Attainable workforce housing developer and builder Hillpointe, which ranks No. 4 on the National Multifamily Housing Council's top developers list and No. 6 on the top builders list this year, has launched the Housing and Workforce Collective Solutions (HAWCS), a nonprofit committed to tackling affordable housing issues head-on. HAWCS will focus on advocating systemic change, empowering renters, and forming partnerships that create lasting solutions.
As a passionate housing advocate dedicated to finding sustainable housing solutions for America’s workforce, Kelly Barnhill will direct HAWCS as co-founder and executive director. MFE chatted with Barnhill to learn more about HAWCS and what’s to come.
What prompted the Housing and Workforce Collective Solutions?
HAWCS was founded in response to the growing shortage of attainable rental housing for essential workers—such as nurses, teachers, and first responders—who are increasingly priced out of the communities they serve. Through their work, the founding team consistently encountered a significant gap between the demand for workforce housing and the supply available. This gap was largely driven by excessive regulatory red tape, NIMBYism, and bureaucratic obstacles at the local government level that hindered the development of much-needed essential housing. HAWCS was established to address this gap by advocating for policies, partnerships, and community-driven solutions that expand access to quality, attainable rental housing for America’s doers.
What are three goals for HAWCS this year?
Goal 1: Educate the Public and Reframe the Narrative Around Workforce Housing Launch
A nationwide awareness campaign—including social media, community events, and storytelling initiatives—to educate the public on what workforce housing truly is and actively combat harmful myths and stereotypes.
Goal 2: Create and Grow an Online Community
Establish an engaged digital presence by building an online community of supporters, essential workers, advocates, and housing professionals to share stories, elevate awareness, and mobilize collective action for workforce housing solutions.
Goal 3: Strengthen Community Partnerships
Develop and formalize partnerships with nonprofits, local governments, and advocacy groups to support housing access and stability.
Who is HAWCS aiming to help and how?
HAWCS is aiming to help America’s doers—the essential workers who keep our communities running, such as teachers, nurses, first responders, and service workers. HAWCS works to empower them by providing education, advocacy tools, and a platform to make their voices heard in local government decision-making. By removing barriers and supporting the development of attainable workforce housing, HAWCS helps ensure that these workers can live, work, and thrive in the places they call home.
In what ways can other industry leaders join in this initiative?
Industry leaders have a critical role to play in addressing the workforce housing crisis, and HAWCS welcomes their partnership in several meaningful ways:
- Collaborate on employer-sponsored housing initiatives: Businesses can partner with HAWCS to develop housing solutions that support their workforce, improve retention, and strengthen local economies.
- Support policy advocacy: Industry voices are powerful. Leaders can advocate for zoning reform, streamlined permitting, and other policy changes that make attainable housing easier to build.
- Join the HAWCS network: Become part of a national movement focused on sustainable, community-driven housing solutions that serve America’s essential workforce.
- Share your voice and story: One of the most impactful ways to help is by sharing your company’s experience—whether it’s the challenges you face housing employees or the innovative solutions you’ve tried. Personal stories drive awareness, influence policy, and inspire others to take action.
What types of workforce housing will HAWCS assist in developing?
HAWCS will advocate for workforce housing that meets the federal guidelines of 80% to 120% of area median income (AMI), helping to serve essential workers. The focus will be on two key types of housing:
- Workforce housing for key workers in rural or underserved areas. Focusing on the development of housing for essential workers in rural or underdeveloped regions, where housing options are often limited. These areas are critical but overlooked in traditional housing markets and require stable, attainable housing for their workforce.
- Employer-sponsored housing. Collaborating with businesses to create housing developments tailored to the needs of their employees, including those working in health care systems, schools, and first responder departments. This model ensures that essential workers have affordable housing options within commuting distance of their workplaces.
