Yajaira Morales is a dedicated housing professional with a passion for creating equitable and inclusive communities through affordable housing. Currently, Yajaira works as a Housing Project Manager, where she plays a key role in advancing affordable housing initiatives for the City of East Palo Alto. She collaborates with developers, city officials, and legal teams to ensure compliance with local policies, overseeing projects such as Colibri Commons and Light Tree ASHC Apartments. Her expertise includes managing Inclusionary Housing Agreements, overseeing Below Market Rate programs, the CalHome program, and bridging the gap between community needs and real estate development.
Her journey in the housing industry began with CORA, a nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence, where she held multiple positions, ultimately serving as the Manager of Housing and Safe Haven. Working in San Mateo County, a region where securing housing is particularly challenging—Yajaira navigated the complexities of finding stable housing for clients despite limited resources. She successfully built strong relationships with landlords and partnered with other nonprofits to expand housing opportunities for survivors. Additionally, she has extensive experience managing multiple grants across the county and collaborating with organizations such as 4Cs of San Mateo County.
Yajaira is driven by a desire to address systemic disparities in housing and land use policies. She is focused on deepening her knowledge in real estate finance and urban planning to lead impactful projects that deliver sustainable housing solutions. With a strong commitment to community-driven development, she strives to create housing opportunities that empower individuals and foster inclusive neighborhoods.
Email: ymorales@cityofepa.org