Stephen Russell’s Story of Resilience and Community - "With You All the Way”
When Stephen Russell first heard about the San Diego Housing Federation in 2002, it was during a pivotal moment for our city. The Inclusionary Housing Ordinance was being debated, and the need for affordable housing solutions had never been clearer. For Steve, now President and CEO of the Federation, that moment marked the beginning of a journey to help solve one of our community’s most pressing challenges: access to safe, affordable, and secure homes for all.
Steve’s personal story reflects the very heart of what the San Diego Housing Federation stands for. Born in San Diego, his family moved to the suburbs when he was just five years old. For most of his childhood, he lived a life of suburban normalcy, but at the age of 19, everything changed. Steve came out as gay and left the safety of the suburbs to move into San Diego’s urban center. “It was both liberating and terrifying,” Steve shares. “I was finally living my truth, but I had no safety net.” That move marked the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with self-discovery, growth, and a desire to build a community where everyone could thrive.
Steve vividly remembers those early years, when he often felt one missed paycheck away from losing his home. “When I first left my parents’ house, I was always on the verge of losing my housing,” he recalls. “That feeling of instability never really leaves you.” Though Steve eventually found stability, he could not ignore devastating struggle in the lives of others. “I’ve lost connections with friends who had to move out of the city because they couldn’t keep up with housing costs,” Steve shares. “I’ve seen more than one of them spiral out of control after being forced out of this community. Some of whom lost their lives. That’s why affordable housing is so critical. It means safety, security, and protection from fear.” Those personal experiences have fueled Steve’s determination to ensure that no one is left behind.
Throughout his life, Steve has always sought to confront the root causes of suffering in our communities. His professional journey began in community marketing for art films, a path that connected people to stories and culture. Later, he spent a decade in economic development and government service, working to strengthen neighborhoods and improve livelihoods. Still, Steve wanted to do more.
“I became an architect because I thought that designing spaces would allow me to make a real difference in people’s lives,” he says. For ten years, Steve juggled his architectural career while serving on the board of the City Heights Community Development Corporation, including five years as its President. “All of these experiences taught me something important: the health of our communities starts with housing. Without a stable home, nothing else can fall into place.” Eventually, that realization led Steve to the affordable housing movement and to the San Diego Housing Federation.
For Steve, one moment in particular stands out as a reminder of the Federation’s power to bring people together. In 2018, the Federation organized a march on City Hall to demand action on a proposed housing bond. “At first, it was just a small group of us at Horton Plaza,” Steve remembers. “I was nervous. But then busloads of residents, union members, and advocates started arriving. It was transformative. In that moment, we weren’t just individuals fighting for change—we were a community standing together. I knew then that we were on the right path.”
Moments like these fuel the Federation’s unwavering commitment to being with you all the way. This past year, we’ve amplified voices, bridged gaps, and constructed futures for individuals and families across San Diego. Whether we’re fighting for policy changes, organizing impactful events, or creating opportunities for growth, the Federation’s commitment to our community’s well-being is stronger than ever.
“Affordable housing is about more than just a roof over your head,” Steve says. “It’s about building connections. It’s about creating a community where people can thrive, not just survive. It’s about ensuring that no one feels left behind.”
The challenges of affordable housing are complex, but Steve believes the solutions start with community. “Anything that brings people together is transformative,” he says. “Housing is about building connections, creating stability, and ensuring no one is left behind.”
The San Diego Housing Federation’s work would not be possible without supporters like you. With your help, we can continue to uplift voices, strengthen communities, and advocate for policies that ensure everyone in San Diego has a place to call home. Your contribution to our With You All the Way campaign is more than a donation; it’s a commitment to a future where safety, security, and opportunity are within reach for all.
Join Us Today
As we reflect on this year’s achievements and the stories that inspire us, we invite you to be part of the solution. Your gift, no matter the size, helps us:
Advocate for policies that expand access to affordable housing
Support programs that strengthen community connections
Empower individuals and families to build brighter futures
Please consider donating to the San Diego Housing Federation today. Every contribution strengthens the community we’ve built and ensures that our work will continue to thrive. Together, we can create a more equitable, inclusive San Diego—and we’ll be with you all the way.
Make your gift today and help us build a future where everyone has a home.
