We are thrilled to introduce another member of VHA’s inaugural Housing Leadership Institute cohort–Charnitta Waters. Charnitta is the Chief Operating Officer at Senior Services of Southeast Virginia, one of the state’s largest Area Agencies on Aging. Her primary role is providing coaching, support, and strategic input to the organizational service pillars. Furthermore, Charnitta works alongside the CEO and all operational departments that support and assist older adults, caregivers, and veterans. Charnitta’s colleagues describe her as a visionary leader who brings passion, hard work, and innovation to her projects, instilling hope in the next generation of housing leaders.

Connect with Charnitta: cwaters@ssseva.org.

Get to know more about Charnitta and her work:

Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to pursue a career in affordable housing?

Initially, I entered the field with the vivid memory of childhood friends who had lived in neighboring public housing units. Their homes were torn down, and they were moved abruptly and promised a return to “affordable” homes–that ultimately were in fact out of their reach. Fast forward to about a decade later, I witnessed the sheer emotion of families, disabled persons, and veterans who had lost housing, many for the first time and with no place to go and little to no support. With my past and present experiences, there was no way I could standby. So I decided to propel my voice and actions to help my fellow brethren who needed a hand up and not necessarily a hand out–I felt I had to do more.

Can you share a memorable success story or project you’ve been involved with?

I developed an operational system within a nonprofit solely focused on homeless interventions and housing services. Previously in the organization’s history, there was no department solely dedicated to this particular focus. Over 18 staff and interns secured, managed, and monitored a host of federal, state, local, and foundational funds and programs. Day in and day out the group tirelessly advocated, fought for, and served individuals and families in need of housing crisis stability and coordinated income support services. This was a team who genuinely cared for the outcomes of the work and made a difference. We ate, breathed, and lived the mission we committed to: erasing homelessness one key at a time!

How has the affordable housing landscape changed over the past few years, and how do you see the field evolving in the coming years?

The stark reality that “affordable” housing is not truly affordable has worsened in many cases. Simultaneously, the national shortage of affordable housing coupled with rising costs and a lack of rent control legislation has created an environment
for many households to become the new faces of an inevitable housing crisis. However, I see various paths forward, as jurisdictional housing and development policies dictate the improvement (or lack thereof) of this issue. Primarily, I anticipate legislators and community organizations working and talking more collaboratively because everyone sees this is a problem; we just now must turn these conversations into meaningful actions.

What are some common misconceptions about affordable housing that you’d like to address?

While many may believe that proclaiming “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) helps to protect their communities, IT DOES NOT. If housing problems are pushed from community to community because no one wants to bear the responsibility of the issue, the housing crises will move to your front yard. Large companies, many which are household names, break ground for expansion in areas where there is housing for their employees. In that vein, investing in affordable housing is an investment in your economy! Unquestionably, there is a direct return on putting dollars into increasing affordable housing opportunities — and the data proves it.

What do you find most rewarding about your work in affordable housing?

First, the success stories of the people we serve. Second, knowing I made a difference. Lastly, seeing and realizing the power in working together with a shared goal. All of this is what keeps me wanting and in many cases seeing the need to do
more, speak up more, and shed light on such a curable problem.

Primarily I’ve learned about the power of collaboration and communication with people from all walks of life. Additionally, despite these differences, with a shared goal the work to combat social ills can and will be done. Above all, I will use the knowledge, skills, and connections made through the program to help create meaningful solutions. I aspire to address the growing rise of homelessness amongst older adults. Through [HLI], I have developed the skills to strengthen systems that tackle the root causes of why we lack of affordable housing, while homelessness continues to emerge.

About the Housing Leadership Institute

The Housing Leadership Institute (BLI) 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 and 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.