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SIPA Alumnus Named Executive Director of Habitat-NYC
Habitat for Humanity - New York City has announced the appointment of a SIPA alumnus, Josh Lockwood (MIA 97) as Executive Director. Habitat-NYC, a leading affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, builds affordable homes for ownership in New York City's five boroughs.
Lockwood earned his Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs in 1997. "I am honored and inspired to be leading Habitat-NYC at this historic time, when we are providing more affordable homes to hardworking New York City families than ever before," said Lockwood. He joined the organization in 2006 as Chief Operating Officer and was appointed Acting Executive Director in the spring of 2007.
"Habitat-NYC is proud to name Josh Lockwood as Executive Director," said Les Bluestone, Chair of Habitat-NYC's Board of Directors. "Josh is the right person to lead Habitat-NYC as we take on the opportunities of larger-scale development. Josh has demonstrated that he is deeply committed to our mission of giving families decent and affordable homes as we help to build a better city for all New Yorkers."
Lockwood is taking Habitat-NYC's helm at a watershed time in its history, as it embarks on larger-scale, environmentally friendly affordable housing. Among its new initiatives:
- Habitat-NYC recently broke ground on its largest-and greenest-project ever. The $13 million, 41-unit affordable condo complex in Ocean Hill-Brownsville, Brooklyn, is expected to meet LEED certification, one of the highest green-building ratings.
- On Dec. 15, Habitat-NYC will dedicate nine new affordable condos in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Among the first buildings in New York City to be constructed of highly energy-efficient "insulated concrete forms,” these homes can save homeowners up to 50 percent in energy bills.
"While Habitat-NYC is making great strides, we also face new challenges," Lockwood said. "The shortage of affordable housing in New York City remains a crisis, with almost one of every three residents paying more than half their income on rent. Tragically, more than 15,000 children will sleep in homeless shelters tonight because their families do not have homes they can afford."
At the same time, Lockwood noted, the costs of land and construction are increasing dramatically, and the amount of available land is decreasing. “I am optimistic and excited about the future for Habitat-NYC. We are committed to helping Habitat-NYC find innovative new solutions to today's challenges and will remain dedicated to the heart of our mission-working in partnership with our families, volunteers, government, businesses and the faith community to build decent, affordable and healthy homes for New York families in need," he said.
Prior to joining Habitat-NYC, Lockwood was a principal at HR&A, focusing on affordable housing and strategic planning. He received his undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University.
Habitat-NYC transforms lives and our city by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of decent, affordable housing. With the help of an average of 10,000 volunteers every year, Habitat-NYC has built more than 170 affordable homes in the five boroughs of New York City.
Learn more about Habitat-NYC at: http://www.habitatnyc.org/