We’re so lucky at NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley to have a staff of hardworking, committed team-players who work tirelessly at our mission of building affordable housing and enriching community life.
In this series, you’ll get to know the people behind the work.
Tell us about yourself.
Hello! I’ve been in affordable housing for a long time. It’s something that I really enjoy. I enjoy the fact that you’re building houses but there’s also a social component to it. I’ve worked mostly in Providence, with one organization for a number of years, but also with a variety of other organizations. I’m from Connecticut originally and came to Rhode Island about 23 or 24 years ago. A long time Providence resident, I now live in Warwick.
What do you do at NWBRV?
I am NeighborWorks’ construction director! I enjoy helping out in other ways when I can though. I’m not on site all the time, the contractor has their site person. However, I’m in charge of making sure that the contractor is building according to our drawings and specifications, processing requisitions, answering questions, and holding construction meetings. I also help make sure that it’s a safe site, while addressing any contactor concerns or any unanticipated changes. Amongst other things!
How long have you been working with NWBRV, and how did you start working with the organization?
I only started full time with NeighborWorks in September of last year. Because I’ve been in affordable housing for so long, I’ve worked for other non profits in Rhode Island, and we’re all aware of each other. I’ve known Joe for 20 years and known of the reputation of NeighborWorks. I was working at another non-profit recently and decided to switch over to NeighborWorks. You meet so many nice people working at non-profits throughout the state.
What inspires you to do this work?
I always look at non-profits as being affordable housing developers, as well as neighborhood builders. That’s different than your for-profit businesses, which often just look at what they’re building. I also like how you impact families while working for a non-profit. A long time ago I figured out that to be able to really raise your family properly, you need a home. You need to be able to sit down at night, and discuss your day, have dinner, etc. You’re building houses, you’re changing neighborhoods for the positive, and there’s a large social component to it. This is why I’ve chosen to do non-profit affordable housing rather than for-profit housing.
What is your proudest accomplishment working with NWBRV?
I want to say that honestly, I hope that it’s in the future. I’m enjoying getting my feet wet and being a part of things as they get rolling. I look forward to answering this question more completely in the future!
