The Rev. Laverne R. Joseph Named Pioneer of Affordable Housing Awardee

The Rev. Laverne R. Joseph

The Affordable Housing Management Association of Northern California and Hawaii (AHMA-NCH) has named the Rev. Laverne R. Joseph, president and CEO of United Church of Christ-related Retirement Housing Foundation, its Pioneer of Affordable Housing awardee. The award recognizes individuals who have been a true leader and a pioneer in the affordable housing industry in Northern California and Hawaii.

“I am honored to receive this award. I believe that everyone needs a good and affordable place to live,” says Joseph. “It has been demonstrated that affordable housing makes a difference in a person’s quality of life and health, saving individuals and the government (taxpayers) money.”

Joseph will be recognized at the AHMA-NCH’s annual conference dinner Sept. 9 at the Oakland Marriott City Center in Oakland, Calif.

With more than 50 years of experience in the affordable housing field, Joseph has been recognized by various organizations for his exemplary leadership, his commitment to creating the future for aging services, and his lifetime advocacy work in providing safe, secure affordable housing for thousands of seniors, families and individuals with disabilities. He has served at the helm of Retirement Housing Foundation for more than 30 years.

Joseph is a founding member of the National Affordable Housing Trust (NAHT), serves on LeadingAge California’s Public Policy Committee and Affordable Housing Cabinet, frequently addresses professional service organizations and churches regarding various housing and social service programs and issues, and has testified 12 times before Senate and Housing committees on issues concerning national housing and services legislation.

For his resolute and tenacious work in affordable housing, Joseph has gained national stature, respect and recognition in the fields of senior and affordable housing.

A graduate of Ursinis College (1960) in Collegeville, Pa., with a B.A. degree in history, Joseph earned B.Div. (1964) and M.Div. (1974) degrees from UCC-related Lancaster (Pa.) Theological Seminary.

Retirement Housing Foundation, based in Long Beach, Calif., has 197 communities in 29 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than 22,500 people call an RHF community “home.” RHF’s mission is to provide various housing options and services for older adults, low-income families, and persons with disabilities in an environment that enhances their quality of — physically, mentally, and spiritually. RHF is committed to serving its residents and their local communities.