San Diego Housing Federation

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Dani Halton’s Journey and Dedication to Affordable Housing - "With You All the Way"

As the oldest of three kids in a creative and humble upstate New York family, Dani Halton didn’t see herself as a trailblazer. She simply felt grateful to have a roof over her head, a warm home, and a close-knit family.

Through her formative years, Dani’s parents instilled in her a strong sense of community, activism, and kindness toward others. “Political learning, activism, and generosity were pillars in our home,” Dani recalls. “We didn’t have much, but we knew that supporting those less fortunate was a way of life.”

Today, Dani is a Senior Project Manager at Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation, where she brings her drive and dedication to affordable housing in San Diego. As her journey unfolded, the San Diego Housing Federation was with her every step of the way.

Dani’s career in housing began with the Federation in her early days as a graduate student when she volunteered at the annual conference. She recalls that first conference as an eye-opener, describing it as a room full of seasoned professionals talking about real, impactful solutions for housing. Despite feeling out of her depth, Dani left the event inspired and motivated, with a notebook full of ideas, a stack of business cards, and a new direction. Soon after, she began attending Federation roundtables and conferences, immersing herself in the world of housing and finding mentors who encouraged her to keep pushing forward.

From her time in AmeriCorps to her roles at the San Diego Housing Commission, Chelsea Investment Corporation, and now Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation, Dani has become a regular face at Federation events. Through these engagements, she has built a strong network of industry peers who have become both professional guides and friends, offering valuable insight, laughter, and, at times, much-needed moral support.

“Through SDHF, I’ve learned, grown, and connected,” she shares. “They’ve been there with me through every career shift, helping me stay on top of housing trends, providing spaces for collaboration, and, most importantly, reminding me that I’m not alone in this fight for affordable housing.”

Stories like Dani’s inspire the San Diego Housing Federation’s “With You All the Way” campaign. As we reflect on this past year, we remember the stories of resilience, innovation, and community-building that define our work. Every day, we are reminded of the dedication our members, partners, and participants bring to creating a more inclusive San Diego where everyone has a place to call home.

Your support means that we can continue to stand beside Dani and so many others as they work to make housing a reality for everyone. Together, we are building a future where quality housing isn’t a privilege but a human right.

Please consider donating to the San Diego Housing Federation today. Your contribution strengthens the community we have built and empowers us to keep creating a better, more equitable housing landscape for all. Let’s go forward, together, with you all the way.