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sobrenosotros
ABOUT US

CRH is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Puerto Rico dedicated exclusively to stopping the problem of blighted and abandoned properties, with a comprehensive cross-sector approach. We carry out collaborative planning activities and promote the implementation of strategies to transform public nuisances into assets for recovery, community development and long-term resilience.

The CRH provides technical assistance to communities and local governments interested in rehabilitating blighted properties. Together, we promote new opportunities for affordable housing, civic centers, public spaces and other private facilities, which are essential to the health, safety and sustainability of communities.

El Equipo
THE TEAM

Executive Director

LUIS GALLARDO RIVERA

He has collaborated with local governments in the United States and Puerto Rico on community development initiatives. He has also served as a legislative advisor to various nonprofit organizations on matters related to government affairs, property rights, and the management of abandoned properties. He holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology, a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in City Administration, and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

VPA Lead Coordinator

GIOMARA LA QUAY VELÁZQUEZ

Over the past several years, she has developed and supported projects focused on sustainability and agroecology, integrating design, research, and education as tools to maximize their impact. She studied Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, Environmental Science and Biology at Universidad Metropolitana, and Landscape Ecology at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

Director of Human Resources

ANDREA GONZÁLEZ VERGARA

She holds bachelor's degrees in Human Resources and Labor Relations from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She also has experience in human resources management within the nonprofit sector. Her approach is centered on fostering inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued, regardless of their background or identity, while encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas among individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences.

GIS Division Coordinator

STEPHANIE MARTÍNEZ CONDE

She holds a bachelor's degree in Geography from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and has more than 18 years of experience in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Throughout her career, she has collaborated with Puerto Rico’s state and municipal governments, the federal government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations. Her main areas of interest include affordable housing, the management of abandoned properties, and challenges related to address standardization in Puerto Rico.

Deputy Executive Director

HERBERT PADUA MÉNDEZ

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ana G. Méndez University. He also earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Puerto Rico and is a licensed professional planner. He has built a strong career in the private sector as an entrepreneur and mentor. In addition, he has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, where he has led and supported initiatives involving grant proposal writing, project administration and operations, management consulting, and the design and implementation of training workshops.

PEP Lead Coordinator

LIZBETH SÁNCHEZ TORRES

She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a second concentration in Sociology, as well as a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Planning from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She has extensive experience in the analysis of environmental impact statements and the development of strategic plans using participatory approaches that promote the integration of communities with their natural environment.

Director of Finance

JOSÉ CARRASQUILLO DELGADO

He is a seasoned professional with a strong academic background and an accomplished career in both public service and the military. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Over the course of 19 years, he held leadership positions in both the central government and various municipalities, demonstrating a strong ability to manage financial resources and oversee projects that benefit the community.

Director of Public Policy

ALICIA DÍAZ SANTIAGO

She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. From the beginning of her legal career, she has specialized in real estate law, property law, and notarial practice, developing a deep understanding of the challenges facing the property registration system. In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, she chose to focus her expertise on advancing solutions to address the growing need for affordable housing and the revitalization of underutilized properties.

Administrator

SANDRA LÓPEZ QUILES

She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from the University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón Campus. Over the past 20 years, she has served in the public sector across several government agencies, including the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture, the Puerto Rico Department of Housing as a Case Manager, and the Federal Programs Office of the Autonomous Municipality of Aguas Buenas.

Director of Communications

REBECCA GONZÁLEZ PÉREZ

She is a communications professional with over 20 years of experience in media and in developing communication strategies for nonprofit organizations and the public sector. She holds a bachelor's degree in Public Communication from the School of Communication at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and a master's degree in Communications from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. She also holds certifications as a professional coach specializing in resilience, a group and team coach, and a laughter therapist.

Coordinadorxs
COORDINATORS

He holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and a master's degree in Psychological Counseling. He has experience working with community organizations, supporting individuals with disabilities, social services, and fair housing initiatives. He has been involved in matters related to the Social Work profession, serving as an advocate and spokesperson in support of improving access to services for underserved communities.

Coordinator

JONATHAN VARELA VÉLEZ

She is a professional with a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a doctoral degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. She has more than seven years of experience working with community organizations and individuals with functional limitations, allowing her to develop skills in providing support and services to vulnerable populations. Her person-centered approach and ability to adapt to different environments have been key to her professional performance.

Coordinator

ANGELISSE SÁNCHEZ MIRANDA

She holds a bachelor's degree in Information Systems from EDP University of Puerto Rico. In recent years, she has worked on various disaster recovery programs. She has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, including market appraisal and valuation, and more recently as a real estate broker. She has also contributed as a volunteer in technology training programs for the community.

CRH Developments Coordinator

WANDA VILLEGAS TORRES

She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Community Mental Health from the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus, and a master's degree in Planning from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She has experience in post-disaster recovery and research on environmental regulations, health disparities and equity, displacement, gentrification, and housing. Her areas of interest include affordable housing, community development, and the impacts of climate change and natural disasters on the most vulnerable populations.

VPA Coordinator

ISABEL VÉLEZ RIVERA

She holds a bachelor's degree in Anthropology and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Puerto Rico. She has extensive experience in field research, legal research, and advising the private sector. She has worked as a legal officer for the Court of First Instance and at various law firms. Her areas of interest include sustainable economy initiatives and access to housing, as well as archaeology, environmental law, and property law.

Coordinator

CORALYS ROSADO PABÓN

She is a multifaceted professional with experience in various fields, ranging from administration to emergency management. She began her academic journey at the University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón Campus, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She started her professional career as an executive assistant, but her commitment to community service led her to specialize in emergency management and disaster recovery.

Coordinator

CARLA IMBERT BENÍQUEZ

He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo Campus. His professional background in construction, entrepreneurship, and customer service has been instrumental in his work with communities throughout Puerto Rico. He is also passionate about woodworking and dedicates part of his time to his craft as a handyman.

Construction Coordinator

EDUARDO AGUIRRE VÉLEZ

He holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico and a diploma in Natural Therapies from the College of Therapists in Chile. He has 19 years of professional experience in HIV and STI education and prevention, health promotion, community outreach, and project coordination. He has worked on issues related to the LGBTQ+ community, underserved populations, and HIV. He views diversity as an inherent value of humanity and actively promotes inclusion.

VPA Coordinator

CARLOS MARÍN GARCÍA

She holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a master's degree in Public Health with a specialization in Gerontology. She has worked as an educator, clinical research assistant, and case manager. She has experience in the nonprofit sector, public health initiatives, the development of educational workshops, and program planning. Her areas of interest include the social determinants of health, health promotion, community development, art, and music.

Coordinator

MICHELLE RIVERA RODRÍGUEZ

She is a formally trained visual artist who studied at the Central Specialized School of Visual Arts in Santurce and the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. Her professional career spans diverse fields, from the insurance industry to her work as a FEMA inspector and Census enumerator. She currently leads Casa Borges, a restoration project involving a historic abandoned property, envisioned as a cultural and community space with an anti-racist focus.

Coordinator

AHISAMAR ROSARIO ROSADO

She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a second concentration in Geography from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, and a master's degree in Demography from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus. She has experience in database management and has coordinated projects focused on community economic development within community-based nonprofit organizations, emphasizing participatory planning and collective land ownership.

VPA Coordinator

LEIDYMEE MEDINA DE JESÚS

He holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. He also holds a master's degree in Management and Strategic Leadership and a doctoral degree in Business and Management Development. He has more than 15 years of experience across various sectors, including administration, construction, and education. He has worked as a technical advisor on community water system projects and has managed repair and rehabilitation projects for industrial buildings. His professional background includes roles as an administrator, manager, inspector, and professor.

Special Projects Coordinator

JOSÉ ACOSTA GARAYÚA

Junta Directiva
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

She holds a bachelor's degree in Social Action Research from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus. She earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 2016 from Inter American University of Puerto Rico, where she focused her legal practice on community advocacy. In 2019, together with Dr. Patricia Noboa and the San Isidro community in Canóvanas, she developed the Legal-Psychological Clinic at the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey Campus.

President

BELINÉS RAMOS LEBRÓN

For the past 15 years, she has collaborated with hundreds of local brands and businesses in the areas of public relations, communication strategies, and collaborative partnerships. She holds a master's degree in Public Relations and serves as president of SOMOS Corp. Her passion for supporting local commerce led her to establish the Lo de Aquí Primero Foundation, an organization that highlights the work and contributions of thousands of Puerto Rican businesses.

Board Member

KARLA SUSTACHE VIDAL

With 25 years of experience in public service, including serving as Deputy Mayor of Aguas Buenas and Regional Director of the Puerto Rico Department of Housing, he has extensive knowledge of governance and housing-related issues. He is also a licensed real estate broker, university professor, columnist for Lean Education Magazine, and contributor to the radio program Viva la Mañana on WVJP. He holds a master's degree in Human Resources and Management and a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership.

Treasurer

DR. RAFAEL MEJÍAS ORTÍZ

She has participated as a pro bono coordinator in initiatives promoting democracy and civic participation. She has also worked as a legislative assistant on municipal and community-related issues, as well as a legal assistant specializing in corporate matters. She holds a master's degree in Public Administration and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Puerto Rico.

Board Member

GRACE FONTÁNEZ VALLE

He has served as a public servant and consultant to local governments. He has provided guidance on issues related to civic engagement, community organizing, and public policy communication. He holds a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Puerto Rico and is currently completing a master's degree in Social Innovation at the University of San Diego in California.

Secretary

EDGAR GÓMEZ CINTRÓN

Divisiones
DIVISIONS
Nicole Larregui_edited.jpg

PLACEMAKING AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH TECHNICIAN

NICOLE LARREGUI CINTRÓN

Auspiciadores

OUR SPONSORS

Join the mailing list:

CRH Logo white-01.png

Center for Habitat Reconstruction, Inc.

PO BOX 20074

San Juan, PR 00928-0074

info@crhpr.org

(833) CRH-CASA (274-2272)

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