Affordable Housing Advocate


The Affordable Housing Advocate was established during the 2017 Legislative Session within the Housing Division to help improve the affordable housing landscape across the state. The Affordable Housing Advocate strives to ensure superior customer service to individuals seeking services and support from the Housing Division, and endeavors to work with affordable housing stakeholders to strategically address the housing affordability crisis.

    The Affordable Housing Advocate especially strives to connect underserved populations, including seniors, veterans, disabled persons, and those with low to moderate incomes with housing and shelter providers, homebuyer programs, mortgage and rental assistance programs or other resources. The ultimate goal of the advocate is to ensure that every Nevadan has access to a safe and comfortable place to call home.

      Complaints

      The Affordable Housing Advocate is dedicated to assisting residents of affordable housing units, including manufactured homes, in resolving complaints and concerns. The Advocate is unable to provide legal advice, but can assist residents in finding a resolution by working with owners, property managers and developers to address valid complaints. Residents are encouraged to communicate their concerns with all parties involved initially. If you are unable to reach a satisfactory resolution, you may call the Housing Advocate at (702) 486-5985.

        Speaker's Bureau

        The Affordable Housing Advocate strives to help improve the quality of affordable housing communities by educating residents about their rights and how to advocate for themselves. Additionally, the Affordable Housing Advocate seeks to encourage congenial relationships between property owners/managers and residents. Educating all parties involved can help to proactively mitigate complaints and misunderstandings. The Housing Advocate is available to speak to community groups, residents, property owners and managers, developers and others interested in learning how to create a friendlier affordable housing community. To schedule a speaking engagement for Mae Worthey-Thomas, Ed.D, the Affordable Housing Advocate, please call (702) 486-5985.

          Housing Assistance

          Are you in danger of losing your home? Are you having trouble paying your rent or mortgage due to financial hardships, such as loss of a job or illness? Do you want to buy a home, but you need assistance with the down payment and closing costs? Did you know the Affordable Housing Advocate can provide you with assistance related to these topics free of charge?

          If you are in need of emergency shelter, please visit nevada211.org to view a list of providers who can assist you or dial 211, for information statewide about a variety of resources, including housing. You may also call the Affordable Housing Advocate for assistance.

          Please call (702) 486-5985.

            Advocacy

            The Affordable Housing Advocate serves as the community liaison for the Housing Division and seeks to build more positive relationships with stakeholders who share the common goal of finding creative solutions to the housing affordability crisis. The Affordable Housing Advocate wants to hear from developers, property managers, elected officials, organizations, residents or private citizens about partnership opportunities related to housing that will improve the quality of life for Nevadans. The ultimate goal of the Housing Advocate is to ensure that every Nevadan has access to a safe and comfortable place to call home. Please call or email Mae Worthey-Thomas, Ed.D, the Affordable Housing Advocate at (702) 486-5985

              Agency Contact:

              Jeneeah M. Girma
              Affordable Housing Advocate
              (702) 486-5985
              jmgirma@housing.nv.gov