Carin Crowe
CEO | Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area
What strategies have been most effective in scaling your impact during Utah’s housing crisis?
We leaned into strategic partnerships, data-informed planning and a relentless commitment to meeting families where they are. … One game-changer has been listening, especially to what local leaders and families are saying about what their communities need. We didn’t just expand for the sake of growth — we expanded to fill real, urgent gaps. And honestly? We stayed scrappy. We got creative with funding, leveraged in-kind support and built strong coalitions. Impact doesn’t always come from having the most; it comes from making the most of what you have.
The Salt Lake Valley ReStore has diverted over 9,000 tons of material from landfills while generating funds for housing. How have you balanced the environmental and financial missions of the ReStore to support Habitat’s broader goals?
I always say the ReStore is the most underrated superhero of our mission. Every donated cabinet, gently used couch, or salvaged door has a story and a second chance to make an impact. … We train our team to lead with values. Each item that gets a second life keeps materials out of landfills and keeps homes within reach for more families. We’ve also invested in efficiency — partnerships that help us increase donations and boost sales without losing sight of our mission. When we tell the “why” behind what we do, our community rallies behind us.
Can you share an example of how your advocacy has influenced housing policy or systemic change in Utah?
One moment that stands out is our ongoing work to stay in front of legislators — proactively providing information, building relationships, and sharing the lived experiences of the families we serve. … By staying engaged at the state and local level, we’ve helped shift the conversation from “if” affordable housing is needed to “how” we make it happen. Our advocacy ensures that community-based developers and nonprofit builders are part of the solution and that legislation reflects the real challenges Utah families are facing.
What leadership approaches have you found most effective when bringing together government officials, corporate partners and community volunteers?
Leading with humility and purpose. People don’t follow titles; they follow trust. Whether I’m sitting down with a mayor, a CEO, or a volunteer on the build site, I make sure they understand they’re essential to the mission. Shared vision is everything. We don’t just ask people to help us build homes — we invite them to build communities, stability and opportunity. I’ve learned that clarity, consistency and gratitude go a long way. We keep our partners updated, celebrate their wins and show them the ripple effects of their support.
