The story begins in 1992, just two years after SDHF—then known as the Nonprofit Federation for Housing and Community Development—was founded. The first Annual Conference was a modest, single-day event featuring a keynote address, workshops, an exhibit area, and a networking reception. It was a humble beginning, but it carried a powerful vision: to create a community where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.
Read MoreOn Thursday, August 28th, 2025, the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF) and the California Housing Partnership hosted this year’s Fundamentals of Affordable Housing Finance training at the San Diego Central Library. Sponsored by St. Paul’s Senior Services and Icon National, the event brought together affordable housing professionals, developers, and advocates for a full day of in-depth learning, networking, and hands-on experience. Continuing the tradition established by last year’s successful session, this year’s training emphasized both the foundational concepts and the practical tools necessary to navigate the complex world of affordable housing finance.
Read MoreFor 35 years, the San Diego Housing Federation has worked to ensure that every person in our region has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Our story is one of persistence, partnership, and progress—shaping the policies and investments that make homes possible for thousands of San Diegans.
Read MoreAs the San Diego Housing Federation celebrates 35 years, we also celebrate the evolution of one of our most impactful and people-centered initiatives: the Supportive Housing and Resident Services Academy (SHRSA).
SHRSA was created in 2024 through the merger of two longstanding networks—Resident Services Support Network (RSSN) and the Supportive Housing Learning Network (SHLN)—each with its own rich history of supporting professionals on the frontlines of affordable and supportive housing.
Together, they form a unified program dedicated to training, peer support, and shared learning across property management and resident services staff in our region.
Read MoreIn Spring 2021, the San Diego Housing Federation partnered with MiraCosta College to tackle a critical challenge facing the region: the growing need for skilled, compassionate property managers in affordable housing. With the leadership of Michelle Sites (VP of SoCal Affordable at CONAM Management) and Erica Duran (Department Chair for Short-Term Vocational at MiraCosta College), two new courses were developed that summer tailored to train and uplift individuals often underrepresented in the field.
Read MoreThe San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF) proudly celebrated a milestone 35th anniversary of the Ruby Awards on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. The annual Ruby Awards, the region’s largest and most prestigious celebration of affordable housing, honors excellence in housing development, community advocacy, and public policy across San Diego County.
Read MoreThe journey down the yellow brick road to affordable housing in San Diego has been paved with dedication, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of community. For the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF), this journey has been celebrated annually since 1994, when the first seeds of the Ruby Awards were sown during their annual conference. Two years later, in 1996, the Rubies blossomed into their own standalone event, marking a significant turning point in recognizing the vital work being done.
Read MoreThe San Diego Housing Federation will honor Leilani Hines, Housing and Neighborhood Services Department Director at City of Oceanside, with the 2025 John Craven Public Service Memorial Award at its upcoming Ruby Awards ceremony on June 5, 2025.
Read MoreFor 35 years, the San Diego Housing Federation has been committed to building a future where everyone—regardless of race, income, or background—has access to safe, affordable housing. One of the most enduring pillars of this mission is our unwavering support for Fair Housing.
Read MoreThe Board of Directors selects the Housing Champion recipient who honors professionals with more than two decades of leadership, innovation, and impact in the affordable housing field. Recipients embody the values of the Federation: a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability; collaboration and partnership across the community development field and advocacy for policies that improve the quality of life of families and communities.
Read MoreOn March 25th, SDHF staff, board members, affordable housing advocates, and supporters came together at San Diego City Council, where Councilmember Stephen Whitburn and Council President Joe LaCava brought forward a proclamation officially declaring March 27th as "San Diego Housing Federation Day." On March 27th, we gathered to celebrate the San Diego Housing Federation’s 35th Anniversary—a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to creating affordable housing and fostering stronger, more equitable communities.
Read MoreFor 35 years, the San Diego Housing Federation has been at the forefront of advocating for safe, affordable housing for all. One of the most transformative initiatives in this ongoing mission is the Residents United Network (RUN), a statewide advocacy program that has empowered residents to take an active role in shaping affordable housing policies.
Read MoreAs the San Diego Housing Federation celebrates its 35th Anniversary, it's essential to recognize the significant policy victories we've championed, supported, defended, and achieved over the years. Our very formation in 1990 established a crucial foundation, creating—for the first time—a unified voice for affordable housing in San Diego. What began as informal discussions has evolved into a fully functioning 501(c)(3) organization, a testament to the power of collective action.
Read MoreA message from our President and CEO, Stephen Russell.
Read MoreOn Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, the San Diego Housing Federation hosted the Supportive Housing and Resident Services (SHRSA) Institute at the Mingei International Museum. This one-day immersive event brought together over 80 individuals from the supportive housing and resident services community for an enriching day of educational workshops designed to foster collaboration and professional growth.
Read MoreABC 10News San Diego Reports: San Diego affordable housing developments threatened by tariffs
Hear from SDHF President & CEO Stephen Russell regarding the impact of proposed tariffs on imports from Canada such as lumber and how affordable housing developments will be affected.
Read MoreThirty-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.
Read MoreWhen Stephen Russell first heard about the San Diego Housing Federation in 2002, it was during a pivotal moment for our city. The Inclusionary Housing Ordinance was being debated, and the need for affordable housing solutions had never been clearer. For Steve, now President and CEO of the Federation, that moment marked the beginning of a journey to help solve one of our community’s most pressing challenges: access to safe, affordable, and secure homes for all.
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