Marilyn Carlson

In the 1980s before they got involved with SWAP, Marilyn Carlson and Carla DeStefano were already working together on housing development. They formed an alliance that lasted even as Marilyn moved into the corporate world for over a decade. Then in 2001,  Carla reached out to renew the partnership - and Marilyn joined SWAP.  Today, Carla is Executive Director, and Marilyn is Senior Deputy Director.

“I am proud to have the opportunity to be involved with SWAP and its accomplishments over the past 24 years!” Marilyn says. ”I have had the opportunity to meet many like-minded individuals and residents who have enriched my world.” 

For her, creating affordable homes and transforming neighborhoods is more than a job; it’s her passion. The seeds were perhaps planted when she was a child. ”I recall my father sitting on the porch with his police scanner and hearing all the fire trucks going out to assist in Providence as another formerly beautiful but abandoned home went up in flames. The loss of such beautiful structures is devastating. But today we are building on the success of revitalizing neighborhoods, with safe and affordable housing, new commercial opportunities, and community spaces.”

There are challenges ahead, Carlson says, including finding new locations and developing and securing funding - but SWAP has endured and continues to build new housing opportunities and revitalize neighborhoods.

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