Tulsa.