FACTS DON'T CHANGE LIVES, STORIES DO.
ABOUT US
At Humans for Housing, we believe that every human has inherent worth and has a right to stable and safe housing. Through powerful storytelling, education, and community engagement we aim for a future where everyone has a safe and stable place to lay their head at night.
HUMANIZE
EDUCATE
BUILD COMMUNITY
MEET OUR FOUNDER
MICHAEL
LARSON
Michael, the visionary behind Humans For Housing, draws profound inspiration from his personal journey through the foster care system. At two years old, he, along with his two siblings, navigated through various homes, enduring challenges that no child should face until they were finally adopted and found their home. Michael went on to study sociology at Gonzaga, where he discovered the stark reality of homelessness among youth aging out of foster care. This revelation ignited a passionate commitment to serve at a local homeless shelter near his university and eventually leading a student-group named Meals in the Margins. Michael was the director on”Humanizing Spokane”, a documentary that told the powerful stories of four individuals and helped to build empathy for those experiencing homelessness across the city. Michael’s writing on the issue of homelessness has been featured in The Seattle Times, and he’s a regular volunteer at NightStrike, an outreach program every Thursday under the Burnside Bridge in Portland, OR. His hope is to help create a world where every person has a safe and stable place to lay their head at night.
OUR BOARD
Michael Larson
Michael is the founder and Executive Director of Humans for Housing, leading efforts to combat chronic homelessness. A documentary filmmaker, he directed Humanizing Spokane to amplify the voices of those experiencing homelessness. His writing has been featured in The Seattle Times, and is a lead volunteer with NightStrike, a homeless outreach program in Portland.
Skyler Broker Knapp
Skyler is the Director of Portland Solutions, overseeing city shelter services, the Street Services Coordination Center, and public environment initiatives. With a background in law and public policy, she focuses on innovative solutions to complex challenges, bringing deep expertise in government and social impact.
Davey Schaupp
Davey is a director and producer with a passion for impact storytelling that blends empathy with stunning visuals. He is the director of Humans for Housing’s documentary, No Place to Grow Old, a documentary shedding light on the realities of senior homelessness. Davey focuses on commercial and documentary filmmaking, using storytelling as a powerful tool for social change.
Sean Stewart
Sean is a founding board member with a background in entrepreneurship and leadership. He achieved high success as a manager at REI, leading one of its most successful locations. His experience in strategic growth and team management supports the vision of Humans for Housing Education.
Nick Hubert
Nick has a background in business, financial services, and real estate development. With experience in investment banking and wealth management, he is committed to creating generational impact and strengthening community ties. A native Portlander, Nick enjoys backcountry skiing, cycling, and exploring the outdoors.
Madeline Iem
Madeline is a founding board member with a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Washington. Passionate about social justice and equity, she brings expertise in education and advocacy to the organization
OUR ADVISORY COMMITEE
Rod Cruickshank
Rod is the co-founder of The Partners Group and a leader in employee benefits consulting. He has served as Executive Chairman of TPG and founded C2 Solutions, one of the nation’s largest privately held firms. Rod is deeply engaged in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership.
Su Embree
Sue is a business owner and research strategist with over 20 years of experience studying public values and community priorities. She co-founded The Script, a nonprofit creating leadership pathways for college students of color. She is an investor and advisor committed to advancing equity in leadership.
Ben Sand
Ben is the CEO of The Contingent, a venture nonprofit focused on leadership development and community mobilization. His work is nationally recognized for expanding foster care initiatives and advancing social impact programs.
Tracy Nordyke
Tracy serves as the Oregon Area Director for Mission Increase, where she helps nonprofit organizations grow through fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic development. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit marketing and communications, she is a recognized leader in transformational giving.
Ken Weigel
Ken is an expert strategist specializing in leadership development, executive coaching, and nonprofit impact measurement. He helps businesses and organizations maximize their effectiveness through data-driven solutions.
Lance Orton
Lance is the Executive Director of CityTeam Portland, an organization dedicated to addressing homelessness through healing, connection, and community building. His leadership is shaped by his personal experience overcoming addiction and homelessness, fueling his commitment to transformational housing solutions.
Kelly Bartz
Kelly partners with nonprofit organizations to align their mission with strategic vision. With extensive experience in social policy and international development, she is dedicated to fostering strong, community-driven solutions that challenge the status quo.
Judy Margles
Judy is the Director Emerita of the Oregon Jewish Museum and a former curator at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. She has consulted on numerous cultural and historical projects and serves on multiple boards dedicated to preserving and sharing community histories.