Welcome back to our monthly newsletter—a moment for you to invite some joy and hope into your day. We're excited to share the latest updates from ACHD, highlighting the impactful work we've accomplished together over the past month. As always, our monthly report is full of inspiring stories and valuable resources as we continue to uplift our communities.
HOUSING AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Betsy Baffa Gives Eye-Opening Presentation at Tacoma Community Cafe
Feb. 20th—While many of us were relaxing at home during those cold February nights, Betselot Baffa spent her time captivating a crowd of 45 Tacoma locals with an in-depth, interactive presentation on the “Social Determinants of Health” at Peace Community Center. As the Senior Manager of Health and Wellness at ACHD, Baffa hosts regular meetings in the King and Pierce County areas, known as Community Cafes, to foster conversations led by everyday people seeking greater access to resources that support public health.
“We’ve been talking about the environmental impact on community wellness,” said Baffa, referring to the recent Community Cafes she’s conducted. “I thought a good follow-up topic would be social determinants of health. Today, we’re aiming for the community to talk about this together.”
During the presentation, Baffa pulled up an interactive map made by the Washington State Department of Health on the screen that illustrated the different dimensions of the social determinants of health in WA State. Zooming in on Tacoma’s neighborhoods, which had every single person in the audience absolutely enthralled, Baffa displayed the stark reality of simply trying to live in this city. You can view the map here if you want to know what’s going on in your community.
“Everything starts with knowledge,” said Baffa. “This is how we can be aware of what’s going on in our area.”
The aim of these Community Cafes is not just to provide a space for open conversation, but also to introduce tools, like the interactive map, that highlight local issues. By raising awareness, we hope to inspire individual action and, ultimately, see its impact on a collective level.
Here are some resources to help you explore available support in your area and learn how you can contribute to strengthening our communities:
ACHD Department of Housing and Social Services - You know us. But to provide a brief refresher—we offer holistic, culturally responsive wraparound social services, such as eviction prevention, legal referrals, Senior and Youth and Family Programs, food access, basic needs, and opportunities for African Diaspora immigrant and refugee communities in King County. Website: achdo.org/housing-social-services
Washington State Department of Health - Offers a range of tools, reports, and resources on public health, including maps that show the impact of social determinants of health in local communities.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department - Provides services focused on improving health equity and wellness, with resources on mental health, housing, and more.
Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness - An organization that advocates for and provides resources on housing stability, eviction prevention, and homelessness.
United Way of Pierce County - Offers a variety of support services, including financial and housing assistance, for residents in need across Western Washington.
Peace Community Center - Provides a range of programs focused on educational equity, health services, and community engagement, with specific support for immigrant and refugee populations.
More Housing Updates:
Our work with DSHS on the Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support (WA MASS) to provide short-term basic needs for newly arrived migrants and asylum-seekers continues every day. We are one of the 20 organizations that offer essential, culturally relevant services to individuals in need of support. For more information, resources, and support, click the link below:
Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support (WA MASS) Website: https://washington-mass-hub.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
“Just have faith,” advises Samater Mahmoud, Rapid Rehousing Case Manager at ACHD. “Have unwavering faith. We live in unprecedented times, but we are in a sanctuary city that will stand up in unity for its people.
“What will stop our support for immigrants? Nothing. The support will be there from your neighbors to organizations like ACHD, to our state governments…At the end of the day, we all want to be Mr. Rogers.”
EDUCATION
Last month, we shared a preview of the exciting events our students had planned for February—now, we’re excited to share how they unfolded. Through holistic education initiatives, mentorship programs, and family-centered support, we are working to bridge opportunity gaps, ensuring every child has the resources and guidance they need to thrive. Experiential learning plays a vital role in this approach, creating lasting connections between education and real-world applications.
Waddling to One Summit of the World: Snowshoeing in Snoqualmie Pass
On February 15th, 17 students were led by S.T.E.A.M. Program Education Specialist Laurie Stamp, Education Program Instructor Bill Sampson, and a few wonderful folks from the U.S. Forest Service to the Summit at Snoqualmie Pass.
Strapped into clunky snowshoes, our students hiked through forests blanketed in four to six feet of snow, learning about Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands, scientific facts about the environment, and having playful—and ironically fiery—snowball fights. A chunk of these students had never seen snow. In fact, three girls had arrived to the United States from Ethiopia just three days before.
Do you remember how the snow-shaped trees in snail shell-like curves in How the Grinch Stole Christmas!? I thought this image came solely from the imaginative mind of the author—but no, trees like this do exist in real life, and our students saw them, shook them, hugged them firsthand.
The event was truly unforgettable, filled with laughter, discovery, and joy as the students immersed themselves in the snowy landscape. Experiences like these highlight the power of experiential learning, proving that hands-on exploration not only deepens knowledge but also creates enduring memories that inspire curiosity and a deeper connection to the world around us.
Fish and Fledglings: One Saturday at the Seattle Aquarium
February 22nd was also filled with fun as the entire Education Team and 24 of their students embarked on a journey to the Seattle Aquarium. As the morning air hung cold and gray over Pier 59, the Puget Sound a calm, silky reflection of the sky, students arrived in groupings with their ACHD Education Specialists— Ebneazer Tsegaye, Basheera Agyeman, Andre Ervin, and Bill Sampson.
To ensure the students made the most out of this trip, the Education Team created a bingo chart—the first group to get blackout would win a sweet treat. With boxes that read, “Find the Sea Otters,” “Walk Through the Jellyfish Arch,” “Interact with the Tidepools,” and “Find and Read About the Octopus,” our students explored every inch of both aquarium sites.
You’re probably wondering who won the bingo challenge. Well, each group was sure they had claimed victory. But in truth, Bill’s group, a dynamic mix of elementary, middle, and high schoolers, were the true winners, crossed off all the boxes first.
Another powerful example of experiential learning bringing education to life, students explored, played, and engaged with marine life firsthand—literally petting the starfish and sea pickles. They deepened their understanding of the environment in a way no textbook could replicate. Moments like these remind us that learning isn’t just about absorbing information—it’s about experiencing the world, sparking that innate curiosity, and building connections that last beyond the classroom.
If you are interested in getting your child involved in these programs, you can find more information here: https://www.achdo.org/education
Updates & Resources:
The Education Department will not have in-person programming during March due to the celebration of Ramadan.
We have secured IXL! Students can now stay on top of their work by creating an account and logging in during the month of March and beyond.
How you can help the U.S. Forest Service during these unprecedented times:
Donate to the Natural Parks Service: Website: https://www.nps.gov/getinvolved/donate.htm
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Farmers Markets Return in May
It’s finally time to mark your calendars because we have solid dates for the start of the Market Season:
📍 Delridge Farmers Market opens May 17th
📍 SeaTac Farmers Market opens June 4th
We’re thrilled to announce that the SeaTac Farmers Market is expanding to weekly operations this year! Plus, we’re doubling the size of both the Delridge and SeaTac Farmers Markets, making space for up to 40 incredible vendors each week.
Moving on, Daniel Horst, who led ACHD’s Farmers Market Program for over three years, has moved on to new opportunities. Daniel’s leadership has driven incredible growth and impact in our food justice work.
In his absence, we’re excited to announce that Indra Budiman, former Assistant Farmers Market Manager, will step into the role of Farmers Market Program Manager.
Indra’s vision for ACHD’s Farmers Markets?
"I'm excited to continue expanding our network, connecting ACHD with the greater Seattle community, and forming more collaborative partnerships with mission-aligned organizations. My goal is to increase access to health and wellness resources while fostering strong community ties.
“In the next few years, I envision the Delridge and SeaTac Farmers Markets growing into true community hubs—places people make a habit of visiting, a regular part of their schedules. I also hope our ACHD Farmers Market model inspires new markets across Seattle—markets that prioritize community over profit. We dream of consulting and supporting others in building markets that uplift and serve their communities."
Some More on Daniel's Accomplishments
At the Delridge Farmers Market, Daniel spearheaded a 300% increase in sales and a 12x boost in social media engagement, supporting over 40 BIPOC-owned farms and food businesses. As a co-leader of United Way’s Food Justice Collaborative, he fosters advocacy and resource-sharing among 25+ BIPOC-led organizations. He also represents ACHD on King County’s Food Systems Advisory Committee, shaping policies for a more just local food system.
His efforts have brought 25,000+ pounds of culturally relevant produce to
underserved communities, organized 20+ dining pop-ups showcasing African Diaspora chefs, and secured over $300K in funding to uplift small businesses and expand food access. Daniel’s work transformed our markets—and our communities!
ACHD Builds Pathways Toward Prosperity: L&I Workshop Recap
On the evening of February 7th, our Small Business Program hosted a Labor and Industries (L&I) Workshop at our very own learning center. These events have two aims: first, to equip small businesses with essential knowledge on workers' comp, safety, licensing, and public safety. On a larger scale, we aim for economic growth and generational prosperity in our communities, with Abokor Isaak and Joanna Desalegne creating a space for connection that fosters lasting impact and positive ripple effects for local entrepreneurs.
“I think sometimes we don’t realize that access to information is as accessible to everyone as we think it is,” said Desalegne. “Somebody else who may face technological, language, or cultural barriers, may not be able to easily find what they’re looking for.”
Assistant Small Business Liaison Maggie Hammond delivered an insightful presentation on key topics often overlooked by busy entrepreneurs. She reassured business owners that they can always reach out for guidance without fear of consequences, as the goal is to educate, not penalize. The Small Business Program also conducts monthly check-ins with L&I to strengthen their partnership and support local small businesses.
“Please keep me in mind,” small business owners repeated.
Community workshops like this prove time and again to be instrumental for gaining essential knowledge, networking with other entrepreneurs, and strengthening community bonds. These victories, while they may appear small from the outside looking in, have a tangible impact on the small business owners who serve as the backbone of our communities. Providing continued support ensures they have the resources to thrive.
For more information and resources about how to help your small business thrive, explore these links:
ACHD Department of Economic Development: Website: achdo.org/economic-development
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: Website: https://www.lni.wa.gov/
The Small Business Program (SBP) continues to offer technical support to small businesses. Business owners and prospective entrepreneurs are welcome to make an appointment or walk in for assistance.
King County Community Business Connector Program
You can schedule a free consultation and receive:
Advice on business needs
Introduction to business support services
Referrals to professional services
Evergreen Bizlink
Provide startup, growth, and funding guides
Offer a resource navigator with a list of resources to refer businesses to the best fit for their business. Fun fact: ACHD is on that resource list along with many other business resources.
Get Your Business Involved in the FIFA World Cup 2026!
The FIFA World Cup is coming to Seattle, bringing an incredible opportunity for local businesses to shine! If you specialize in food, beverages, transportation, security, or lodging, you’ll be in a prime position to benefit from the surge of visitors.
With six games happening in Seattle from June 11 to July 19, 2026 (June 15, 19, 24, 26, July 1, and 6), now is the time to start preparing. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your business and be part of the excitement!
SeaTac Small Business Capital Access Program - Stay tuned for further instruction in April:
Website: businessimpactnw.org/seatac-small-business-capital-access-program/
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
Our Real Estate Projects remain on track—groundbreaking for our Black
Homeownership Project will take place next month! Read more details about this project here: achdo.org/realestate
We have a key update on this project:
In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties, we implemented an innovative, equitable selection process alongside standard criteria, effectively using it to select a general contractor and subcontractors. Looking ahead, we are committed to increasing opportunities for BIPOC, immigrant, and refugee subcontractors—not just as a goal, but as a fundamental part of our approach.
“We chose this lens because it aligns with our values,” said David Leiberman, Real Estate Development Manager at ACHD. “We don’t build just for the sake of construction; we build to strengthen communities and create economic opportunities. Everyone involved in this project has a chance to benefit and grow.”
TEAM ACHD
Community Recognition
The Seattle Chamber of Commerce has invited Bilan Aden to serve as one of six Regional Leaders for their Power Hour: Leadership Exchange in celebration of Women’s History Month. This special Power Hour will be a dynamic morning of networking, featuring six of the region’s most influential women leaders, including Bilan. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with these trailblazers in a small-group setting, fostering meaningful conversations and professional growth in an informal and engaging atmosphere. From Bilan’s bio:
Bilan co-founded ACHD with Hamdi and advances our mission through dynamic projects that prioritize the next generation of the African Diaspora community. She is fluent in English and Somali and utilizes her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Seattle University and her master’s in education from the University of Washington, IslandWood, to develop programs deeply rooted in culture. Outside work, she keeps busy exploring the PNW environment with her husband and daughter.
Additionally, we are excited to announce that Zzaj Collins, our own ChiefOperations Officer (COO), has been named an honoree for the prestigious Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award! From her bio:
Zzaj is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, brand management, and organizational leadership across nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She is committed to fostering operational excellence, driving sustainable growth, and advancing initiatives that uphold the dignity, respect, and representation of historically marginalized communities. At the core of her work is a dedication to real people, meaningful impact, and compassionate servant leadership. Outside the office, she finds joy in community alongside her husband and four children.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ZZAJ AND BILAN—A DYNAMIC DUO WHO REPRESENT NOT ONLY THE GREATNESS AND AMBITION OF ACHD BUT THE POWER OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP.
RESOURCES
ACHD’s Commitment to Community Stability and Support
At ACHD, we remain deeply aware of our rapidly evolving political climate and its direct impact on our community. Our top priority is to ensure that ACHD and our programs continue to serve as a safe, inclusive space that upholds and protects the rights of those we serve.
We recognize that these ongoing changes may bring uncertainty, and we are committed to open dialogue, active engagement, and unwavering support as we navigate these challenges together. Our dedication to community resilience remains steadfast, and we will continue to provide the resources and advocacy needed to foster stability and empowerment.
Here’s a list of resources and informational sites for communities in need:
Thank you for taking some time out of your busy day to learn about ACHD and our many programs. See you next month.
African Community Housing is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to serving the community of African Diaspora, BIPOC communities, immigrants, and refugees in the Greater Seattle Area by building culturally rooted health and housing stability through economic development, legal support, resource navigation, holistic education, and access to cultural arts and traditions.
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