JUDY GAITHER has worked for the Human Investment Project (HIP Housing) for 17 years and has led the organization as Executive Director for the past six years. She is a founder of the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County and currently chairs its Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board of San Mateo Sunrise Rotary and has served on numerous other boards and committees. As Executive Director of HIP Housing Judy developed and implemented the Housing Opportunities Program to assist low-income families to transition from welfare to work by providing them with housing assistance and support services. Founded in 1996, the program has helped over 100 families, predominantly headed by single mothers. This model program received a Blue Ribbon Award for Best Practices by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Judy helped establish the Housing Leadership Council to make housing in San Mateo inclusive and available for all. For her dedication and creative work she was honored by KQED during Women’s History month, given the Women Helping Women Award by Soroptomist International and in 2000 she was honored by SAMCEDA and the Economic Vitality Partnership for her outstanding service to San Mateo County.
