Transforming Communities
In 1975, when urban neighborhoods across the country were being blighted by fires and the exodus of residents to the suburbs, a pioneering group of residents in Providence formed SWAP.
Making A Difference

Carlo Ruggieri
Carlo Ruggieri joined SWAP in 1986, driven by his own immigrant experience to create affordable homes. His skills in construction were vital as SWAP transitioned to a development agency. Even in retirement, he remains connected to housing and enjoys an active life.

Barbara Fields
Barbara Fields dedicated 40 years to housing advocacy, believing it's foundational for strong communities. Her work with organizations like SWAP, LISC, HUD, and RIHousing reflects her enduring commitment to safe, affordable homes, a mission she continues in semi-retirement.

Barbara Sokoloff
Barbara Sokoloff's expertise has been vital to SWAP, offering guidance on finance and development. From her city planning roots to her consulting firm, she champions affordable housing, highlighting the critical role of government support in facing future challenges.

Peter Borgemeister
Peter Borgemeister's journey with SWAP began with a personal quest for affordable housing, evolving into a dedicated commitment. He transformed historic buildings into homes, prioritizing community and detail. His architectural vision, rooted in SWAP's values, addresses both preservation and future housing needs.
Over the years, one house, then one street, then one neighborhood were reclaimed by an innovative homesteading program that brought a home buyer and a house in need of rehabilitation together. Today, SWAP continues to transform communities. Through historic restoration and new construction, SWAP creates affordable rental apartments and homes for sale. SWAP's current focus is on developing mixed-use residential and commercial spaces and creating newly vibrant commercial corridors.
Homes for People
SWAP takes a multi-pronged development approach that offers a wide range of housing opportunities for both rentals and home ownership. We have townhouses that provide an attractive and colorful streetscape of homes for owners. We work with potential buyers and funders to create affordable opportunities for new homeowners- including building two-family homes that allow homeowners to earn extra money from rent. SWAP has restored homes in older neighborhoods to create both homes for sale and multiple apartments for rent, and we have rescued blighted vacant lots to build rental units and homes for sale that continue to reflect the community's sense of place.
Southside Commercial Corridors
A strong neighborhood includes markets, safe gathering spaces, access to public transportation, and affordable housing, all within walking distance. This is especially true for Providence’s South Side and the critical Broad Street Commercial Corridor. The Broad Street revitalization provides retail and community space, expands neighborhood businesses, and creates affordable apartments. The Commercial Corridor also provides vital access to public transportation for residents and businesses. SWAP has developed over 20,000 square feet of small business and community commercial space with apartments above, creating a vibrant neighborhood and community along Broad Street.
Historic Preservation
Over the past 50 years, SWAP has been committed to developing in ways that preserve traditional neighborhoods and respect current and historic elements while also considering community needs, including family size, culture, and income. The development of historic and new buildings has resulted in the comprehensive rebuilding of a mixed-use community that serves as a catalyst for neighborhood rebirth.
Walkable Neighborhoods
South Providence is an extremely walkable neighborhood with schools, hospitals, shopping, a cultural and recreation center, and thousands of job opportunities within walking distance. SWAP has worked to enhance the traditional neighborhoodscape with street trees and its beautiful window box program. Working with many partners, it has revitalized the historic Grace Cemetery and created a small park to honor the neighborhood’s war veterans.
SWAP has invested over $200 million dollars in Providence’s South Side, combining neighborhood revitalization, historic renovation, and adaptive reuse. The result: new inclusive affordable housing and holistic community revitalization. The revitalization respects the traditional fabric, scale, and history while encouraging business growth in areas that are walkable and have access to transit. The investment over the past 50 years has stabilized the region, promoted community pride, and proven to be a solid investment.
SWAP: Waging War Against Urban Blight
SWAP has had a positive impact on the community, increasing the tax base, decreasing building abandonment, stabilizing property values, and fostering a sense of community among homeowners. The program's success is attributed to its grassroots approach and the cooperation between community members and city officials.
Affordable Housing and Community Investment since 1975
Over 1,500 homes were saved from demolition in blighted neighborhoods throughout Providence as part of SWAP’s founding “homesteading” program.” SWAP matched blighted houses with urban pioneers who were required to participate in renovating the house that would become their home. SWAP maintains records of the addresses of all of the homes revitalized under this program. In 1993, the homesteading programs gave way to the Community Development Corporation (CDC) based model of affordable housing production.
Homes sold — and still counting
Apartments built or renovated — and still building and renovating
Neighborhood commercial spaces in mixed-use buildings created – with strong demand
Invested with more to come!

The core mission remains unchanged
There are no plans to change SWAP’s core mission. What has worked for 50 years can continue to work moving forward. Our focus on delivering high-quality, affordable housing will never go out of style.

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