At National CORE, we pride ourselves on our 95% resident retention rate – a sign that our program to help vulnerable populations remain housed is successful.
The architect of that program is AJ Galka, assistant vice president of operations & supportive housing for Hope through Housing. AJ works hand in hand with our property management team to deliver a seamless program of enrichment and support services to residents of National CORE properties.
On March 12, the San Gabriel Valley Consortium on Homelessness 2025 Housing Summit showcased AJ’s work on behalf of our residents as part of a panel presentation before an audience of 300. The event focused on innovative approaches to stopping and curing homelessness.
AJ outlined how support programs, property management strategies, safe facilities, community partners and other factors impact residents’ abilities to stay securely housed. She also talked about how Hope through Housing and National CORE provide residents with the means to gain financial independence, increase their employment opportunities and reach new educational heights.
AJ was one of three keynote speakers at the event, held at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation campus in San Dimas. Other panelists included LA County Consumer and Business Affairs Chief Manuel Ruiz, who discussed rent relief and wildfire aid, and Jamboree’s Natalie Reider, who shared her company’s 35-year impact on affordable housing.
“Participating in this consortium was important not only to showcase how our organization is doing a good job, but to also share our best practices with a wide audience,” Galka said. “We want to create a collective impact and that happens by sharing what we do with other developers and organizations.”