This month, we welcome Debra Johnson as the newest member of HDC’s Board of Directors. Johnson is the Director of Administration for the Housing Authority of the County of Chester. With an extensive background in management and organizational leadership, Johnson says she always “puts people first.”
Learn more about Johnson and the work she’s excited to do with HDC below.
Why is housing an issue you care about?
Housing and people go hand in hand. Anyone can be housed, but the question is can they maintain that housing? We can get people off the street, but can we keep them off the street? I believe in giving people the necessary tools to stay housed. If we can provide them with resources, they can carry that down through the generations.
What made you interested in joining HDC’s board?
I like the fact that HDC puts people first. You have a lot of programs that are geared toward providing resources so people can better themselves. I’m interested in doing anything I can to help others.
What skills or knowledge are you hoping to bring to the board?
I decided to get into the Human Resources field because I believe that no matter who you are, you deserve to be treated fairly so you can better yourself. I work to manage processes for people so that we are able to better serve the vulnerable populations we work with. I think my experience allows me to a be a voice for people who don’t have a voice. It’s important to me because I was that person. I am a minority. I was often afraid to speak up, but once you have a voice, you can make a difference. I feel that we often speak, but don’t listen. Everyone has an underlying story. Let’s get to the core of it and help people be successful and understand what that means for them.
Finding a place to live that meets one’s basic needs and budget can feel like a never-ending challenge. The complexity of lower-income families and individuals extend far beyond simply finding a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to call home. At HDC, we are committed to being an ally in speaking to issues, programs, and policies that improve quality of life of our residents. Issues that we know are important to our residents include:
Every voice matters. At HDC, we are committed to raising up resident voices and opening doors so that residents can actively participate in the democratic process, speak out on issues important to them and their communities, and communicate how policies affect their everyday lives. We believe it is important to make the time and space to listen, and to support resident leaders in effectively using their voices. We support resident advocacy opportunities through our Resident Academy of Leadership & Inspiration, Voter Registration Drives, and holding constituent meetings and tours with elected officials.
We know we can’t solve the affordable housing challenge alone. We need champions to help change the conversation around what home means and why it matters. We are committed to educating elected officials to understand the needs and challenges of their constituents. We are here to provide solutions that work and offer affordable housing expertise that demonstrates the impact policy decisions have on lower-income families, seniors and those with disabilities. We work closely with and participate in alliances and coalitions to educate and advance shared policy priorities. Our advocacy partners include:
Wendy Smith serves as the Vice President of Property Management, responsible for the overall strategic direction for HDC’s management portfolio and the organization’s largest staff team. Previously, Wendy served as Asset and Operations Manager for a leading real estate firm based in New York City which owned over 11,000 affordable homes. Since 2008, Wendy has held roles in regional level operations for commercial and for-profit housing agencies. Wendy holds a degree in International Studies.
Allentown, PA
Fredericksburg, PA
Lancaster, PA
