About Us

Purpose

The mission of the Housing Industry Foundation (HIF) is to help individuals and families either remain in or return to stable housing and to assist with special housing projects or renovations in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. In addition, HIF supports efforts to identify long term solutions to the lack of affordable housing in our community.

HIF is a non-profit charity founded in June 1989. Originally known as the Apartment Industry Foundation for Housing Assistance, it is an industry-based organization with all of its support coming from local companies and individuals, such as apartment owners, builders, Realtors, mortgage bankers, accountants, attorneys, insurance companies and other related businesses. HIF is a tax exempt charity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, Tax ID #94-3100671.

Staff

Debbie Wade, Executive Director
Phone: 408.935.9201
Email: Debbie@HIFinfo.org

Debbie Wade has served as HIF’s Executive Director for the past 17 years. Debbie is responsible for the overall operation and direction of the organization. She oversees HIF’s emergency housing grants and shelter renovation projects and maintains HIF’s relationship with over 20 partner agencies.

Debbie’s professional background includes over 25 years in non-profit management plus 10 years in the real estate industry, including escrows, sales and lending. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from the University of California at Long Beach and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Meta Ware, Development Director
Phone: 408.935.9202
Email: Meta@HIFinfo.org

Meta Ware is HIF’s Development Director. Meta is responsible for developing and executing plans that raise awareness of the Housing Industry Foundation, increase sustainable revenues, and encourage donors to participate in the varied programs and events.

Her professional background includes over 20 years of property management experience working for Oakwood Worldwide where she relocated from the East Coast to Southern California, Chicago, Maryland, Virginia, and Atlanta before settling in the Bay Area for the last 12 years.

Prior to joining HIF, Meta was the Northern California Regional Vice President for Lyon Management Group and served on the CAA Tri-County Board of Advisors. She also worked as the Membership Development Director for CAA Tri-County. Meta holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from State University of New York at Oswego.