Marina Lopez, Arizona Quadel’s HCV Manager, (far left) celebrates a High Performer SEMAP score with the program’s executive leadership team.

Much like the population it serves, the affordable housing industry is full of diverse housing providers.

In an effort to highlight our employees and their unique affordable housing journeys, Quadel features staff members in its series: Passionate People. This week’s feature is Marina Lopez, the HCV Manager for Arizona Quadel in Phoenix. Lopez started in the affordable housing industry 25 years ago as an administrative assistant at a local housing authority in California. Today, she helps lead the City of Phoenix Housing Department’s HCV program, overseeing the Customer Service, Intake/Wait List, and Owner Services departments. She discusses her love for the affordable housing industry in this week’s blog.

What do you like most about working in the affordable housing industry?  

“I enjoy being able to provide rental assistance to our low-income community,” Lopez said. “It provides families with the ability to obtain safe, decent, and affordable housing.”

What continues to surprise you about the industry?

“It’s always amazing to think about how the affordable housing industry continues to assist thousands of families nationwide with constrained financial means,” Lopez said.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from working in this industry?  

“I was surprised to learn that there are programs to help families improve their financial self-sufficiency and become homeowners,” Lopez said. “I always encourage our participants to learn more about special programs that set them up for long-term success.”

Why is affordable housing important, and why should people care about the services we provide?  

“Affordable housing is important because it prevents homeless individuals and families,” Lopez said. “The rental subsidy program helps individuals and families who could not afford the market rent on their own live in apartments and homes they wouldn’t be able to rent otherwise.”

What is your goal/motivation as a professional housing provider?  

“I strive to promote community development. It’s great to be able to contribute to the overall development and sustainability of communities through important housing initiatives,” Lopez said.