My motivation to serve on the Broward Housing Council (BHC) was mission alignment.  The BHC's mission, to address housing affordability and homelessness, aligns with my passion for community development and equitable housing.

As an entrepreneur, I believe that the business community can, and should, play a more significant role in addressing the issue of affordability.  South Florida's housing crisis is far-reaching, with socioeconomic impact countywide.

The magnitude of Broward's affordable housing challenge requires a multilateral effort from a collective of residents and public and private stakeholders.  My entrepreneurial perspective helps the BHC shape housing strategies for such an effort and foster greater stakeholder engagement.

Proudly leading Broward Housing Solutions (BHS) as CEO since 2008, and as the original board member of the Broward Housing Council since 2009, the decision to serve made sense: I’m a proud provider of affordable housing that addresses Broward County’s serious social issue surrounding homelessness!  

A fierce advocate for the need of affordable housing, specifically for the low-income, chronically homeless residents with disabilities who also have a mental illness, it is a privilege to serve this beautiful community. Here are three reasons that solidify why affordable housing for benefits everyone:  

1. Prevents Homelessness: Affordable and supportive housing prevents at risk populations such as Young Adults aging out of foster care, Seniors, Veterans and families from becoming homeless. Coupled with community partnerships offering an array of support services, it encourages a permanent exodus from the streets. 

2. Provides Opportunity: Affordable and supportive housing provides a safe home where all have the opportunity to stabilize, recover and reintegrate back into society achieving long-term, self-sufficiency. 

3. Social Benefit: Affordable housing serves as a greater platform addressing the immediate needs for productive citizens reducing substantial financial strains on our communities (taxpayers), such as incarceration at $150 per night and over-utilization of emergency rooms at approximately $720 per night. 

Nobody said it better than Muhammad Ali, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth”, and I’m honored to serve as a board member of the Broward Housing Council!

I was appointed to the Broward Housing Council (BHC) board as a representative of the Broward League of Cities who in turn represent the 31 cities in Broward County. This allowed me the opportunity to understand how homelessness affect our communities and how elected officials can make an impact on assisting in alleviate homelessness.  My involvement in the BHC assist me in educating my colleagues on the Commission on the importance of addressing this problem in our city, a problem which has become a major issue around the country. The Sadowski fund which is in trust has been earmarked to provide funding for affordable housing. Hopefully more of the funds will be allocated and thus will go a long way towards alleviating homelessness throughout Broward County once the funds are appropriated. I believe that homelessness creates the lack of proper foods, thereby  impacting good health for those who are unfortunate victims of homelessness.  I consider it a privilege to be a associated with the BHC and will do all that is within my power to advocate for affordable housing while working with other organizations with mutual concerns.