As we approach the end of the year, the San Diego Housing Federation proudly presents our campaign, “With You All the Way.” This initiative shines a light on the inspiring stories of our dedicated members, partners, and program participants, showcasing the powerful impact of our collective efforts. One such story is that of Laura Ann Fernea, an advocate whose remarkable journey embodies our mission to stand by our community through every challenge.

Laura Ann's story begins in Cairo, Egypt, where she was born as the first of three children. Immersed in a bilingual environment, she grew up speaking Arabic and English. At the age of six, she and her family moved to Austin, Texas, but her journey didn’t stop there. She spent over a year living in Morocco, where she attended high school in French, and returned to Egypt at 17, further deepening her understanding of diverse cultures.

After completing her studies at college in Portland, Oregon, Laura Ann answered the call to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Burundi. There, she taught English in a rural high school, igniting her passion for education and community empowerment. Her path led her back to the U.S., where she met her husband at a community clinic in Northern California. Their multicultural family, which includes three grown daughters, reflects Laura Ann’s commitment to inclusivity and advocacy.

With a Bachelor’s in English Literature and multiple Master’s degrees in International Development Studies and Public Health, Laura Ann has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector. She has worked in mental health facilities, international development across Africa, and public health initiatives in community clinics. After more than 12 years directing an affordable housing nonprofit, she recognized a critical need to address eviction prevention—a passion that ultimately led her to her current role as the Eviction Prevention Coordinator at the Legal Aid Society of San Diego.

Laura Ann’s connection to the San Diego Housing Federation began in 2010 when she worked with the City Heights Community Housing Corporation. Initially, she knew little about the Federation, but as she became more engaged, her appreciation for its mission grew. With former Board Member of City Heights CDC, Stephen Russell, as the Federation’s President and CEO, Laura Ann has been inspired by his unwavering dedication to advocating for affordable housing at local and state levels. His ability to challenge policymakers while maintaining respectful relationships has profoundly influenced Laura Ann’s approach to advocacy.

Reflecting on her journey, Laura Ann shares, “The San Diego Housing Federation has been with me every step of the way—empowering me to learn, grow, and make a difference. I have witnessed firsthand how our collaborative efforts create pathways to housing stability and community resilience.” Her experiences have fueled her passion for addressing the pressing issues of evictions and homelessness in San Diego.

In her role at the Legal Aid Society, Laura Ann is focused on keeping families in their homes and helping those who are unsheltered find a place to live. She emphasizes, “Let’s end the misery of homelessness by keeping residents housed, housing the unsheltered, and increasing affordable housing in San Diego. We must preserve naturally occurring affordable housing before it’s all gone and expand housing for low and moderate-income households.”

As we celebrate the stories of individuals like Laura Ann, we are reminded of the San Diego Housing Federation's commitment to being there for our community, “with you all the way.” Your support for our year-end campaign is vital in continuing this essential work. Every contribution helps us strengthen the community we’ve built and empowers us to create a more equitable housing landscape for all.

Join us in ensuring that our work continues to thrive. Please consider donating to the San Diego Housing Federation today. Your gift can make a significant impact, moving us closer to a future where everyone has a place to call home. Together, we can create lasting change, ensuring that individuals like Laura Ann have the support they need to make a difference in our community. Thank you for being with us all the way.