PORTLAND, OR — Habitat for Humanity of Oregon and its state partners will soon welcome more than 500 attendees to the 2025 Western Region Conference, a biennial training event organized by the Habitat for Humanity affiliate support organizations in California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.
This year’s sold-out conference, taking place April 15-17, at the Hilton Portland Downtown, will convene housing leaders, advocates and practitioners under the theme of “Framing brighter futures.” Nationally renowned speakers will challenge participants to embrace innovative solutions, while interactive workshops and plenary sessions will equip them with practical strategies to expand their impact.
“We are excited to welcome our colleagues from across the western region — and beyond — to Portland for three days of connecting and learning,” said Shannon Vilhauer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Oregon. “More than 90 national-caliber presenters and panelists will share their expertise during this three-day event. Our goal is that every participant will make meaningful connections and bring home actionable ideas. This is how we grow our impact as housers — by harnessing the expertise and energy needed to frame brighter futures with the communities we serve.”
While Habitat for Humanity affiliates and housing partners continue to build and repair homes in their communities, the urgent demand for affordable housing solutions in the western United States has only grown since the 2023 event. The 2025 Western Region Conference responds to this critical moment by offering 36 engaging seminars and workshops, alongside three powerful plenary sessions, designed to inspire an abundance mindset and provide actionable tools for strengthening internal capacity, advancing housing justice and enhancing resilience in an evolving world.
A snapshot of the plenary content:
- Scalable Affiliate Innovations for Growth and Sustainability: Moderated by Adrienne Goolsby, Senior Vice President, U.S. and Canada at Habitat for Humanity International, this TED Talk-style plenary will feature four affiliate leaders from California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. Through compelling storytelling and a dynamic panel discussion, the speakers will share diverse and scalable innovations tailored to different regions, community needs, and organizational capacities.
- Centering People for Maximum Impact – Global Lessons: Featuring speakers traveling from Nepal, Ethiopia, Canada, and Washington, D.C., this session will showcase global best practices that can inspire and reshape housing solutions in our communities. The discussion will be moderated by Matthew Tschabold, Housing and Homelessness Initiative Director in the Office of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek.
Returning as the Title Sponsor, Umpqua Bank reaffirms its commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s mission, having previously supported the 2023 event. Their generous investment will enable conference attendees to deepen their expertise in construction, advocacy, equity, sustainability, and more — ultimately helping to bolster the supply of affordable homes and expanding access to homeownership opportunities across the region.
“Umpqua Bank is honored to sponsor the 2025 Western Region Conference for Habitat for Humanity, supporting their resilient and courageous efforts to build affordable homes and inspire hope through the dream of homeownership for everyone,” Qualen Carter, Vice President and Community Lending Manager for Oregon and Southwest Washington, said.
By bringing together bold ideas and a deeply committed community, the 2025 Western Region Conference promises to be a catalyst for sustainable progress in housing across the West — and beyond.
About the Western Region Conference
The Western Region Conference is a biennial training experience organized and presented by the Habitat for Humanity affiliate support organizations in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Our teams work alongside more than 100 Habitat for Humanity affiliates building and repairing homes across the western United States. We provide operational support, sustainable financial resources and disaster preparedness and recovery. Additionally, our organizations coordinate statewide advocacy and engage in the critical work of public policy and rulemaking. The 2025 conference is supported by generous partners from across the region. Learn more at habitatwrc.org.