We are proud to feature Laticia Salter, a member of our third HLI Cohort. Laticia’s path into affordable housing work is rooted in lived experience and genuine compassion. With more than 15 years of experience serving families through public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, she has built a career distinguished by deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to resident dignity. As the HCV Manager at Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Laticia oversees the day-to-day operations of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, with a steadfast focus on program compliance, process improvement, staff support, and ensuring families are served with dignity and care
What began as a position as a receptionist at Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority in Gilpin Court has evolved into a calling. Through that early experience, Laticia gained firsthand insight into the power of affordable housing and the complexity of the work. She listened to residents, learned the programs, and saw the direct impact that compassionate, competent service can have on families navigating housing instability.
Beyond her work in housing operations and program administration, Laticia founded K & K Consulting Group, where she provides technical assistance and consulting services to housing authorities. This entrepreneurial commitment to strengthening the field reflects her passion for leadership development and community impact. Today, at the heart of Laticia’s work is advocacy. She is committed to ensuring that the Housing Choice Voucher Program is not only compliant with HUD requirements, but truly compassionate, effective, and centered on the families it serves. Her colleagues recognize her as someone who brings both expertise and empathy to every interaction—qualities that define her leadership and her commitment to creating meaningful change in affordable housing.
Q: What was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to pursue a career in affordable housing?
Yes. My inspiration came from both my personal life and my professional journey. Growing up, my family experienced housing instability, and I saw firsthand how stressful and uncertain it can be when a family is trying to find or keep a safe place to live. Those experiences shaped my heart and gave me compassion for families navigating similar challenges.
My career in affordable housing began at Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, where I worked as a receptionist in Gilpin Court. At first, I had my own preconceived ideas about public housing, but as I learned the programs and interacted with residents, my perspective changed. I began to understand the importance of affordable housing, not just as a program, but as a foundation for stability, dignity, and opportunity.
That experience inspired me to grow in the field and become a stronger advocate for residents—especially through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. I realized that affordable housing work is more than compliance and operations; it is about helping families move toward stability and creating systems that serve people with fairness, compassion, and respect.
Q: What is your current role, and what are your main responsibilities?
I currently serve as the HCV Manager at Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority. In this role, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, with a focus on program compliance, process improvement, staff support, and ensuring families are served with dignity and care.
My main responsibilities include ensuring HUD requirements are met, reviewing and improving policies and procedures, providing training and technical guidance to staff, and addressing key program areas such as recertifications, interim changes, moves, inspections, rent reasonableness, and other participant needs. I also work closely with leadership and staff to identify areas for improvement and create practical solutions that help the program operate more efficiently.
At the heart of my role is advocacy. I want to make sure the Housing Choice Voucher Program is not only compliant, but also compassionate, effective, and centered on the families it is designed to serve.
Q: How has the affordable housing landscape changed over the past few years?
The landscape has evolved in ways that both challenge and inspire me. Families are facing higher housing costs, limited availability of affordable units, and greater barriers to securing and maintaining stable housing. The need for affordable housing is not going away—in many communities, it is becoming even more urgent.
Q: How do you see the field of affordable housing evolving in the next few years?
I believe the field of affordable housing will continue to evolve in a way that requires us to be more innovative, collaborative, and people-centered. The need for affordable housing is not going away; in many communities, it is becoming even more urgent. Families are facing higher housing costs, limited availability, and greater barriers to securing and maintaining stable housing.
In the next few years, I believe we will see a stronger focus on preserving existing affordable housing, expanding housing opportunities, improving voucher utilization, and building stronger partnerships with landlords, developers, local governments, and community organizations. I also believe technology and data will play a larger role in helping housing agencies operate more efficiently, track performance, and better serve participants.
At the same time, I hope the field continues to move beyond just providing housing assistance and focuses more on long-term stability, self-sufficiency, and dignity for the families we serve–
Affordable housing is not just about units or vouchers; it is about creating access, opportunity, and a foundation for people to thrive.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work in affordable housing?
The most rewarding part of my work in affordable housing is knowing that what we do has a direct impact on people’s lives. Housing is one of the most basic needs, and when a family has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing, it can change the direction of their life.
I find it rewarding when I am able to help remove barriers, improve a process, solve a problem, or support a family through a difficult situation. Sometimes the work is challenging, but I always try to remember that behind every file, voucher, inspection, recertification, or policy decision is a person or family who is depending on the program to work.
What makes this work meaningful to me is the opportunity to be both a problem-solver and an advocate. I am grateful to be in a field where my personal experiences, professional knowledge, and passion for helping people all come together to serve a greater purpose.
Q: How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in the face of challenges?
I stay motivated by remembering the purpose behind the work. Affordable housing can be challenging because the needs are great, the resources are often limited, and the work requires patience, problem-solving, and compassion. However, I remind myself that this work matters because it directly impacts families, communities, and quality of life.
When challenges arise, I try to stay focused on solutions instead of obstacles. I also think about the residents and families who are depending on these programs to function effectively. That perspective keeps me grounded and reminds me that every improvement, every resolved issue, and every person helped is meaningful.
My passion also comes from my own lived experience and my belief that housing stability can change the trajectory of a person's life. Knowing that I have the opportunity to be part of that change continues to inspire me, even on the difficult days.
Q: Do you have any hobbies or interests that help you unwind and stay balanced?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, going to the beach, attending live music events, watching movies, shopping, and enjoying good food and fellowship. I also love spending time with my dog, Milo, who definitely helps me unwind after busy days.
My faith is also a major part of how I stay balanced. Prayer, worship, and serving in ministry help keep me grounded and remind me to rest, refocus, and stay connected to what matters most. I believe balance is important, especially in work that requires so much compassion and problem-solving, so I try to make time for the things that bring me joy and peace.
Q: How would you sum up your experience with HLI in one sentence?
My experience with HLI has been inspiring and empowering, giving me the opportunity to grow as a leader, connect with others who are passionate about housing, and deepen my commitment to creating meaningful change in affordable housing.
We’re grateful for Laticia’s contributions to the housing sector and excited to support her continued growth and leadership through the Housing Leadership Institute. Her commitment to serving families with compassion and integrity strengthens both her organizations and our cohort.
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.