Brenda Clement

Through the years, Brenda Clement has stood with SWAP on the front lines of seeking solutions to the housing crisis in Rhode Island. She was one of team that formed the statewide Housing Network, creating an alliance of non-profit Community Development Corporations to act with one voice toward common goals. Brenda was the first Executive Director and SWAP’s Carla DeStefano was the treasurer.

Clement’s commitment to the issue dates back over 30 years, when her Pawtucket church’s youth group was troubled by the homelessness in their community. The church created a nonprofit housing corporation- and Brenda began to work with others to expand the model – eventually forming what is today the Pawtucket Central Falls Development CDC.

Brenda is the Executive Director of HousingWorks RI at Roger Williams University, and her work on the issue of housing has made a significant difference both nationally and in Rhode Island.

“While we have achieved a lot, there is still a lot of work to do,” Clement says. “Our goal as housing advocates and providers is to help people, Attain, Maintain and Retain healthy and affordable housing for themselves and their families. I say all the time that the path to opportunity begins at your front door. Everybody needs a front door. Everyone needs and deserves a healthy and affordable home. Nothing works right in your life if you don’t have one.”

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