From coast to coast to coast, the Centre’s program managers are at the heart of our work, supporting community housing initiatives through funding, partnerships, and strategic guidance. With diverse expertise spanning co-operative and non-profit housing, land trusts, policy, homelessness support, and partner engagement, they bring invaluable leadership to their regions.
This month, we’re highlighting five dedicated individuals. Get to know them, their experience, and find out what they’re working on!
Alex Wolf, Program manager BC, Nunavut, NWT, Yukon
Alex joined the Centre in April 2024, bringing a strong passion for housing and sustainable economic development. Committed to fostering equitable growth and environmental stewardship, he is dedicated to advancing initiatives that make a lasting impact in the community housing sector.
With a background in Development Economics and Natural Resource Management, Alex has worked with BC Housing and contributed to community development projects across Latin America and Asia. His expertise spans business administration, project management, stakeholder engagement, and impact evaluation—skills that drive meaningful change in housing and sustainability.
Alex has been particularly busy in Nunavut, doing outreach for the Nunalingni Piruqpaalirut Fund and helping organizations access it. His 2024 project highlight is the Cambridge Bay Housing Association (CBHA) project, which focuses on addressing housing challenges in Nunavut.
Dwayne Wright, Program manager Nova-Scotia
Dwayne joined the Centre in June 2024. With nearly 15 years of experience in non-profit organizations focused on homelessness and housing, Dwayne has spent five years assisting individuals in securing stable housing, gaining insight into the challenges faced by the unhoused. With over two decades as a property manager, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of Nova Scotia’s housing market.
He has participated in Halifax’s Coordinated Access program, collaborating with various community organizations on housing initiatives. Recently, Dwayne has been involved in supporting adults with disabilities, managing a dedicated staff to provide quality care.
As a certified MANDT trainer, Dwayne excels in building and nurturing relationships.
He also volunteers with a local emergency shelter organization and serves as president of its board of directors.
Dwayne works with the Nova Scotia Community Housing Growth Fund. His 2024 project highlight is Build Big for Youth from Phoenix Youth in Halifax, which the Centre supports in designing and pre-developing a multi-service housing center for youth, along with additional scattered-site housing.
Linda Lieu, Program manager Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta
Linda joined the Centre in February 2024, bringing a decade of experience in the non-profit community housing sector, Linda has successfully overseen initiatives that foster high-functioning teams and implement impactful housing projects. She is recognized as a goal-oriented thinker, creative problem solver, and emerging leader within the Prairie region.
Linda holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and applied mathematics from the University of Calgary, equipping her with a unique blend of analytical and interpersonal skills. She is passionate about cultivating social change to implement initiatives that enhance the overall community housing sector.
Linda works on projects under the Sector Transformation Fund. Her 2024 project highlight is the Ke Mama Nnanik Action Plan by Metis Calgary Family Services Society, which follows the “For Indigenous, By Indigenous” principles.
Scott Stager Piatkowski, Program manager Ontario
Scott joined the Centre in August 2021, bringing over 30 years of experience in the co-operative housing sector. He previously served as vice-president of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada and as a facilitator with the Co-operative Young Leaders program.
Since 2018, Scott has been a trustee on the Waterloo Region District School Board chairing the board during the 2021–2022 term. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in history from Wilfrid Laurier University and a certificate in co-operative management from the Schulich School of Business.
A lifelong advocate for affordable housing and social justice, Scott remains committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable communities.
Scott handles projects related to the Sector Transformation Fund.
Scott’s 2024 project highlight is the Caroline Co-op project that offers a blueprint for community-led housing solutions.
Shekara Grant, Program manager Nova Scotia
Shekara joined the Centre in April 2022. With ancestral roots in Cherry Brook and Weymouth Falls, two of Nova Scotia’s historic African Nova Scotian communities, Shekara is committed to community development and social justice.
As the founder of the Weymouth Falls Community Land Trust, she leads efforts to revitalize her ancestral community through land stewardship and climate action. Her work focuses on the intersections of race, community land development, and sustainability.
Shekara holds a combined honors degree in Sociology and French, as well as a certificate in Intercultural Communication from Dalhousie University. She also lived briefly in Australia and France.
Shekara currently oversees projects for the Nova Scotia Community Housing Growth Fund, part of which is specifically dedicated to black communities.
Her 2024 project highlight is the New Roots Community Land Trust, and how they support Black communities in Nova Scotia by creating permanently affordable, community-led housing solutions.
