Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliza Wilson.
Hi Eliza, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Central Oregon and experienced housing instability and homelessness as a child, so I understand firsthand how much stable housing can change the trajectory of a family’s life. That experience is what ultimately led me into this work.
I started my career working with youth and families experiencing homelessness and have spent the last 17+ years in housing and homeless services across Central Oregon. Along the way, I became deeply involved in systems-level work, including serving as Chair of Central Oregon’s Continuum of Care and helping lead regional efforts around homelessness, data, and housing access.
Today, I have the privilege of serving as Executive Director of RootedHomes, a community land trust focused on creating permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. One of the things that means the most to me is that I was also a first-generation homebuyer myself. Going from experiencing housing instability to leading an organization that helps other families achieve stable, affordable homeownership is incredibly meaningful, and it continues to drive my commitment to making housing more accessible and equitable for our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Growing up with housing instability meant there were many times when my family didn’t know where we would live or where our next meal would come from. Those experiences have stayed with me throughout my life.
As I entered this field, I often carried the weight of those lived experiences while also working to prove myself as a young professional. There were times when my empathy and deep understanding of the people we serve were viewed as weaknesses rather than the strengths they truly are.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked within systems that are chronically underfunded, stretched beyond capacity, and often criticized for failing to solve homelessness and housing insecurity. Too often, these systems were designed without meaningful input from the very people they are intended to serve. Witnessing those challenges firsthand inspired me to become deeply involved in collective action, systems change, and advocacy, working to create solutions that are informed by lived experience and centered on the communities they impact.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Today, I serve as the Executive Director of RootedHomes, where I lead a team dedicated to creating permanently affordable homeownership and housing opportunities throughout Central Oregon. My work focuses on expanding access to homeownership, developing innovative housing solutions, building partnerships across sectors, and advocating for policies that make housing more equitable and attainable for working families.
What I specialize in is bringing people together around complex housing challenges. Whether it’s local governments, nonprofits, developers, employers, or community members, I believe lasting solutions happen when we collaborate with a shared purpose. I’m also passionate about ensuring that the voices of those most impacted by housing instability are part of shaping those solutions.
What sets me apart is that I lead this work with lived experience. I know what it feels like to experience housing instability and homelessness, and I also know what homeownership can mean because I became a first-generation homeowner myself. My perspective isn’t based solely on research or policy—it’s rooted in personal experience. I understand both the systems that create barriers and the opportunities that can change someone’s future.
I also grew up in a very nontraditional family with a diverse background, which taught me from an early age to celebrate diversity. Those experiences shaped my commitment to leading with empathy, listening before making decisions, and creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and included.
I’m probably most proud of helping shift the conversation around affordable housing from one of charity to one of opportunity. Through my leadership, I’ve had the privilege of helping reduce barriers to permanent housing, advocate for families who have historically been left out of the housing market, and work alongside incredible partners to create lasting change. For me, success isn’t measured only by the number of homes we build—it’s measured by the families who gain stability, build wealth, and create a different future for the next generation.
At the end of the day, I hope I’m known as someone who leads with authenticity, compassion, and a deep belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to have a safe place to call home.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m a lifelong learner, and I tend to gravitate toward books and resources that challenge my perspective rather than reinforce it. I especially enjoy reading books that offer diverse viewpoints and provide a more complete and accurate accounting of history, culture, and the systems that shape our communities. I believe understanding different lived experiences makes me a better leader and helps me approach my work with greater empathy and humility.
A few books that have had a lasting impact on me include The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein, The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, and The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee. These books have deepened my understanding of the historical and structural factors that continue to influence housing, opportunity, and equity today.
I also enjoy listening to podcasts that explore leadership, housing, social issues, and public policy, especially those that feature thoughtful conversations and a range of perspectives. More than any one resource, I value staying curious, asking questions, and being willing to learn from people whose experiences are different from my own. I think that commitment to continuous learning has made me a stronger leader and a better advocate for the communities I serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rootedhomes.org/
