Commitment to Community
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION
Merritt launched Commitment to Community (C2C) in 2022 to attract, train, and retain current and future housing professionals through scholarships, internships, career development, and industry engagement. As Merritt’s reinvestment arm, C2C empowers the work we do in our core business as a lender and investor in affordable housing.
By focusing on people, housing, and policy, C2C holistically invests in affordable housing. Our programs support practitioners who work on every stage of housing production and preservation, promoting effective stewardship of affordable housing.
Merritt scholars
Launched in 2009 to inspire the next generation of changemaking housing leaders, our Merritt Scholars program is a unique and holistic career development opportunity focused on job placement.
Scholars have the opportunity to strengthen their networks through peer collaboration and engagement with industry leaders, along with 1-on-1 mentorship and fully paid attendance at industry conferences.
ASSET MANAGEMENT TRAINING (AMS+)
AMS+ empowers asset managers, who are crucial in the preservation of affordable housing and are vital in ensuring our neighbors find a home where they can thrive.
By utilizing curriculum provided by CHAM, participants attend both live and virtual sessions, engage in working groups and industry-focused discussions, and have opportunities for in-person networking with their cohort and experienced industry leaders.
Rising Affordable Housing Management Professionals (RAMP)
RAMP prepares rising affordable housing professionals for stable, community-centered careers in property management. Through partnership with local community colleges, participants gain leadership opportunities and build transferable skills in operations, resident engagement, and real-world problem-solving.
By strengthening a critical workforce, RAMP helps address the affordable housing crisis— supporting the property managers who play a vital role in keeping residents safely housed.
Housing Development training institute (HDTI)
Merritt partners with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and California Housing Partnership (CHP) on HDTI to educate and retain a wide range of project managers to improve the industry’s efficiency and effectiveness.
CONNECTIVITY THROUGH INSIGHTS & IMPACT
Strong partnerships and informed decision-making are central to C2C’s mission. We work alongside affordable housing organizations to expand impactful programs and use industry insights — including findings from our Annual Job Demand Study — to better understand workforce needs and opportunities.
Through partner programs, cultivating conversations, shared knowledge, and practical resources, C2C fosters a connected community of professionals working together to shape the future of affordable housing.
