As the Brick by Brick Fellowship approaches its final stretch, Days 6 and 7 have brought meaningful momentum. From deep dives into housing policy and homelessness prevention to the launch of a new mentorship-coaching program, here’s a look at what the cohort has been up to and what’s ahead.

Day 6 Highlights

The cohort gathered at Destination:Home’s office for a full day of learning and connection. SV@Home’s Director of Policy, Alison Cingolani, opened with a seminar on Fair Housing Laws, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, and Housing Elements. Partners from Destination:Home, Sacred Heart Community Services, and the County of Santa Clara’s Office of Supportive Housing then delivered a collaborative training on the region’s Homelessness Prevention System.

A standout moment was the launch of a new mentorship-coaching program, facilitated by Kenneth Javier-Rosales, SV@Home’s Leadership Development Program Manager. Fellows and working professionals in the affordable housing and homelessness fields completed their first one-on-one check-ins and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Several fellows called it the best session of the fellowship so far, reflecting SV@Home’s commitment to developing early-career professionals with lived experience. The day wrapped up with a Book Club discussion on The Four Pivots by Dr. Shawn Ginwright.

Day 7 and What’s Ahead

Day 7 brings another rich agenda: fellows will learn salary negotiation strategies and how to effectively advocate and lobby for affordable housing and homelessness policies. Looking ahead, April’s session will be the final instructional day of the fellowship, followed by Affordable Housing Month events in May and a graduation celebration in June.Support the next generation of housing leaders — contribute to our future leaders today.