For 35 years, the San Diego Housing Federation has been at the forefront of advocating for safe, affordable housing for all. One of the most transformative initiatives in this ongoing mission is the Residents United Network (RUN), a statewide advocacy program that has empowered residents to take an active role in shaping affordable housing policies. 

As the San Diego Housing Federation celebrates its 35th Anniversary, it's essential to recognize the significant policy victories we've championed, supported, defended, and achieved over the years. Our very formation in 1990 established a crucial foundation, creating—for the first time—a unified voice for affordable housing in San Diego. What began as informal discussions has evolved into a fully functioning 501(c)(3) organization, a testament to the power of collective action. 

On Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, the San Diego Housing Federation hosted the Supportive Housing and Resident Services (SHRSA) Institute at the Mingei International Museum. This one-day immersive event brought together over 80 individuals from the supportive housing and resident services community for an enriching day of educational workshops designed to foster collaboration and professional growth.

Thirty-five years ago, a group of visionary leaders recognized a growing crisis in San Diego: a lack of quality affordable housing for the region’s most vulnerable residents. From this urgent need, the Nonprofit Federation for Housing and Community Development—now known as the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF)—was formed in 1990. What began as a modest effort to unite and educate nonprofit developers, housing advocates, and community leaders has grown into a powerful force for change, touching the lives of thousands of San Diegans.

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.

One 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.

As 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.