San Diego Housing Federation: 35 Years of Being “With You All the Way”
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.
The San Diego Housing Federation was founded with a simple but profound mission: to build the knowledge, capacity, and influence of people, organizations, and institutions committed to creating and preserving affordable housing. The vision was clear, and the purpose was pressing: to advocate for those struggling with the lack of safe, affordable homes, while equipping the housing sector with the tools needed to turn bold ideas into lasting impact.
A Coalition of Change-Makers
The Federation’s founding team brought together diverse perspectives and expertise, united by the belief that a collective voice could achieve what individual efforts could not. Sue Reynolds, one of SDHF’s founding members, recalls the early days: “We knew San Diego needed the Federation. Without a strong, united voice, the challenges of housing affordability would have been insurmountable.”
In its earliest years, SDHF laid the groundwork for a collaborative movement. Advocacy efforts led to groundbreaking initiatives like the establishment of the San Diego Housing Trust Fund, the first significant local funding source for affordable housing. These victories were made possible by the Federation’s ability to bring policymakers, developers, advocates, and residents together to advance a shared vision of housing justice.
Throughout its history, the Federation has worked tirelessly to educate the public, influence policy, and create spaces for community members to connect and collaborate. From organizing impactful conferences to leading campaigns that secure vital resources, SDHF has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with those working to make affordable housing a reality.
SDHF has been a steadfast partner, providing resources, fostering collaboration, and amplifying voices. For housing developers, it has been a source of knowledge and innovation, offering professional training and policy insights. For community advocates, it has been a rallying point, empowering residents to make their voices heard at City Hall and beyond.
Celebrating 35 Years of Impact
As we celebrate 35 years of advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, the San Diego Housing Federation remains as dedicated as ever to its mission. Our values—serving lower-income households, ensuring environmental sustainability, building stronger communities, and ending poverty—are the foundation of everything we do.
This milestone is a testament to the power of partnership and perseverance. SDHF has grown from a small nonprofit into a leading voice in the housing sector, with a 17-member Board of Directors and a network of allies across the region and beyond. Yet our work is far from over.
Join Us in Building the Future
Housing instability remains one of the most significant challenges facing San Diego. Every day, families are forced to make impossible choices between rent and basic necessities. Together, we can change this.
As we look ahead to the next chapter, we invite you to join us. Your support will enable us to continue being “with you all the way” through empowering communities, advocating for housing justice, and creating opportunities for a brighter future.
Join us in transforming lives and communities—be part of the movement to ensure that every San Diegan has a safe, affordable place to call home. Together, we can ensure that every San Diegan has a place to call home.