Take Five is MHP’s series that asks the same five questions of a variety of people intersecting with MHP, from staff to housing advocates! We are excited to welcome Community Development Intern Olivia Hurley.

Olivia joins MHP as the first Community Development intern. Recently graduated from University of California, Davis with a degree in Design and Community Development, Olivia brings hands-on experience with outreach, management, creative ideation. She is excited to grow the CD team’s clientele in USDA 515’s and Rural Capacity Building. New to Saint Paul from NYC, Olivia is eager to explore the city, food, culture, and nature.  

1. What attracted you to working with MHP? This past April I decided that I was going to move to Minnesota after graduating from UCDavis. I thought to myself, “Wow, a city where I have no network and everything is fresh.” I immediately started looking into affordable housing agencies and came across MHP. I was overjoyed to see how much MHP aligned with my personal goals and interests. I did not know that this amazing work existed!

On a whim, I emailed Leah, the Community Development Director, asking if we could have an informational interview. At the time we were both busy so I reached out a few months later to Erika Brown who gladly accepted to meet with me. Jill Henricksen, my supervisor, offered her time, as well! Then, Leah and I were able to arrange a time, too. Even from some quick emails, I could already see how sweet everyone was. 

Then, I met with Erika and Leah who offered great insights into their time at MHP and previous experience. Our conversations on community development, work with underserved communities, sustainability, work environments, technical assistance, and so on immediately showed me that this is a place I would love to work. With what started as calls to learn about the housing industry in Minnesota, turned into me learning about ways that I could potentially fit into MHP.  

I was so excited. I knew that MHP’s mission and work values heavily aligned with mine and that this would be the perfect job for a recent grad. After that day, I then checked my email every single day in hope that I would have the opportunity to work with MHP. 

Now, after a week into my internship, I’ve already learned so much and found everyone to be friendly, kind, introspective, open to growth, and always willing to sit down with me when I need it (because, wow, the housing development world is nuanced!). I am incredibly thankful for this position and am excited to keep learning. 

2. What’s do you see as a challenge in the field of housing right now?

One of the biggest challenges in housing right now is managing the housing crisis during a worsening refugee crisis. The country does not have enough infrastructure, funding, and welcoming communities to support these issues. 

3. What does “home” mean to you?

‘Home’ to me is being surrounded by those I love, whether that is friends, family, and even sweet strangers. For college, I moved from Staten Island, NY to Davis, CA. Oftentimes, my peers would ask me how I managed such a big move. My response would always be that I have found my family here. My roommates and friends became my lifelines, my support systems, and the people I can rely on for a laugh, a cry, and everything in between. I am grateful for the home that guides me through life. 

4. Is there a book by your bed, and what is it? (feel free to answer movie, Tik Tok video, or any other media)

Currently, I am reading Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.

Also, my favorite shows are Masters of None, Fresh off the Boat, and Grace and Frankie— such kind lessons from them all. 

5. Who is your superhero?

I cannot say I have one superhero. There are too many impactful heroes who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others. But, I will say that my professors at UCDavis inspired me to dream big, and once I figure out that dream to dream bigger. They are all such incredible people. Many juggled teaching multiple classes, running a research lab, working/consulting in their field, supervising PhD, graduate, and undergraduate students, and making time for their students all while raising their own children and with a big smile on their face. I will never understand how they managed it all, but I am forever thankful to have them to look up to. 

Look out for more Take 5 profiles coming soon!