Litwak runs Housing on Merit, which develops and manages affordable housing properties. The nonprofit also provides education and wellness services, along with job and life skills training for residents.

After a stint as a litigator, Litwak transitioned into public policy work and advocacy, consulting on issues related to affordable housing and homelessness. In 2013, she joined HOM, which now has 12 properties with over 2,150 units across California, serving more than 5,375 residents.

Since it generates revenue through its properties, HOM is not dependent on government funding, Litwak said. This allows the organization to be more nimble and responsive to the needs of its communities. In San Diego, for example, HOM has responded to the growing number of homeless female veterans by launching a program to provide funds to help them establish permanent housing.

Litwak said the most rewarding aspect of her job is having a lasting impact on people’s lives. She also hopes to do that through her work with the national CREW Network, helping to provide statistics on the advancement of women in commercial real estate.

“As a woman in this industry, being part of that organization and elevating the conversation around gender bias and barriers … is one of the most impactful things I can do,” she said.

Our Executive Director, Jennifer Litwak, Esq., has been elected as a Trustee on the NHC’s Board of Trustees. The Board supports and promotes NHC and advocates for its mission. Trustees participate in NHC events and encourage others to become members of NHC and support its work. The Board of Trustees represents NHC’s membership and includes a representative of each of their regional affiliates.

Formed in 1931, the National Housing Conference is dedicated to helping ensure safe, decent, and affordable housing for all in America. Through nonpartisan advocacy, research and communications for the continuum of housing, NHC develops ideas, resources and policy solutions to move housing forward.

Our Resident Services Coordinator, Sanam Kalhoro-Escoto, has been nominated for the Volunteer Administrators Network’s Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award. VAN provides professional development to San Diego County’s Volunteer Administrators in the form of trainings, monthly roundtable discussions on relevant volunteer management topics, and networking opportunities. The Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award honors the professionals who exemplify the highest principles and ethics in the field of volunteer administration.

From a pool of more than 500, our Executive Director, Jennifer Litwak, Esq., has been selected as one of Real Estate Forum’s Fifty Under 40 professionals in the commercial real estate industry. In the October 2015 issue feature, Ms. Litwak is celebrated for her experience developing more than 1,100 units of affordable housing in California and providing services to more than 3,000 residents and her legal pro bono work for providing representation to clients who need special immigrant juvenile status. The article also commends Ms. Litwak for her work as a member of the Anti-Defamation League’s Board of Directors.

To read the feature, click here.

HOM was honored to receive the SDG&E Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Award: Retrofit on behalf of Rio Vista Apartments at the San Diego Housing Federation’s Ruby Awards.