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.

Meet 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.

As 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.

Member News Feature: “The Joys of Affordable Housing” by John Ahlswede, President of Sun Country Builders.

When 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.”

The 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.

Britney 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.