For decades, community advocate Asata Tigrai has empowered residents to voice concerns about local development and environmental hazards.

Andrew Deluski, SVP at BankRI, is a senior lender and innovator specializing in affordable housing and community development initiatives.

Eileen Hayes, CEO of Amos House, credits SWAP with revitalizing South Providence without displacing longtime residents. She notes that SWAP creates paths to quality housing and homeownership, preventing gentrification. Amid today's housing crisis, she urges collaboration to create truly affordable and supportive housing for all.

Longtime South Side leader Ali Cabral recalls when groups like SWAP helped build a strong community. Today, he warns that a housing crisis threatens to displace longtime residents. He believes solving the affordability issue requires a collaborative effort between non-profits, the private sector, and government to protect the neighborhood.

Thom Deller has been involved in creating and maintaining affordable housing since 1989, when he served as Providence’s Associate Director of Planning. Early on, he realized housing was not only about finding safe, secure, and accessible homes for families: it was also an important economic driver. He embraced SWAP’s agenda that focused on restoring or building homes and also revitalizing neighborhoods. Today, Thom is Chairman of the State Land Use Commission, which House Speaker Joe Shekarchi created. This is our 5th year. We analyze the State’s planning and zoning laws and help the Speaker form his housing package to improve the development process.

Anne Berman, who retired this year after a 40-year career dedicated to expanding access to affordable housing, says the work has been gratifying, especially seeing completed homes and new families moving in.

Michael Viveiros, AIA, a seasoned architect, was drawn to affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization in Providence early in his career. His hands-on experience, including building townhouses in a challenging area, led him to join SWAP's board. He continues to advocate for increasing the housing supply despite funding and construction obstacles.

For over 50 years, this advocate has championed inclusive, affordable housing as a foundation for thriving communities, working across sectors and witnessing transformative change. Inspired by civil rights struggles, their ongoing mission addresses modern challenges like homelessness and inequality, urging policy shifts for a more equitable future.

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 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'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'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.

David Karoff transformed SWAP into a pioneering affordable housing developer, fostering a diverse construction crew and building community power. His vision extended to housing for those with mental illness. Today, he reflects on Rhode Island's housing challenges, stressing the need for sustained effort and leadership.

Brenda Clement's lifelong dedication has been pivotal in Rhode Island's housing advocacy. From founding key networks to leading HousingWorks RI, she champions the belief that a stable home is the foundation for opportunity, driving change for over 30 years.

Nancy Whit has been with SWAP from its very first days and remains active as a SWAP board member today. Her institutional knowledge is invaluable. She has been a key contributor to our success over the decades with her commitment to SWAP and its mission.

The year was 1975. A group of 20-somethings gathered in the living room of their urban Providence home with a couple of six-packs of beer. Out the window, there was a tableau of empty, garbage-filled, rat-infested lots and abandoned triple-deckers.