Claribel Mejia

Claribel Mejia has been  member of SWAP’s  Board since 2023 but her connection to SWAP goes back to her childhood.  “I’ve lived in the same home since I was seven years old — the one my parents were able to purchase with the support of SWAP,” Claribel says. “As a lifelong resident of Providence, I’ve always been aware of the incredible work SWAP has done to strengthen our neighborhoods and create affordable housing opportunities across Rhode Island.  Joining the board gives me a chance to contribute to an organization that’s been making a real difference in my own community. I was thrilled to join and to play a small part in helping continue SWAP’s mission of revitalizing neighborhoods and expanding access to housing for all.”

“Through partnerships, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to equity, SWAP has not only built and preserved affordable homes but also strengthened the social and economic fabric of Rhode Island communities. SWAP’s success lies in its understanding that housing is more than a roof over one’s head—it’s the foundation for stable families, thriving neighborhoods, and opportunity.”

In the next 50 years, Claribel notes, SWAPs work  and that of other community development corporations (CDCs)  is more important than ever. “The role for CDCs now extends beyond developing and managing affordable housing—they must also lead in policy innovation, coalition-building, and reimagining how communities grow. SWAP and other CDC’s represent community needs and they ensure development reflects local/community needs.”  

Q and A

How did you first become involved with the housing crisis and SWAP?

I first became involved with SWAP when my high school friend, Miguel Quezada, reached out to see if I’d be interested in joining the board. As a lifelong resident of Providence, I’ve always been aware of the incredible work SWAP has done to strengthen our neighborhoods and create affordable housing opportunities across Rhode Island. When Miguel approached me, it felt like a natural fit — a chance to contribute to an organization that’s been making a real difference in my own community. I was thrilled to join and to play a small part in helping continue SWAP’s mission of revitalizing neighborhoods and expanding access to housing for all.

What are your thoughts on how SWAP has made a difference in housing and revitalizing neighborhoods over the past 50 years?

What began as a grassroots effort to stabilize communities and rehabilitate abandoned properties has evolved into a model of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization. Through partnerships, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to equity, SWAP has not only built and preserved affordable homes but also strengthened the social and economic fabric of Rhode Island communities. SWAP’s success lies in its understanding that housing is more than a roof over one’s head—it’s the foundation for stable families, thriving neighborhoods, and opportunity. Before becoming a board member, Carla took me on a tour of some of the homes SWAP has helped build. One thing that stood out to me was the small detail of flowers planted outside each home — a simple touch that truly made it feel like home.

Community housing development has evolved over the past 50 years – but we find ourselves in a housing crisis.  What do you see as the role for SWAP and other CDC’s in finding solutions to create more housing in RI?

The work that SWAP and other community development corporations (CDCs) do is more important than ever. Their role now extends beyond developing and managing affordable housing—they must also lead in policy innovation, coalition-building, and reimagining how communities grow. SWAP and other CDC’s represent community needs and they ensure development reflects local/community needs.

Any funny stories or anecdotes about SWAP over the years that you would like to share?

I’ve lived in the same home since I was seven years old — the one my parents were able to purchase with the support of SWAP.

SWAP’s next 50 years can build on its legacy of neighborhood transformation—not just responding to crises but shaping a future where every Rhode Islander has a safe, affordable place to call home.

‍

‍