Barbara Fields

Barbara Fields began working on housing issues in the mid-1980s and her accomplishments over her 40-year career helped shape many of the initiatives that are still making a difference today. What motivated her to get involved in housing initially? “I began to see that housing is the starting point for building stronger communities,” Fields says. “It is the starting point, not the end point. Better outcomes in schools, a healthier quality of life, access to jobs…. all presuppose a place to live that is safe, affordable, and healthy.”

Even before coming to Rhode Island in the 1990s, Fields says she was familiar with SWAP and its strong reputation. Over the years in her roles at LISC, HUD and RIHousing, Fields partnered with SWAP and says the organization is an “effective and important partner.”

Today, even though she is semi-retired, Fields remains a strong and thoughtful advocate for housing issues.

Fields sites three top housing issues facing our region today

• ‍Not enough supply
• Too many regulatory barriers
• A need for greater density