From Compassion to Policy Change

Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California is working to advance housing justice

Armstrong Place Senior Housing and Armstrong Townhomes in San Francisco by Steve Proehl courtesy of BRIDGE Housing

“No single organization can solve the housing crisis alone. Lasting change happens when funders, advocates, developers, and communities work together toward shared goals—and that kind of partnership is what makes systemic impact possible.” — Amie Fishman, Executive Director, NPH

At Episcopal Impact Fund, our mission is rooted in love, dignity, and justice — and nowhere is that more evident than in our work to address housing insecurity across the Bay Area. Today, we’re proud to spotlight a grantee and key partner in this shared journey: the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (NPH).

NPH has been the collective voice for affordable housing in the Bay Area since 1979. They bring nonprofit housing developers, advocates, policymakers, and residents together to fight for equitable, stable homes for all — especially communities historically marginalized by our housing system.

Why Advocacy Matters in the Fight for Housing Security

At Episcopal Impact Fund, we understand that funding direct service — such as affordable housing or emergency housing assistance — is critical and lifesaving. But these programs respond to needs created by systems that continue to produce housing insecurity and poverty. Without changes in the policies that shape housing affordability, income stability, and access to opportunity, the demand for direct services will persist. By funding advocacy and policy work alongside direct service, Episcopal Impact Fund invests in solutions that address root causes, strengthen systems, and reduce the need for crisis-driven interventions over time.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

• Supporting policy leadership: NPH works with lawmakers and regional agencies to develop and pass policies that unlock affordable housing funding, make land available for homes, and streamline production.

• Strengthening community power: They engage affordable housing residents and service providers to raise voices together — because the people most impacted by housing insecurity often know the solutions best.

• Advancing equity and racial justice: Recognizing that historic exclusion continues to shape who has a safe, affordable home, NPH centers racial equity in its advocacy and coalition building.

This work changes the rules of the game. It expands opportunities for developers to build more homes, increases regional accountability, and helps ensure that Bay Area communities can live where they work, play, and belong.

Our Shared Impact

In 2024 and 2025, Episcopal Impact Fund was honored to support NPH with grants focused specifically on their advocacy work — because we believe that strategic policy change and direct service must go hand in hand. This investment positions NPH to continue building equitable housing systems that prevent displacement and create long-term security for our neighbors.

Together, we are:

• Helping advance housing policy solutions that benefit families, seniors, and workers across the Bay Area.

• Lifting-up voices of residents in policy conversations that impact their lives.

• Supporting a broader movement to end housing insecurity at its roots.