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.
Read MoreOne of the remarkable stories that exemplifies this spirit is that of Denisse Roldán-Newell, the Director of Housing at the Chicano Federation. Denisse's journey, rooted in her upbringing in Tijuana and the South Bay, reflects the essence of community strength and the shared values that drive the San Diego Housing Federation's mission. Growing up as the youngest of four in a single-parent household, she witnessed her mother’s tireless work to support not only their family but also extended relatives, often welcoming them into their two-bedroom apartment. This environment instilled in Denisse a profound sense of empathy, resilience, and a desire to uplift others through her work.
Read MoreAs a proud San Diego native, Michelle Sites's love for her city runs deep. Growing up in San Diego shaped her values and instilled in her a commitment to giving back to the community that has given her so much. Today, she serves as the Vice President of CONAM Management Corporation, where she has spent over 25 years in the property management industry. Her journey began as a receptionist in a small property management firm, and through hard work and dedication, she has risen to oversee a large portfolio. However, Michelle's most fulfilling journey is the one she has taken alongside the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF), where she discovered not only her professional purpose but also the power of community.
Read MoreMeet Cariño Maldonado, a proud Arizonan with deep ties to her Hispanic heritage and a lifelong commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities. As the daughter of parents who faced many hardships and made numerous sacrifices to create a brighter future for their family, Cariño learned the importance of resilience, compassion, and hard work from an early age. Her parents, who both dropped out of high school and began working at young ages, taught themselves essential skills, instilled these values in her, shaping her life’s journey and inspiring her mission to give back to others.
Read MoreAs we close this year with gratitude and look forward to what lies ahead, the San Diego Housing Federation is excited to share impactful stories of our members and allies. One such story belongs to San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, a longtime advocate of affordable housing and current President of the San Diego City Council. For the Council President, the work of creating affordable, stable housing is not just professional; it’s deeply personal as his life has been shaped by housing insecurity, a struggle that is all too familiar to many San Diegans.
Read MoreWhen John Ahlswede founded Sun Country Builders in 1979, he could never have imagined the profound ripple effect his work would have on communities across Southern California. What started as a two-person operation has grown into a leading construction firm, responsible for building over 8,700 affordable housing units and reshaping the lives of thousands. But for John, the numbers only tell part of the story. When he looks back on his 45 years at Sun Country Builders, he sees more than construction projects—he sees stories of transformation. “Every project we take on represents something much bigger than the buildings themselves,” John reflects. “It’s about giving families a place where they feel secure, where their kids can thrive, and where dignity and stability are restored. That’s the legacy we aim to build.”
Read MoreThe San Diego Housing Federation hosted its annual End-of-Year Celebration earlier this month at AleSmith Brewing Company, bringing together industry professionals, colleagues, and supporters to commemorate an unforgettable year of progress and community. The night was a perfect blend of networking, reflection, and fun, all while raising a glass to the dedicated work that continues to transform affordable housing in San Diego.
It was also a chance to honor and recognize the graduates, mentors, and instructor of the Affordable Housing Management Academy and their hard work throughout the course of the program, reflect on the many achievements of 2024, and to look forward to what’s to come in the new year.
Read MoreBritney Ligon’s career path has always been about helping others, beginning with a role that many might see as her calling—supporting seniors in hospice and palliative care. In that field, Britney provided more than just physical care; she offered compassion, guidance, and stability to families during some of life’s most challenging moments. But as her experience grew, so did her perspective. Britney began to see that the challenges facing her clients and others in vulnerable communities often extended far beyond healthcare. She noticed how housing instability, financial uncertainty, and limited resources were constant obstacles, particularly for seniors living on fixed incomes.
Read MoreAs we reflect on another year of hard work, dedication, and collaboration, we invite you to join us in celebrating the stories of those who have shaped the San Diego Housing Federation’s (SDHF) mission. One such story is that of Raquel Harati, a Research Analyst at the National Low Income Housing Coalition, whose journey through public health, housing advocacy, and community impact was shaped by her time with SDHF.
Read MoreDolores Diaz has spent nearly five decades in service to affordable housing, bringing her vision and dedication to communities across California. Born and raised in Guadalupe, a small farm labor town nestled between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, Dolores’s early experiences were shaped by the strength and resilience of her close-knit community. Those formative years laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to helping others find stability and support.
Read MoreSince first connecting with SDHF in 2011, Kwofi Reed has served on the board of directors and several committees, including policy, finance, and fundraising. He initially joined to support business development, but he quickly found himself drawn to the Federation's genuine commitment to advocacy, talent building, and industry growth. “I was intrigued to stay because of the organization's effective focus on policy and the shared mission to create a more inclusive housing landscape,” he says.
Read MoreAt the heart of the San Diego Housing Federation's mission are the incredible people whose lives are transformed by access to housing, education, and support. One of those stories belongs to Abraham Abrams, a property manager at Greenbrier Village with National CORE. Born in Guadalajara and raised in San Diego, Abraham’s journey to his current role is a powerful testament to the resilience and sense of community that SDHF fosters.
Read MoreDani’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.
Read MoreDiana’s first experience with SDHF came in 2014 at the Resident Services Support Network (RSSN) Institute, where she found valuable resources and tools that helped her in her role. From that point on, SDHF became a constant presence in her career, providing workshops, educational programs, and opportunities to connect with other leaders in the field. In 2015, she joined the RSSN Committee, deepening her involvement in SDHF and giving her a chance to shape the future of resident services for others.
Her time with SDHF proved transformational, especially during strategic planning sessions with her peers. “Sitting with other dedicated professionals, brainstorming ways to make resident services even more impactful—it was inspiring. I began to see that we could do more than manage properties; we could build communities that empowered people,” Diana shares. SDHF’s support helped her to develop a broader vision, understanding resident services as a vital part of affordable housing, one that could drive meaningful change.
Read MoreAs we approach the end of the year, the San Diego Housing Federation proudly presents our campaign, “With You All the Way.” This initiative shines a light on the inspiring stories of our dedicated members, partners, and program participants, showcasing the powerful impact of our collective efforts. One such story is that of Laura Ann Fernea, an advocate whose remarkable journey embodies our mission to stand by our community through every challenge.
Read MoreAs we launch our end-of-year campaign, “With You All the Way,” we invite you to journey alongside us and witness the profound impact of the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF) through the inspiring story of Todd Richardson. His narrative embodies the essence of resilience, connection, and growth that our community strives for.
Read MoreMeet Bree Wong, founder of Brizo Pacific Inc. and dedicated SDHF Board Member, the San Diego Housing Federation represents a powerful network of support and community engagement dedicated to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for our communities.
Bree’s journey reflects the heart of the San Diego Housing Federation’s campaign, With You All the Way, which celebrates the transformative stories of people committed to affordable housing and stronger communities.
Read MoreWhen Bernie Miles first came across the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF), it felt like an inevitable step in his journey to support others. Bernie, a dedicated social service professional and Senior Program Manager at the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), had spent years working with organizations across San Diego, from the San Diego Center for Children to Father Joe’s Village. Throughout his career, he has witnessed the ongoing challenges individuals face when seeking stable, supportive housing in our community.
Read MoreFor 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.
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