2020 will go down in history as a year of uncertainty, polarization and loss, on so many levels. And yet, it will also be remembered and embraced as a year of deep learning and exceptional generosity. 

We have all (as individuals and as community organizations) been given the opportunity to contemplate our fears, our blind spots, our breaking points, our resiliency, our unshakable values, and in the end - our learning. In challenging times, our resilient community focuses on the “silver linings” and the opportunities to serve; it’s the Methow way of life and our on-going ethic.  As individuals, we are finding novel ways to connect to our deepest values of family, community health and love of place.  We are utilizing our hard-earned learning to serve each other like never before. 

As this crazy, unsteady year comes to a close, I hope and trust that we are all more emboldened than ever, to pay attention to the opportunities we have to keep learning. I know we will continue to shift and expand based on that learning, and that we will aim toward a 2021 that is increasingly inclusive, equitable and full of community ambition to keep redefining what it means to be simultaneously patriotic and compassionate.

On behalf of the Methow Housing Trust board and staff, I’d like to offer you a window into the 2020 learning that we felt was important for us to begin our journey as equitable housing advocates.  We welcome your reflections and feedback at one of our upcoming MHT Community Voices Conversations.  The learning never ends. But what we know for sure is this: Now, More Than Ever, secure housing is a community value that we should, and can, create and sustain together.