HIF’s mission is to prevent homelessness, build relationships, and strengthen communities in Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.
Through extensive relationships with nonprofits and community based organizations, HIF is able to evaluate and qualify recipients for emergency housing grants, identify priority renovation needs for shelters, and assist teachers, nonprofit, and other public sector workers secure affordable housing.
HIF’s Board of Directors provides significant support toward operational expenses so that most fundraising contributions can be used to directly support the community. HIF leverages the resources, relationships, and expertise of the Multifamily Housing Industry, including owners, vendors, general contractors, and suppliers, which help extend the impact of donor contributions.
History
The Housing Industry Foundation (HIF) was founded in 1989 by Multifamily Housing Industry leaders in response to the various challenges affecting housing stability in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. What began as a simple conversation at a backyard barbeque became the framework for a new nonprofit organization funded and directed by the founding members, and soon thereafter, a wide range of leaders and companies across the multifamily housing industry.
Originally incorporated as the Apartment Industry Foundation, the inaugural board of directors included Rick Alhona, Brian Avery, Larry Chew, Ron Granville, Larry Hull, Matt Matteson, Jim Morley, T. Wade Randlett (for George Marcus), Tod Spieker, Faber Tan, Don Whitley, Jim Woodson and Dennis Young.
Founders Jim Morley (JSM Enterprises/California Real Estate Management), Rick Alhona (R.W. Zukin), Burt Avery (Avery Construction/ACCO Management), and Duncan Matteson (the Matteson Companies) wanted to develop an effective, industry based non-profit where they could give back to the communities in which they had success starting and growing their businesses.
Focusing on homelessness prevention for individuals and families experiencing an acute financial crisis, as well as rehabbing area shelters, HIF established an effective and scalable model that combines direct investments, in-kind support from contractors and vendors, and partnerships with community agencies.