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.
THE TEAM
He has worked with local governments in the United States and Puerto Rico with community development, and as a legislative advisor and to various non-profit organizations on issues related to government management, property rights, and management of abandoned properties. He has a bachelor's degree in Sociology, a master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in City Administration and a Juris Doctor.
LUIS
GALLANT
RIVERA
Executive Director
HERBERT
PADUA
MÉNDE Z
Deputy Program Director
He has a master's degree in Business Administration from the Ana G. Méndez University, and is also an Economist graduated from the University of Puerto Rico and a Licensed Professional Planner. He has extensive experience in the private sector as traders and mentor; and has worked in the nonprofit sector on various projects ranging from proposal writing, project operation, management consulting, and workshop development.
He has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Juris Doctor. Lawyer with experience working with registry and notary problems. After the onslaught of Hurricane María, he decided to use his background to find a way to address the growing problem of affordable housing and the recovery of vacant spaces. Passionate about the autonomous right of women to choose how to gestate, give birth and raise.
LCDA. ALICIA
DIAZ
SANTIAGO
Senior Attorney
He has a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a second concentration in Sociology and a master's degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Planning from the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus. He has extensive experience in analyzing environmental impact statements and developing strategic plans with participatory design for the integration of communities with the environment.
LIZBETH
SANCHEZ
TOWERS
Regional Coordinator
GIOMARA
THE QUAY
VELAZQUEZ
Regional Coordinator
He has worked for the last few years developing and supporting projects focused on sustainability and agroecology through design, research and education. He completed university studies in architecture at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, environmental sciences and biology at the Metropolitan University, and landscape ecology at the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus.
He has a bachelor's degree in Social Work from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico . Currently completing Master's studies in Psychological Counseling . He has experience in community organizations, people with disabilities, social service and fair housing. He has developed in matters related to the professional group in Social Work, activist and spokesperson for the accessibility of services to the most disadvantaged communities.
JONATHAN
VARELA
VELEZ
Regional Coordinator
He has a bachelor's degree in Information Systems from EDP College of Puerto Rico and has worked in recent years in different disaster recovery programs. She has over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry from an appraisal/market valuation perspective and recently as a broker in said industry. She has also volunteered in technology training programs for the community.
WANDA
VILL EGAS
TOWERS
Regional Coordinator
He has extensive experience in construction, entrepreneurship and customer service. He has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing from the Inter-American University of Arecibo. His interests include cabinetmaking, light construction and music.
EDUARDO
AGUIRRE
VELEZ
Regional Coordinator
Posee un bachillerato en Antropología y un Juris Doctor de la Universidad de Puerto Rico. Cuenta con amplia experiencia en investigación de campo, investigación jurídica y asesoría a la empresa privada. Trabajó como oficial jurídico del Tribunal de Primera Instancia y en varios bufetes de abogados. Sus intereses incluyen proyectos de economía sustentable y acceso a vivienda, la arqueología, el derecho ambiental y de propiedad.
CORALYS
PINK
RIVERA
Regional Coordinator
Posee un Bachillerato en Administración de Empresas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico recinto Bayamón con una Concentración en Gerencia. Sirvió en el servicio público por un período de 20 años. Período que se distribuye entre el Departamento de Agricultura y como Manejadora de Casos en el Departamento de Vivienda y Programas Federales del Municipio Autónomo de Aguas Buenas.
SANDRA
LOPEZ
QUILE S
Administrator
He has a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and recently completed his Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico. He worked providing legal guidance for the prevention of foreclosures and as a financial advisor in a private company. His interests include the Right to the City, tactical urbanism and cultural management as ways to improve the lifestyle of a society. He is also a member of the Cultura Bicicleta cooperative.
RICHARD
SUAREZ
CLINTON
Lawyer
He has a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and is pursuing a Master's Degree in Urban Planning at the Graduate School of Planning at the UPR. He has worked as an independent designer, and has collaborated on projects in cities, historic preservation, and cycling infrastructure. His interests are in urban revitalization, transportation, regional planning and history.
GABRIEL
RAMOS
HIGHLANDER
GIS Technician
He has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Social Studies from the University of Puerto Rico. He has experience operating and coordinating community-based projects and workshop development. Her interests include: education and community planning from an anti-racist perspective. He founded the non-profit entity PAYE (Piñones Learn and Emprende) that works with children, youth and communities of Piñones.
TANISHA
GASPAR
CLEMENTE
Técnica de Planes Comunitarios
He has a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce and is pursuing a master's degree in Curriculum and Teaching in Scientific Education. He has experience working with various non-profit organizations focused on environmental conservation, education and social justice. His main interests include environmental education, agro-ecology, climate justice and community development.
MARIA
RAMOS
PINK
Development Technique
He served in the military as a chemical specialist with extensive experience in handling hazardous materials. In recent years he has redirected his professional career to the construction industry. He completed his technical studies in construction and electricity at National University College and is in the process of revalidation to become an electrician expert. He created his own company where he offers handmade works created with bamboo.
GABRIEL
RODRIGUEZ
FELI X
Construction Technician
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
He has a bachelor's degree in Social Action Research from the Humacao Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. In addition, he achieved the degree of Juris Doctor in 2016 from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, focusing his law practice on community advocacy. In 2019, together with Dr. Patricia Noboa and the San Isidro community in Canóvanas, she developed the Legal-Psychological Clinic of the Cayey Campus of the University of Puerto Rico.
LCDA. BELINESE
RAMOS
LEBRON
Chairwoman
With 25 years of experience in public service – including Vice Mayor of Aguas Buenas and Regional Director of the Department of Housing – he has extensive knowledge of governance and housing issues. He is also a Real Estate broker, university professor, columnist for Lean Education Magazine and contributor to the radio program Viva la Mañana on WVJP. He has a master's degree in Human Resources and Management and a doctorate in organizational leadership.
DR. RAPHAEL
MEJÍAS
ORTIZ
Treasurer
He has worked as a public servant and consultant for local governments. He has advised on issues of citizen participation, community organization and public policy communication. He has a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Puerto Rico and is currently completing a master's degree in Social Innovation from the University of San Diego in California.
EDGAR
GOMEZ
CINTRON
Secretary
For the past 15 years he has collaborated with hundreds of local brands and companies in the area of public relations, communication strategies and collaborative alliances. She has a master's degree in public relations and chairs the company SOMOS Corp. Her passion for supporting local commerce motivated her to establish the Lo de Aqui Primero Foundation, an organization that makes visible the work of thousands of Puerto Rican companies.
KARL
SUSTACHE
VIDAL
Vocal
She has participated as a pro bono coordinator in favor of democracy and citizen participation. She has also worked as a legislative assistant on municipal and community issues, and as a legal assistant on corporate issues. He has a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico.
GRACE
FONTANEZ
VALLEY
Vocal
AUSPICIADORES
Private foundation with the aim of advancing human well-being. With international offices in ten cities, the Foundation has demonstrated particular interest in advancing and achieving social change in cities and states. With the collaboration of Ford, the CRH has been able to provide community planning and training in several municipalities and communities in Puerto Rico.
Created in 2010, it is the only nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to building a future free of vacant, abandoned and blighted properties. Additionally, they are experts on the topic of “Community Land Banks,” promoting their growth in dozens of states and cities. With your support, CRH has been able to secure technical assistance for local governments and nonprofit organizations.
The mission of the FFAJ is to ensure the availability and effectiveness of legal services in the civil sphere offered by non-profit entities to people and communities with limited resources and greater social and economic vulnerability. With your support, CRH offers legal services to low-income communities around Puerto Rico.
The Segarra Boerman e Hijos Foundation was founded in 1973 with the purpose of supporting non-profit organizations dedicated to education, the environment and community development for a better Puerto Rico. Through its collaboration with the Foundation, the CRH has been able to extend its community planning initiatives to the towns of Aguas Buenas, Vega Baja and Río Piedras in San Juan.
Committed to the financial inclusion and economic empowerment of low-income communities, Citi Community Development leads Citi's community investment efforts. With the assistance of Citi, and in coordination with the Center for Community Progress, CRH has been able to extend its workshops to municipalities and nonprofit organizations throughout Puerto Rico.
The US Department of Agriculture is an agency responsible for the execution of federal laws on agriculture, forestry, rural development and food. Through its Rural Development Office, the CRH supports the municipalities of Aguas Buenas, Cidra and Barceloneta with various activities related to community planning and recovery of spaces (“placemaking”).
.png)
The Banco Popular Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the largest financial institution in Puerto Rico, dedicating 40 years to the social development of our archipelago. With your support, the CRH collaborates with community groups and the Municipality of Culebra in order to promote the creation of participatory mechanisms for the conversion of disused properties for affordable housing.
The National Hazards Center at the University of Colorado Boulder is an institution dedicated to deepening the understanding of sustainable disaster mitigation and environmental stewardship. With the support of the NHC, the CRH conducts research on public nuisances, their impact on community health and practical improvements for their management.
