Don’t expect Lee to be a quiet board member. They plan to make some noise.

Recognizing that everyone is in the same affordable housing predicament nation-wide, Lee hopes to provoke change at the higher levels of government. They want to be part of lobbying as a federation, and ensure that voices advocating for policies and programs to develop new co-op housing stock and to support existing co-ops are heard loud and clear. As well, they feel it’s important to support members in navigating the existing systems that would help them to thrive.

Lee has spent the past 15 years in various administrative support roles related to health care. They currently work as a team leader in the largest shelter for the unhoused in Nova Scotia. While heavily focused right now on their studies in the Social Work program at Dalhousie University, and on parenting, Lee still finds time to volunteer on the grant writing committee at Needham Housing Co-operative where they’ve been a member for the past six years.

Bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to CHF Canada’s Board drives Lee’s commitment to this new position, as well as a passion for representing people who don’t always feel as if they have a voice. As a queer, non-binary trans, neurodivergent individual with hearing impairment, Lee understands the need for representation.

“We need some higher level changes. I want to be part of lobbying as a federation, and be loud in advocating for change. Younger and diverse groups of people need to see themselves represented, and that’s what I’m doing. I’m passionate about people’s stories. People’s stories drive how I do my work.”