Peter Bortolotti

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

I moved to Providence 25 years ago after spending several years working - owning businesses and working for athletic shoe brands. I had clients in RI and discovered the city had a big, vibrant scene. I noticed the old houses restored on the South Side- and bought a refurbished gorgeous home on Pine Street. It was one of the original SWAP houses- the owner bought it for $2,500 and it had been rescued. After I moved in Carla DeStefano knocked on my door, invited me to a SWAP meeting. I knew nothing about SWAP – but a couple of meetings later-before I knew it, I was on the board. I didn’t know much about affordable housing, but I learned quickly and developed my own perspectives and commitment. This isn’t just about housing- it’s about community. The music and art here attracted me. And as probably most Rhode Islanders know- here isn’t 6 degrees of separation… it’s more like 2. We have a strong culture that includes music and art.  The South Side features some of the best singer-songwriters, and there is a beat that on any given day pulses in the air. Music is a communal thing on weekends, there is some form of music or dance…with folks just hanging out in their back yard or porches.

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

One of the things I’ve always liked about SWAP is the affordable housing strategies that Carla has cultivated. She’d get these properties not just in one area, but in different strategic locations that supported growth and stability in the neighborhoods. Housing (and art) are economic drivers. It’s not just about housing; it’s about strengthening and building neighborhoods. For example - we worked with the community police – developed familiarity and relationships and as a result a lot changed- in dealing with crimes. Then there is the fact that the SWAP houses have always been in keeping with the neighborhood design. Ours isn’t a cookie cutter approach. For example -look at our signature flower boxes- that’s not a corporate mindset. We knew we wanted to support property owners and develop and reinforce a sense of pride- and the idea of flower boxes took root and look at the neighborhood today!

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?

That’s a really great question. As times change, the CDCs must change our approach to so many things. Housing is essential. We’re now getting to the point where people cannot afford a place to live, whether renting or buying. Yet, they’ve got to live somewhere. A real entrepreneurial spirit is being able to shift scarce resources according to the times and as needed. Finding out how to solve problems. Carla is one of the most entrepreneurial people I’ve ever met. She tells you what is on her mind, and she backs up her strategies and proposals with good strong facts and action.  

Where does the problem start?  There’s the high cost of raw materials. It cost $400,000 to build a house we’re selling for $200,000. There’s a crisis in housing, salaries are low, education is in crisis. And there just too much red tape.

But there are also bright spots – our art and music community is thriving. I’ve worked with Mark Cutler on The Same Think Project. With our Community Song Writing project - we’ve written over 500 songs. The Southside Cultural Center continues to grow, nurturing the voices of artists and cultivating leaders who lift up our people. And of course, SWAP is continuing to develop new homes for sale and apartments for rent.

Peter Bortolotti is currently a performer, songwriter, and professor at Johnson & Wales University.