Looking Back on 5 Years of Change
Celebrating CHW's evolution under the leadership of President & CEO Sean Spear
Then & Now
From Regional Housing Leader to Multi-State Powerhouse
In the past five years, Sean Spear has guided CHW through remarkable times. Taking the reins in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sean has shepherded in the next stage in CHW’s evolution. What began as a strong affordable housing developer primarily focused on the San Diego region has evolved into a multi-market housing leader operating across California and Texas.
Under Sean’s leadership:
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CHW’s portfolio has grown to 5,185 units
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Total development value now exceeds $1.27 billion
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Footprint has expanded to include five new counties, including two in Texas
But the transformation is about more than scale.
CHW has strengthened its operational sophistication, introduced innovative construction approaches such as mass timber, expanded joint venture partnerships, and deepened its commitment to housing that supports veterans, seniors, families, transition-age youth, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Through strategic growth, disciplined execution, and mission-driven leadership, Sean has positioned CHW as a model for modern, high-impact housing development.
The Growth Journey:
2021–2026
2021
Navigating Change
- CHW is an established and well-respected affordable housing developer with a footprint mostly focused on San Diego County.
- COVID-19 pandemic has impacted timelines, balance sheets, and employee morale.
- Period of transition as Sean settles into executive leadership of CHW.
2022
Geographic Diversification
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CHW explores ways to expand footprint.
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Organization looks for new financing opportunities.
Milestones:
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First out-of-state community via acquisition in Houston, Texas.
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Breaks ground on first Orange County development.
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Opens first artist-focused community.
2023
Leading the Way
- CHW celebrates 35th anniversary
- Team breaks ground on first all-electric development
- Sean Spear speaks at congressional hearing on veteran homelessness
Notable Openings:
- Portola Senior Apartments (Orange County, CA)
- Salvator Apartments (Sacramento, CA)
2024
Scaling Portfolio, Expanding Reach
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CHW expands deeper into Texas and accelerates larger-scale projects. Supportive housing grows significantly, serving seniors, families, and vulnerable populations.
Major Milestones:
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Puesta del Sol Apartments (Linda Vista)
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Las Haciendas Apartments (Riverside County)
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Bandar Salaam 25-Year Anniversary & Rehabilitation
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2025
Operational Maturity
- High-volume closings occur across construction, rehabilitation, and acquisitions.
JV structures, mass timber construction, and multi-funding strategies allow CHW to operate at greater scale and sophistication. - DreamBuilder Gala: $570,000+ raised to support resident services and youth programs.
2026
Multi-Market Housing Leader
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CHW closes hundreds of units annually across California and Texas. The organization operates at a scale and complexity far beyond a traditional regional developer.
Mission-driven development continues to expand supportive housing for:
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Veterans
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Seniors
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Families
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Transition-age youth
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Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
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The Big Picture: 2026 Snapshot
By 2026, CHW operates at unprecedented scale:
5,185 total units in portfolio
$1.27B+ in total development value
1,325 units in active pipeline under site control
774 units closing in 2026
215 units awarded or closed in late 2025
232 units under construction or rehab
776 units in large-scale acquisitions
215 units awarded or closed in late 2025
Projects spanning California and Texas, including:
Active Markets
California: Bay Area, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Sacramento, Fresno, San Jose, Santa Cruz
Texas: Dallas and Houston-area markets
Milestones & Achievements
A look at Sean Spear’s key accolades, awards, and defining moments over the past five years — celebrating leadership that’s shaped CHW’s mission and impact.
Sean’s leadership has been recognized locally and statewide:
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Chair, California Housing Consortium Board
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Selected to Lead Continuum of Care Advisory Board
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San Diego Business Journal SD500 – Four Consecutive Years
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Finalist, CEO of the Year (2024 & 2025)
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Black Leaders of Influence (2025)
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Featured in San Diego Business Journal (2026)
These recognitions reflect not just visibility — but sustained influence in housing policy, development strategy, and community leadership.
Under Sean’s leadership, CHW has significantly expanded supportive housing and resident services.
Supportive Housing Growth
Hundreds of units dedicated to veterans, seniors, families, transition-age youth, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Resident Enrichment
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STEM learning camps at Keeler Court
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Expanded youth programming
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Service partnerships integrated into housing communities
Community Stewardship
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Rehabilitation and preservation of long-standing properties
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Strengthened partnerships with local agencies and nonprofit collaborators
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Long-term commitment to resident wellbeing beyond housing delivery
Looking Ahead
As CHW continues expanding across markets, the focus remains clear:
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Deliver high-quality affordable and supportive housing
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Innovate financing and construction strategies
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Strengthen partnerships
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Deepen resident impact