Meet Anita Nelson, CEO of SRO Housing Corp., a nonprofit affordable housing and supportive service provider in Los Angeles.
She shares how she found her calling for leading community-based organizations, what’s next for SRO Housing, and the book she’s reading.
What was a pivotal moment in your career?
Leaving a job that I really liked for another job that I thought I would love. I didn’t love it; in fact, I hated it and left after a few months. It was at that time I decided to venture outside of my comfort zone and explore other opportunities, and that’s when I learned about nonprofits and found my passion.
What was your path into affordable housing?
I didn’t have a direct path into affordable housing. My path involved several turns. Unlike many of my counterparts, my background was in business, and, as a result of this, I held various accounting and finance positions in a variety of industries—aerospace, health care, and consumer products. Coca-Cola Bottling Co. was the last. And then I discovered the Saban Free Clinic, where I was the director of operations. I loved it. I enjoyed working with our clients and helping them address basic needs like seeing a doctor or dentist. And some clients just came in for a shower. This opportunity opened the doors and led me to SRO Housing Corp. I have been there for over 16 years.
What skills have helped you the most in your career?
My analytical skills have helped me the most. All companies have a business component, and this skill set has helped me tremendously as CEO.
How is SRO Housing different from other affordable housing providers?
SRO Housing has been in business for over 35 years. We provide the full continuum of housing—emergency/short-term, transitional, and permanent housing—all in private units. Some of our housing sites cater to specific residents—such as senior, veterans, and individuals with HIV/AIDS. In addition, we do everything in house—housing development, property management, and supportive services. What we’re most proud of is our staff—over 40% were either homeless or came from the Skid Row community.
How is your organization changing?
We have accelerated our development efforts to address the homeless crisis in Los Angeles. We have 30 properties that provide more than 2,200 units of housing in Skid Row, and we’re expanding into other communities in Los Angeles. We currently have five sites in the predevelopment and development phases that will add 426 units.
What trend or issue are you watching?
I am focused on the homeless crisis in Los Angeles. Our mission has always centered around the provision of affordable housing and supportive services. However, in Los Angeles we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of homeless individuals, and the supply of affordable housing cannot keep pace with the demand. It’s heartbreaking.
Advice for networking:
It's a must.
Best recent moment:
I received a thank you note from one of our property managers. The note said, “Thank you for helping me become a better man. I just celebrated my fifth anniversary at SRO Housing. I was homeless, and you gave me housing. I needed money, and you gave me a job. And now I’ve finished school and have my HVAC license. This would not have been possible without SRO Housing Corp.”
What are you reading?
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. The book was written in 1993 and talks about Los Angeles in 2024.
Favorite spot in Los Angeles:
Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes.
What’s next for you?
Continued growth working for SRO Housing Corp. I still feel like a neophyte. There’s always something to learn, and there’s never a dull moment in making things happen.
