In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend Redmond Habitat for Humanity. Carly shares her path from studying biology in Illinois to serving in AmeriCorps after Hurricane Katrina, leading Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Colorado and Washington, and ultimately joining the organization in Central Oregon. She discusses her work expanding access to affordable homeownership and her recent appointment to the Oregon Housing Stability Council.

The conversation explores the realities of the housing crisis in Central Oregon, the challenges facing working families who hope to become homeowners, and how Habitat for Humanity creates pathways to affordable ownership through education, partnerships, and community support. Carly also explains the scale of Habitat’s current projects and why long term planning is essential to meeting the region’s growing housing needs.