Meet SCANPH Board Member Anne Friedrich
Anne Friedrich
Menorah Housing Foundation
SCANPH Board Members – the strength behind its success – are geographically diverse and serve as experts, practitioners, and advocates for supporting policy and programming that addresses the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and families who are most in need of affordable housing. Our team is grateful to be backed by the decades of experience and expertise of the board, who reflect a diverse and representative body of SCANPH organizational members.
SCANPH will introduce each of our board members and share background about the leadership we count on to guide our initiatives.
Anne Friedrich has been President of Menorah Housing Foundation (MHF) since January 2001. Under her leadership, MHF develops and manages affordable housing with on-site services for very low-income persons age 62 or older. Menorah Housing Foundation’s 1,221 rent-subsidized apartments in 18 properties throughout LA County serve tenants currently averaging 82 years of age, with incomes averaging less than $15,000 per year. MHF offers innovative partnerships to assist its older residents, including many formerly homeless older adults, to age in their communities. Prior to joining MHF, Anne worked in city planning, housing and redevelopment for the cities of Culver City, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and for other non-profits. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Why were you interested in joining the board of SCANPH?
I’ve been attending the SCANPH conference for many years and wanted to join the Board to support SCANPH’s mission.
What is the best part of your job?
Working with an incredible team of co-workers. They inspire me daily with their commitment to improving the lives of older adults in affordable housing and their creativity in offering services to meet a vast array of resident needs.
How did you first get involved in the affordable housing sector?
I started as an intern in the San Francisco City Planning Department in the 1980s. One of my tasks was tracking the new requirement for office developers to provide affordable housing or pay an in-lieu fee. It was the first inclusionary housing program in the U.S.
What project are you most proud of and why?
I’m very proud of Menorah Housing Foundation’s success in refinancing and renovating our older properties. We have dramatically improved the appearance and livability of our buildings, preserved their long-term affordability, and contributed to the sustainability of our housing and our organization.
If you could enact one policy change with the snap of your fingers, what would it be?
Increased residential density along major streets, the inclusion of a higher percentage of affordable housing, and the creation of more pedestrian friendly neighborhoods.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I’m a die-hard UCLA basketball fanatic.
If you didn’t live in Southern California where would you live?
Santa Cruz.
Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
Barack Obama.
If you could steal credit for any great piece of art, song, film, book etc., which one would you claim? Forever Young by Bob Dylan.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra?
“Barn’s burnt down…now I can see the moon” (Masahide)