Carolyn Loftin is a member of VHA’s inaugural Housing Leadership Institute cohort. As the Director of Programs at Urban Hope, Carolyn brings passion and commitment to her work every day. In the same vein, she approaches affordable housing with dignity and respect. Carolyn has 9 years of experience in housing, and is the president of the board for the Virginia Association of Housing Counselors. In addition, Carolyn serves on the boards for Partnership for Housing Affordability, and Rise Richmond.
Get to know more about Carolyn and her work:
First, tell us about your current role, and your main responsibilities:
The main areas of focus in my work are being a community liaison for individuals seeking affordable housing, creating pathways to economic stability, and strengthening community partnerships.
What are some common misconceptions about affordable housing that you’d like to address?
Many people think that “affordable housing” means blight and crime, but this simply isn’t true. Above all, affordable housing means prospering families enjoying life, without having to work themselves in the ground.
What do you find most rewarding about your work in affordable housing?
One of my most rewarding responsibilities has been to educate participants in making sound financial decisions that are feasible and practical in relation to where they are in their financial journey. Most importantly, financial health is key to navigating out of poverty. However, if the financial education is not applicable to real life, it can be a very frustrating experience.
Lastly, how would you sum up your experience with HLI in one sentence?
I have finally found my tribe in the affordable housing arena.
Connect with Carolyn: carolyn@urbanhoperva.org.
About the Housing Leadership Institute
The Housing Leadership Institute (HLI) is a 10-month intensive and targeted program created and implemented by the Virginia Housing Alliance. The Alliance and its partners designed the program to leverage training, coaching, and peer support. Each year we help 15 mid-career housing professionals foster and grow leadership skills. Through the program, participants create a career development plan to catalyze their leadership trajectory.
The program consists of 7 virtual sessions, 3 in-person retreats across the Commonwealth, 5 one-on-one coaching sessions, readings and reflections to supplement each session, and additional networking and professional development opportunities.
Learn more about HLI or contact Arley Bell at abell@vahousingalliance.org.