Kwofi’s Commitment to Affordable Housing - "With You All the Way"
In the vibrant heart of San Diego, a movement is underway—one that champions the values of resilience, innovation, and community collaboration. At the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF), we believe that affordable housing is not just a necessity; it is a fundamental human right. Our end-of-year campaign, “With You All the Way,” celebrates the inspiring stories that emerge when we work together toward this goal.
One such story is that of Kwofi Reed, a dedicated advocate for affordable housing whose journey reflects a deep commitment to his community. Growing up in Southeastern San Diego, Kwofi’s passion for equitable housing was ignited early on, shaping his career in profound ways. For over a decade, he has been at the forefront of affordable housing initiatives, working tirelessly to ensure that everyone in our region has a place to call home.
Kwofi’s journey began in Washington, D.C., where he played a crucial role in helping tenants purchase their apartment buildings, empowering them to take ownership of their living situations. This experience was pivotal in shaping his understanding of the barriers many face in accessing affordable housing. After this impactful start, he spent ten years in affordable housing finance at LISC, gaining invaluable experience that he would later bring back to San Diego.
Before joining San Diego Habitat for Humanity three years ago, Kwofi took on various roles within local government, focusing on affordable housing finance and rental housing regulation. “The professional and personal connections, educational experiences, and networking opportunities that SDHF provides have been essential for every step I've taken,” he shares, reflecting on the importance of these relationships in his journey.
Since first connecting with SDHF in 2011, Kwofi has served on the board of directors and several committees, including policy, finance, and fundraising. He initially joined to support business development, but he quickly found himself drawn to the Federation's genuine commitment to advocacy, talent building, and industry growth. “I was intrigued to stay because of the organization's effective focus on policy and the shared mission to create a more inclusive housing landscape,” he says.
Kwofi’s most rewarding experiences with SDHF have come from its educational institutes for young professionals. “These programs are incredibly inspiring. They not only nurture the next generation of housing leaders but also spread vital knowledge to professionals in other fields, including elected officials and staff,” he explains. This commitment to education and mentorship is a testament to the Federation’s mission to foster a thriving community of advocates for affordable housing.
Moreover, Kwofi has been particularly inspired by SDHF’s leadership in advocating for a permanent source of financing for affordable housing in the region. “This ongoing effort is critical for our community’s future,” he emphasizes. Kwofi understands that sustainable funding is essential to addressing the urgent housing needs in San Diego, and he believes that SDHF is well-positioned to lead this charge.
As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded of remarkable contributions made by individuals like Kwofi, whose dedication to affordable housing resonates through every project and initiative. His story is just one of many that highlights the power of community and collaboration.
We invite you to join us in this vital work. Your contribution to the San Diego Housing Federation’s year-end campaign will directly impact our ability to provide essential resources, foster career development, and strengthen the bonds that unite us all. Please consider donating today. Every contribution helps us continue our mission and empowers us to create a more equitable housing landscape for everyone in San Diego.
Together, we can move closer to a future where everyone has a place to call home. Let’s continue to be “With You All the Way.”
