Community Engagement A Resident-Centered Approach Dedicated To Enriching The Lives of Affordable Housing Residents Community Engagement at Related Affordable operates both as a dedicated department and as a guiding theme embedded across the organization. As a department, the team identifies and addresses resident needs by collecting and analyzing data, uncovering service gaps, and overseeing program delivery in partnership with service providers and Property Operations. The team ensures accountability through site visits and progress reporting, supports underwriting by assessing resident needs and service costs and helps transition strategy as properties move from acquisition to stabilized portfolio management. During rehabilitation efforts, Community Engagement ensures resident feedback informs scope, participates in project kickoffs, and supports relocation planning to maintain service continuity. Our Team + Additional Comm Engagement Content Who we are Where Strategy, Services, and Resident Experience Come Together As an organizational pillar, Community Engagement is integrated across functions and decision-making. The team partners with Legal, IT, and Compliance to safeguard resident data and uphold HUD and internal standards; collaborates with Communications and Marketing to deliver clear messaging and crisis support; and works alongside the Related Affordable Foundation to leverage philanthropic funding and nonprofit partnerships. In this way, Community Engagement shapes not only programs and services, but also how Related Affordable plans, builds, operates, and communicates—ensuring residents remain at the center of every stage of the property lifecycle.Community Engagement’s service delivery model operates through Resident Service Providers & Partners, On-Site Resident Services Coordinators, and National, Regional & Local Support, which partners with external stakeholders — including government agencies, tenant associations, nonprofit general partners, and community organizations — to strengthen oversight, collaboration, and resident outcomes. Through this coordinated structure, impactful programs are delivered across the portfolio to address unmet needs, strengthen service delivery, and enhance the overall resident experience.Key areas of focus include:Designing and implementing resident-centered programs and initiativesSupporting and guiding on-site Resident Services CoordinatorsBuilding and managing strategic partnerships with service providers and community organizationsAdvancing health, wellness, and long-term housing stability outcomesProviding national, regional, and local oversight to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across communities KEY PRIORITIESGuided by clear goals and measurable outcomes, Related Affordable Community Engagement’s key priorities include: FACILITATING RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT We foster inclusive, connected communities through cultural events, resident-led committees, and youth programs that encourage participation and leadership. ENCOURAGING HOUSING STABILITY We support long-term stability by assisting with rental and benefit applications and connecting residents to essential resources such as food and utility assistance. SUPPORTING HEALTH & WELLNESS We promote well-being through on-site wellness services, health screenings, and preventative care initiatives tailored to community needs. Related Affordable FoundationThe Related Affordable Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the lives of affordable housing residents and breaking the generational cycle of poverty. Dedicated to empowering residents and families, the Foundation invests in initiatives that strengthen affordable housing communities and expand access to meaningful opportunities and essential resources. The Foundation's focus areas include health and wellness, food security, workforce development, and education. Through community-based partnerships and funding impactful programs, including an annual scholarship program, the Foundation is helping to create pathways for personal growth, economic mobility, and lasting success for residents and their communities. VISIT THE RELATED AFFORDABLE FOUNDATION WEBSITE Related Affordable Foundation: KABOOM! Playground Build at Skyview Downtown See how volunteers from across the Related Affordable team came together to create a vibrant new space for children and families—an investment in connection, community, and the joy of having a safe place to play right at home. Learn More Related Affordable Foundation: Learn About The Scholarship In 2025, the Related Affordable Foundation awarded scholarships to students across the country, including recipients in New York, Illinois, and Texas. Scholars are pursuing a wide range of academic paths, from engineering and computer science to psychology, comics, and illustration. Learn More Related Affordable Foundation: KABOOM! Playground Build at Marshall Field Garden Apartment Homes Watch as the Related Affordable team transformed a shared space at Marshall Field Garden Apartment Homes into a bright, welcoming environment for children and families — reinforcing our commitment to building stronger communities beyond housing.
