JUNE AT INSIGHT HOUSING

Happy Summer! We're off to a hot start here at Insight Housing, from tabling at multiple events to advancing new affordable housing projects around the Bay. We always love hearing from you, and if you have feedback or would like to learn more, please reach out to us at philanthropy@insighthousing.org.

Board President Announcement: Thank You Alex and Welcome Steve

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Steve Kirnon as the new President of the Insight Housing Board of Directors!

We extend our sincere gratitude to Alex Vondeling, our outgoing Board President, for nine years of dedicated service to Insight Housing. Alex's leadership and stewardship have helped strengthen our organization and advanced our mission during a period of significant growth and impact. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and continued support of Insight Housing!

A member of the Board of Directors for five years, Steve brings more than 30 years of experience in organizational leadership, innovation, and strategic change. He is the co-founder and CEO of Shawshank Therapeutics, Inc., and Clinical Professor and Social Entrepreneurship and Change Program Chair at Pepperdine GSEP. Steve is a strong advocate for integrating social entrepreneurship into business models, and his leadership and commitment to our mission have been invaluable. We are excited to have him guide the Board of Directors in this new role.

From left: Alex Vondeling, outgoing President of the Board of Directors; current and former Board Presidents Steve Kirnon, Alex Vondeling, Thomas Peeks, Kajsa Minor, and Larry Rosenthal; and Steve Kirnon, incoming President, with Calleene Egan, CEO

Insight in the Community 

Our program teams have been out and about! Our Martinez and Solano Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) teams represented Insight Housing at a Veterans Job Fair in Concord and a church event in Oakland, while our San Francisco SSVF team tabled at PHC’s Community Day of Service in the city. Elan Levine, Enrollment and Outreach Supervisor, says that Insight’s presence at these events “allows those most in need to seek assistance in the most efficient, compassionate and accessible way.” Follow us on social media to see where we go next!

Insight Housing staff at various tabling events across the Bay Area

Veteran Housing Project Approved in Vacaville 

Insight Housing recently helped advance plans for a new Permanent Supportive Housing development for Veterans in Vacaville. The Vacaville City Council approved the project this month following advocacy efforts and a presentation from Blaire Frett during the city council meeting on June 9. Developed in partnership with Mutual Housing, the project represents an important step toward expanding housing opportunities for Veterans in Solano County. We look forward to continuing our partnership to support Veterans experiencing homelessness in the region.

Rendering of completed Vacaville Veterans affordable housing project

Surge Outreach Event 

Our SSVF team participated in a surge event in Alameda County this past week. This is a mass outreach event held over several days that aims to connect as many unhoused Veterans with resources and housing as possible. “One of the most rewarding parts of the Veteran Surge was watching every team member operate seamlessly toward a common goal. The success of this event was a direct reflection of teamwork, dedication, and shared commitment to ending Veteran homelessness, and I am so proud of my team," said Suzanne Cisneros, Outreach and Enrollment Supervisor. Thank you to our amazing teams who are connecting Veterans to the resources and services they deserve!

Jason Miller and Belinda Payton, Outreach Specialists, during the surge event 

$11.25 Billion Housing Bond to Appear on November Ballot 

Big news in the California affordable housing landscape: it’s been announced that an $11.25 billion housing bond, titled the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, will be placed on the ballot in November. This bond would speed up construction, support rehabilitation and preservation of affordable housing, strengthen homeownership initiatives, and provide funding for a variety of other state affordable housing projects and plans. Insight is part of the HousingBondCA coalition supporting affordable housing investments and will continue to share information about the measure leading up to the election. Stay tuned for ways you can get involved! 

Because of supporters like you, lives are changing. Thank you for being part of Insight Housing. Your continued support helps us build a future where everyone in our community has a home through sustainable and supportive housing solutions!