Who We Are
Better Housing Coalition Young Professionals (BHCyp) is a group of enthusiastic young professionals from the Greater-Richmond area who are passionate about housing affordability and will advocate for BHC’s mission. With a focus on diversity, they come from a variety of backgrounds, such as social work, urban planning, healthcare, law, finance and real estate.
BHCyp members meet monthly and engage in service projects, networking opportunities and fundraising events that help further BHC’s mission. They’re active in social media, in their communities, and in their professions. This is a Board for the ‘doers’ in our community.
BHCyp aims to prepare members for non-profit board service by providing opportunities for professional development, networking with BHC Board of Directors, and influencing positive change in our community through advocacy and service.
BHCyp Mission Statement
The mission of BHCyp is to build community awareness of and provide support to the Better Housing Coalition, enhancing its ability to change lives and transform communities through high-quality, affordable housing in the Greater Richmond region.
“I know so much more about affordable housing and feel so much more connected to this work via my board membership… I am proud to be connected with this organization and the amazing mission it seeks to achieve.” – Chisholm Carruthers, BHCyp Member
BHCyp Membership
BHCyp members join on a yearly basis. Applications for the following calendar year will be available starting in October. There is no age limit, but members typically range from 22-39 years of age. General members should expect to dedicate 2-6 hours per month to BHCyp activities. Those opting into leadership within the organization should expect a larger time commitment.
Q&A Recording
Are you curious about BHCyp and want to learn more about what the group does, how they operate and if it’s right for you? Check out the recording of a virtual info session we held with BHCyp Chair, Kayla Smith, and Vice Chair, Sarah Brooks on Tuesday, November 30 at 12:30PM.
BHCyp Member Expectations
- Attend orientation scheduled for 1.12.22 at 6PM –New members only
- Come prepared and attend a minimum of 6 meetings annually; BHCyp meets monthly, typically at 6PM during the third week of the month
- BHCyp does not have membership dues, but each Board member is expected to provide monetary support to BHC according to their ability and circumstances
- Assist in planning BHCyp signature events including the Church Hill Bike Tour in the spring and Gingerbread House Challenge in the fall
- Leverage your network to meet fundraising and friend-raising goals
- Join a BHCyp working group (events, advocacy, membership) to plan and advance initiatives both during and outside of regular meetings
Click here for a full list of member responsibilities
Click here to read the BHCyp Leadership descriptions
APPLY TO JOIN BHCyp
We are accepting applications for the 2022 BHCyp Board through December 5, 2021.
Apply to join the 2022 BHCyp Board
2021 BHCyp Board
Kayla Smith, Chair
CARITAS
Sarah Brooks, Vice Chair & Events Chair
Capital One
Molly Armus, Secretary
The Humane Society of the United States
Kaycee Ensign, Community Outreach Chair
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Lee Jones, Member Enrichment Chair
HG Design Studio
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Colleen Connolly
Teach for America
Patrice Edwards
Weinstein Properties
Maja Gabrielson
Kimley-Horn
Wyatt Gordon
Virginia Conservation Network
Victoria Haugen
South Carolina Community Loan Fund
Alex Hendee
Thalhimer
Chelsea Jackson
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Katie Lynch
Dodson Property Management
Tyler Parham
Cetera Investors
Adarsh Ramakrishnan
Tailored Industry
Tory Sprehe
Spider Management Company
Betsy Stewart
SAARA of Virginia
Adam Tiller
Dodson Development Group
David Verdis
Kimley-Horn
Sarah Fernald, BHCyp Coordinator
Better Housing Coalition
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