FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12th, 2022
Contact:
Alex Staropoli, (914) 469-0060, alexstaropoli@fairsharehousing.org
Fair Share Housing Center Names Frank Argote-Freyre as New Board Chair
NEW JERSEY–The Fair Share Housing Center announced today the election of Frank Argote-Freyre as the new Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. Argote-Freyre succeeds Colandus “Kelly” Francis, who served as Board Chair for seven years and passed away recently at the age of 87.
“I feel honored and privileged to be stepping into this leadership position at such a critical moment for housing justice both in New Jersey and the nation,” said Argote-Freyre. “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and far too often that basic human right is unattainable for low-income communities and communities of color.”
“Hundreds of thousands of individuals across the nation are facing homelessness in the aftermath of the pandemic and skyrocketing inflation for food and housing,” Argote-Freyre continued. “Our message of safe and affordable housing for everyone has never been more critical for New Jersey and the nation.”
“I am very proud of the work and achievements of Fair Share which has led to the construction of thousands of affordable housing units in New Jersey. We need to continue to fight every day in the town halls, courtrooms, and State House to ensure that every town has a place for those of modest means. Communities are most vital when they reflect the racial, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of our state. It is a message we need to deliver to the entire nation. That is the legacy of Kelly Francis and one to which I am committed.”
Argote-Freyre has served on Fair Share Housing Center’s Board since 2015. He is the founding President of the Latino Action Network and Board Chair of the Latino Action Network Foundation. He serves as the Director of the Latino Coalition of New Jersey. Argote-Freyre is also a faculty member at Kean University and an expert on Latin American History.“
We are thrilled to have Frank assume the role of Board Chair,” said Adam Gordon, Executive Director of Fair Share Housing Center. “Frank’s commitment to building power among communities that have been historically marginalized and sidelined is unmatched. I know that his experience and leadership as Board Chair will help advance the work of our organization as we continue the fight for safe, healthy, and affordable housing for all. And while we are still mourning the loss of Kelly, I am confident that Frank will help us keep Kelly’s legacy alive as we continue the fight for racial, economic, and social justice.”
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Fair Share Housing Center is a nonprofit advocacy organization that uses litigation and policy strategies to dismantle decades of racial and economic discrimination in New Jersey and nationally that excludes people from the opportunity to live in safe, healthy, and affordable housing.
