NLIHC welcomes Tejas Telkar as our inaugural Homelessness and Housing First Policy Intern this fall. Tejas is a rising junior at George Washington University, where he studies political science and economics. As a minority renter from the Bay Area and the son of immigrant parents, Tejas has personally seen and experienced homelessness, the lack of affordable housing, community polarization, and the effects and persistence of housing discrimination. His experiences have inspired him to research the historical and present-day impact of such housing challenges and how they disproportionately affect low-income minority groups, as well as potential solutions like increased affordable housing, tax credits and rental assistance, and improved government accountability. Tejas has also worked with local organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and YIMBY-Law, to play a part in building affordable housing, tracking Housing Element updates, and advocating for fair housing policies. He is passionate about researching and writing about how artificial intelligence tools may be used to make affordable housing cheaper and more efficient, identify individuals at risk of displacement and/or homelessness and direct them to relevant resources, and improve transportation and city infrastructure, among other things. Tejas is excited to join NLIHC and track relevant housing and homelessness legislation, research innovative homelessness solutions, prioritize affordable housing, and educate our members, Congressional leaders, and the public about the importance of these issues. His background and dedication make him a valuable addition to our team, and we look forward to his contributions this fall.