Feed the future:

The Fellowship for Equitable Affordable Housing Development (FEAHD)

With the support of key allies, Urban Edge, The Neighborhood Developers, and OppCo have developed a new two-year fellowship program to bring more People of Color into the field of affordable housing development.

Fellows benefit from practical on-the-job work experience, skills training, a mentor, and peer support. We’ll prepare fellows for rewarding careers that produce and provide affordable homes, commercial spaces, and stronger communities.

The first cohort—seven women of color—began their two-year fellowships in September 2023. The next cycle will begin in the fall of 2025, with recruitment starting in the spring of 2025. Interested candidates can contact the program director to express interest, or complete the Fellowship Application Form.

For applicants

This paid two-year Fellowship will give you the skills and experience to advance in the field of affordable housing development.

The next application cycle will occur in the spring of 2025 with a Fellowship start date of September 2025.

For host CDCs

With the support of the Fellowship Director, Fellows benefit from a wide range of skill building that will enable them to build a career in community development.

Applications will open in the spring of 2025 to host a Fellow beginning in September, 2025.

For funders & allies

Support a fellowship that builds a diverse pipeline of nonprofit real estate professionals prepared to enter into careers in affordable housing real estate development.

OppCo is an equal opportunity organization that recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes without regard to race, religion, age, gender or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Contact Melinda Vega, Fellowship Director at Opportunity Communities for more information.

“I have worked at various CDCs and as a community activist. I wish a program like this was available to me earlier in my career. I’m excited to tell you about the Fellowship, and to share how to host a Fellow at your CDC.” — Melinda Vega

Introducing our ground-breaking fellows

  • The 2023-2025 fellows during orientation week

    The 2023-2025 Fellows during orientation week

  • Welcome FEAHD Fellow Lanette Johnson, hosted by Dorchester Bay EDC

    Lanette Johnson

  • Welcome FEAHD Fellow Kayra Lopez, hosted by The Neighborhood Developers

    Kayra Lopez

  • Kiara Mark

  • Welcome FEAHD Fellow Felicia Pagan, hosted by Nuestra Comunidad

    Felicia Pagan

  • Welcome FEAHD Fellow Olivia Rose, hosted by Lawrence CommunityWorks

    Olivia Rose

  • Welcome FEAHD Fellow Alba Solis, hosted by Somerville Community Corporation

    Alba Solis

  • Welcome FEAHD Fellow Twonnisha Winbush, hosted by Valley CDC

    Twonnisha Winbush

What is affordable housing?

Affordable housing is generally defined as housing in which the occupant is paying no more than 30 percent of gross income for housing costs, including utilities.

Community Development Corporations create and preserve affordable, safe, healthy housing so that all of our neighbors have a place to call home.

FEAHD funders and partners