About Us
Over 35 years in service to our communities
About Community HousingWorks
Building life-changing affordable apartment communities
with resident-centered services
Founded in 1988, Community HousingWorks is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that develops, rehabilitates, preserves and operates affordable apartment communities throughout California and in Texas.
Our unique approach extends beyond an affordable place to call home. In addition to providing working families and older adults with stable homes in healthy communities, we layer in powerful programs, services and connections to resources.
These tools help people attain financial stability, improve their health and overall well-being, and set school-age children up for success in the classroom and beyond.
Community HousingWorks is an exemplary-ranked member of the national NeighborWorks Network®, an award-winning affiliate of UnidosUS and a member of the prestigious Housing Partnership Network.
Our mission and values
Opportunity begins with a stable home. Community HousingWorks provides and builds life-changing affordable apartment communities with resident-centered services for working families, seniors and people with disabilities to forge stronger futures.
Service Above Self
Reach for Excellence
Respect People's Dignity & Believe in Their Potential
Do What You Say & Own All That You Do
Find a Way, or Make a New One
We practice selfless service to our communities; we serve our residents and stakeholders first; we exemplify teamwork and commitment to all of CHW, not just our one part; we practice servant leadership. People feel that we act from a place of compassion.
We go for the gold when it matters most; we go the extra mile for our residents, stakeholders, and community; we are committed to quality that we can be proud of; we will not be ordinary. People trust us to deliver top quality work.
We humbly commit to recognize and overcome bias in the world and at CHW; we believe in people and their self-reliant capacity to take action; we commit to developing residents, staff, volunteers and board to their potential. People can feel our respect for their dignity.
We are determined and in it for the long haul; we own the work; we problem solve; we are not afraid to do hard things; we take smart risks; we innovate. People trust us to get the job done, often creatively.
Our words match our actions; we take responsibility for our victories and our mistakes; our mistakes are learning opportunities, and we own them all. People trust us to honor our commitments and speak the truth.
A timeline of our growth
1988
- Community HousingWorks Founded
- Originally North County Housing Foundation, Community HousingWorks was founded by social justice activists, social service advocates and city leaders in Escondido united by the cause of affordable apartments for children and homeless families.
1990
- Our First Community
- Las Casitas, an Escondido community of six historic hundred-year-old bungalows, becomes transitional apartments for homeless families.
1997
- Expanding Footprint & Services
- CHW expands footprint in San Diego’s North County region through merger with another nonprofit. Sets the stage for resident services with launch of first after-school program.
2002
- National Affiliation
- CHW becomes a national NeighborWorks affiliate, accessing capital, national peer networks, and training to accelerate and support our growth.
2007
- Sustainability
- SOLARA, the first apartment community in California to be powered entirely by the sun is completed in Poway. SOLARA won the Urban Land Institute’s prestigious national “Award of Excellence – The Americas.”
2012
- Rental Home Stability Program
- CHW launches our nationally recognized eviction prevention program for CHW residents, building on years of financial coaching and financial literacy classes that help thousands save more, decrease debt, and improve their credit scores.
2014
- Statewide Growth
- Azusa Apartments, CHW’s first community in Los Angeles County, won regional and national awards for preserving affordable apartments and preventing displacement of residents.
2020
- Executive Leadership Change
- Sue Reynolds retires as CEO after 23 years. Sean Spear hired as President & CEO.
2022
- Moving Beyond California
- CHW growth continues outside of California with acquisition of Park at Woodland Springs near Houston, Texas.
2023
- Celebrating 35 Years
- CHW begins the year serving more than 11,000 residents living in over 4,000 apartments in 46 communities spread across 9 counties in California and Texas.
Highlights from the past year
Who we assist
A unique approach to help residents achieve a successful outcome
2,000+
Families
2,100+
Seniors
4,000+
Children
100+
Formerly homeless
Learn more
Explore more about what we do and how you can become a part of our team
Join our team
The dedicated work of our staff makes it possible to achieve our mission. Learn more on our Careers page.
Help build futures
Help thousands of residents achieve home stability and access resources to build their futures through your support
View our communities
Community HousingWorks builds, rehabilitates, and owns quality, safe, and sustainable apartment communities that people can be proud to call home.