For Sue Reynolds, her journey in affordable housing is one marked by unwavering dedication and a deep belief in the power of community. Since arriving in San Diego in 1989, Sue has been at the forefront of creating housing solutions that transform lives. But through every step of her path, she’s never walked alone, the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF) has been with her all the way.

From her early career in New York City working with neighborhood nonprofits and tenant unions, Sue recognized that housing was about more than shelter. It was about building opportunities and lifting people up. When she helped close one of the first nonprofit tax credit projects in New York, Sue knew she was just getting started. By the time she joined the San Diego Housing Federation’s founding team in the early 1990s, she had a clear vision: to bring that same sense of purpose and possibility to San Diego’s affordable housing sector.

“From the start, I knew San Diego needed the Federation. I had worked with a similar organization in New York, and I knew that a collective voice was essential,” Sue reflects. “Whether I was working as a government policy staffer, a housing finance consultant, or leading Community HousingWorks, the Federation was always there – helping me stay connected, gain knowledge, and innovate.”

Through the years, Sue has seen firsthand how SDHF has been there, every step of the way. When she led Community HousingWorks, expanding its portfolio from 300 apartments to nearly 4,000, SDHF was a critical resource – providing insight through conferences, fostering collaboration among peers, and advocating for the policies that make affordable housing possible. “Whether I was leading bond campaigns, advocating at City Hall, or supporting the Federation’s efforts to secure housing resources, I knew SDHF was always by my side. We couldn’t have done it without their leadership and the collective power they bring to the table.”

What inspires Sue most is how SDHF amplifies the voices of the people it serves. “The moments I’ll never forget are when everyday San Diegans turned out in large numbers at City Council to advocate for affordable homes. SDHF made those moments possible, empowering people to speak up and be heard,” she says. “That’s what inspires me – the reminder that we need each other to keep moving forward. The work is too big to do alone.”

As we celebrate the work of the sector, Sue’s story reminds us that none of this progress happens in isolation. The San Diego Housing Federation is here – standing with our members, partners, and community every step of the way. Whether advocating for housing justice, fostering collaboration, or creating spaces where innovation flourishes, SDHF is committed to making sure no one has to face the housing challenge alone.

Help Us Continue to Be "With You All the Way"

The journey to create affordable, inclusive housing in San Diego isn’t over. Every day, we’re working to expand access to safe, stable housing for all, but we can’t do it without your support. Together, we can build a future where everyone has a place to call home.

Please consider donating to the San Diego Housing Federation today. Your contribution helps ensure that SDHF can continue to stand by the people and organizations shaping the future of housing in San Diego—just as we have for leaders like Sue. With your help, we can keep advocating, connecting, and empowering the community.

With you all the way, we can make a lasting difference. Let’s continue this journey together.