Issue link: https://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1479050
FROM THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Everyone May Be Different, But We All Need Housing BY JERRY HALL INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MBAKS JHALL@MBAKS.COM ACCOUNTABLE COLLABORATIVE DEDICATED INNOVATIVE RECOGNIZING RESPECTFUL MBAKS CORE VALUES The Declaration of Independence famously states that "all men are created equal." And it's true that all people are born equally valuable and lovable. But that doesn't mean we're all the same. All I have to do is look at my own siblings to see that I got the long and short ends of many different sticks. Even identical twins are not created the same. They might share a superficial resemblance, but each has their own unique personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. And, despite the fact that they share parents and likely similar upbringings, their differences will mean a different set of opportunities in life. But despite these differences, there are opportunities everyone should have. One of these is having a home that's right for them. In fact, it's a pretty basic need. Abraham Maslow's famous Hierarchy of Needs—a pyramid that includes the five things every human being must have—is built on a foundation of physiological requirements including air, water, food, and shelter. The security and stability, not to mention protection from the elements, that comes with having a home is essential to life itself. And while our talents and skills vary, we must have equal access to housing to live our best lives. That's why it's so important that we work together at MBAKS to provide adequate supply of all types of housing in all places where it's sustainable. Through our policy advocacy, workforce development, community stewardship, and membership outreach, we help create housing for everyone. If housing scarcity makes our society less equitable, then plentiful supply is the key to equity. The more housing supply we have, the more opportunities we create for every unique individual to find a home that's perfect for them. We may all be different, but we all need housing. While our talents and skills vary, we must have equal access to housing to live our best lives. 7 FALL 2022 | master BUILDER IN EVERY ISSUE