Making Room: Access to Capital for Affordable Housing

Access to Capital for Affordable Housing Why does affordable housing keep slipping through the cracks, even when the will to save it exists? In this talk, Krystal breaks down the real barriers standing between communities and the buildings they're trying to protect: financial capital, yes, but also the social capital and trust-building that often gets overlooked. Drawing on Rental Rescue's work across Ontario, Krystal shares honest stories of what's failed, what's worked, and the model she's built to help nonprofits move at market speed. Come ready to rethink what access to capital means and how we can build it together, so organizations aren't left competing for scraps on their own. Speaker Bio:  Krystal Valencia doesn't just talk about fixing broken systems, she builds things that actually work. After years raising money for causes she believed in, she noticed a gap nobody was filling: older apartment buildings were disappearing from the affordable market, and the organizations trying to save them couldn't move fast enough to compete. So she started Rental Rescue, a model that helps groups buy and preserve these buildings before developers snap them up and prices skyrocket. Krystal's approach is simple: listen first, build real relationships, and figure out creative ways to make the math work for everyone involved—investors, nonprofits, and the people living in these buildings. She's driven by one core belief: there's always more possibilities than people think, if you're willing to get creative and do the work. ​​​Tickets & Pricing This is a Pay What You Can event. We suggest a $5 contribution to help us cover the space, but please choose the amount that works best for you. We'd love to have you there. ​​Itinerary 7:00 PM - Doors Open 7:30 PM - Krystal Valencia: Access to Capital for Affordable Housing 8:15 PM - Q&A 8:30 pm - Hang out with fellow neighbours and new friends