Annual conference highlights tenant organizing with launch of statewide tenant leaders council

NEW BRUNSWICK – Housing advocates and community leaders from across New Jersey came together for the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey’s (the Network) annual community development cconference and membership meeting, Under One Roof. Over 400 policy, planning and organizing experts, as well as public and business leaders participated in this year’s event which was dedicated to advancing housing justice, strengthening partnerships, and celebrating the achievements of community leaders statewide.

“Housing is a human right and the foundation of every strong, healthy community,” said Staci Berger, President and CEO of the Network. “Across the state, our members are building more than homes, they’re building opportunity, equity, and resilience. Under One Roof brings together the people who make that possible, uniting us in our shared mission to ensure that everyone, has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.”

The event featured a keynote address by Renee M. Willis, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, who also moderated the plenary discussion, Housing Justice Through Tenant Organizing: Building Power for Strong, Healthy, and Affordable Communities. Panelists shared insights on empowering tenants, strengthening communities, and advancing housing stability statewide. During the session, the Network launched its Tenant Leaders Council, a new statewide initiative to elevate tenant voices and foster community-led solutions to the housing crisis.

“Tenant leadership is not an accessory to the work, it is the work,” said Willis. “And that matters especially in a moment like this one. Because the landscape we’re navigating is not stable. It is shifting. It is strained. It is in many ways, unraveling. We often talk about ‘stakeholders,’ but let’s be clear, people with lived experience are not stakeholders; they are the standard-bearers. They remind us what’s at stake when we negotiate policy, when we design programs, when we allocate funding. Their wisdom should not be consulted; it should be centered, embedded into every table where decisions are made.”

The conference program featured an inspiring lineup of speakers including Michelle Henry, Region Executive for Community Engagement in Corporate Responsibility, JPMorganChase; Samra Haider, President & CEO, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation; The Hon. Jacquelyn A. Suárez, Commissioner, NJ Department of Community Affairs; and Margie “Mia X” Johnson, Poet Laureate, City of Newark. From the Democratic Gubernatorial slate, Dr. Dale Caldwell delivered remarks, joined by The Hon. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) in a prerecorded message. Also appearing by video was The Hon. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10), the youngest member of the U.S. Congress.

Housing is not just a local issue, it’s a national crisis that demands bold, coordinated action,” said Frost. “As someone who has personally experienced homelessness, I know how vital it is that we treat housing as a human right. Everyone, no matter who they are or what job they have, deserves a roof over their head. It’s time we build a country where that’s a reality for all.”

The Network also recognized exceptional contributions with awards honoring individuals, organizations, and projects advancing housing justice:

•The Hon. Sheila Y. Oliver Community Development Champion Award: William Best, retired Senior Vice President, PNC Bank
•Exceptional Community Partner Award: Pro Bono Partnership
•Advocacy & Organizing Award: Make the Road New Jersey
•Hall of Heroes Award: New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice
•Outstanding Project Honorees: Habitat for Humanity of South Central NJ, Passaic County Habitat for Humanity, Collaborative Support Programs of NJ, Coming Home Middlesex County, Greater Middlesex and Morris Habitat for Humanity, Affordable Housing Alliance, Thriven Design, and Foya Development Group

Sponsored by JPMorganChase, M&T Bank, Valley Bank, Wells Fargo, and TD Bank, Under One Roof featured sessions exploring innovative approaches to expanding affordable home opportunities, energy affordability, equitable development, and nonprofit sustainability. Topics included collaborations between developers and municipalities, culturally responsive community building, and technology’s impact on housing equity. Through these discussions, participants shared actionable strategies to prevent displacement, close the racial wealth gap, and build sustainable, community-driven housing solutions.

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 275 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.

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