The Fair Share Housing Center has announced the election of Frank Argote-Freyre of Freehold Borough as the new chair of the organization’s Board of Directors.
Argote-Freyre succeeds Colandus “Kelly” Francis, who served as board chair for seven years and passed away recently at the age of 87, according to a press release from the Fair Share Housing Center.
“I feel honored and privileged to be stepping into this leadership position at such a critical moment for housing justice both in New Jersey and the nation,” Argote-Freyre said. “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home and far too often that basic human right is unattainable for low-income communities and communities of color.
“Hundreds of thousands of individuals across the nation are facing homelessness in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and skyrocketing inflation for food and housing,” Argote-Freyre said. “Our message of safe and affordable housing for everyone has never been more critical for New Jersey and the nation.
“I am very proud of the work and achievements of Fair Share which has led to the construction of thousands of affordable housing units in New Jersey. We need to continue to fight every day in the town halls, courtrooms and State House to ensure that every town has a place for those of modest means.
“Communities are most vital when they reflect the racial, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of our state. It is a message we need to deliver to the entire nation. That is the legacy of Kelly Francis and one to which I am committed,” Argote-Freyre said.
Argote-Freyre has served on Fair Share Housing Center’s board since 2015. He is the founding president of the Latino Action Network and board chair of the Latino Action Network Foundation.
He serves as the director of the Latino Coalition of New Jersey. Argote-Freyre is a faculty member at Kean University and an expert on Latin American history, according to the press release.
“We are thrilled to have Frank assume the role of board chair,” said Adam Gordon, executive director of Fair Share Housing Center. “Frank’s commitment to building power among communities that have been historically marginalized and sidelined is unmatched.
“I know his experience and leadership as board chair will help advance the work of our organization as we continue the fight for safe, healthy and affordable housing for all. And while we are still mourning the loss of Kelly, I am confident Frank will help us keep Kelly’s legacy alive as we continue the fight for racial, economic and social justice,” Gordon said.
Fair Share Housing Center is a nonprofit advocacy organization that uses litigation and policy strategies to advocate for the construction of affordable housing throughout New Jersey.