At the Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC), building affordable housing has never been just about bricks and mortar—it’s about creating stability, opportunity, and stronger communities for the people who call San Diego County home.

Founded in 1965 to create economic opportunity for Mexican Americans in San Diego County, MAAC began at a time when many in the community were confined to low-wage, entry-level jobs with few opportunities to move up. The goal was simple but powerful: to open the door to better-paying work and career paths that could support families and strengthen neighborhoods. But MAAC also understood that real progress takes more than a paycheck—it requires access to education, housing, and a strong network of support.

So in the 1970s, MAAC launched a bilingual Head Start program, which now serves thousands of children across 23 preschools. As housing costs climbed and working families were increasingly priced out of the market, MAAC expanded again—this time stepping in to develop affordable housing when few others could. Today, they own and manage 1,200 affordable homes, with another 1,000 in development.

That kind of impact doesn’t come without challenges. In 2007, MAAC needed to sell a building, but a loan tied to another property made the sale impossible without first paying down a portion of the mortgage. While they had equity, they didn’t have the cash on hand to make it happen.

Enter RDF. We provided the flexible capital MAAC needed to complete the sale, reduce debt, and stabilize its finances.

It didn’t stop there. Even when MAAC wasn’t seeking a loan, RDF offered strategic guidance. One key recommendation—purchasing their own headquarters rather than continuing to lease—saved MAAC $4.5 million over 15 years and created a permanent home for its preschool, child development programs, and park offices.

The collaboration has since only deepened. In 2019, RDF provided a loan to support MAAC’s most ambitious project yet: a 22-story, 400-unit affordable housing development in National City—one of the largest of its kind in the region.

At every step, RDF has brought more than capital. We’ve brought partnership, creativity, and a shared belief in what’s possible when communities are given the tools to grow. “RDF is an organization that doesn’t respond with a no,” said Arnulfo Manriquez, MAAC’s CEO. “They respond with ‘Let’s see how we can make it happen.’”