WeHOPE to Host “Changemakers” Community Event on March 19, 2026
An evening focused on solutions at the intersection of housing and health, featuring leaders from Kaiser Permanente, Stanford University, and WeHOPE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
East Palo Alto, CA — WeHOPE (We Help Other People Excel) will host Changemakers on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., bringing together community members, partners, and advocates for an evening of conversation and connection centered on housing stability, health equity, and practical solutions for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Changemakers will feature a panel discussion highlighting the real-world work happening across healthcare, education, and frontline service organizations, alongside the lived experience and insight that must be at the center of meaningful change.
“WeHOPE believes dignity is not optional,” said Natalie Walker, Director of Development at WeHOPE. “Changemakers is a chance to gather with people who care deeply about the Bay Area community, learn from those doing the work, and strengthen the partnerships that make progress possible.”
Panelists:
Tracy L. Ward — Community Health Lead, Kaiser Permanente (San Francisco & San Mateo County)
Tracy Ward is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Community Health Lead for Kaiser Permanente serving the San Francisco and San Mateo County region. She develops and implements community health strategies that address social determinants of health through partnerships, grantmaking, and cross-sector collaboration. With more than two decades of experience across community health, government, and nonprofit sectors, Tracy focuses on trauma-informed care, family support, and programs that strengthen underserved communities. A San Francisco native, she is committed to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Monica Nelson — Program Staff Member, WeHOPE | Former Client
Monica Nelson’s journey reflects the power of perseverance and recovery. After experiencing significant personal loss and homelessness, Monica connected with WeHOPE’s programs and began rebuilding her life. Today, she serves on the WeHOPE team, using lived experience to support others navigating similar challenges. Monica brings compassion, authenticity, and deep insight into the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness, and is passionate about helping individuals move toward stability, dignity, and hope.
Saumya Sao — Medical Student, Stanford University School of Medicine
Saumya Sao is a medical student at Stanford University School of Medicine focused on health equity and community-based care. Their work centers on addressing barriers to healthcare access and improving outcomes for underserved populations. Saumya has been involved in initiatives related to housing equity, health education, and advocacy, and helps connect medical students with community organizations serving vulnerable populations. With academic training in global health and gender studies, Saumya is committed to advancing community-driven solutions that promote equitable healthcare.
Event Details:
Event: WeHOPE Changemakers
Date & Time: Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Format: Community gathering + panel conversation
Address: Bloomhouse - 2555 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
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About WeHOPE:
WeHOPE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping unhoused individuals in the Bay Area become healthy, employed, and housed using innovative solutions. The organization provides a range of services, including emergency shelter, mobile hygiene, job training, life skills training, RV Safe Parking, comprehensive case management, food bank, and housing assistance. WeHOPE provides services in East Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Jose, and Half Moon Bay.
Media Contact:
Whitney Prather
Director of Marketing & Communications
WeHOPE
wprather@wehope.org
