Amid today’s torrent of federal executive orders, budget cuts, and immigration raids, there’s an existential conversation happening behind closed doors at human services nonprofits and agencies across the country:

- Will the federal government continue to be a reliable partner in meeting the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors?

- What will happen to the communities we serve if the government turns its back on them?

- Does our commitment to anti-racism and social justice – so critical to understanding the challenges we face – also put a target on our backs?

- What will we do if we’re forced to choose between our commitment to our values and our ability to provide critical services to our community?

Solid Ground is bringing this critical conversation out into the open for a live panel discussion this fall. On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, we’ll bring together community thought leaders from across the worlds of human services and social justice to explore these questions and help us better understand what the future holds for our safety net organizations and the people they serve.

MODERATOR:

Naomi Ishisaka, The Seattle Times

PANELISTS:

Rhonda Banchero, Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC)

Shalimar Gonzales, Solid Ground

Regina Malveaux, United Way of King County

Estela Ortega, El Centro de la Raza