2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Charlotte Bell, Habitat for Humanity NYC and Westchester

 

“Charlotte Bell exemplifies the next generation of housing leaders. Her deep commitment to preserving affordable homeownership, combined with her expertise in community engagement, cooperative housing, and housing preservation, has expanded Habitat NYC and Westchester’s impact across the region. Charlotte approaches every challenge with creativity, collaboration, and a steadfast belief that housing should provide dignity, stability, and opportunity for all.”

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?

Throughout my career, whether in tenant organizing, community development, or cooperative preservation, my focus has remained the same: helping people stay in their homes and communities. One accomplishment I am particularly proud of is helping expand Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester’s post-purchase and preservation work. By growing programs that support existing low- and moderate-income homeowners, we have broadened our impact beyond newly developed homes to serve residents in cooperatives, condominiums, and single-family properties across New York City and Westchester.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?

I began my career as a tenant organizer in East Harlem in 2008. That experience deepened my understanding of New Yorkers’ housing challenges and sparked my interest in community-driven solutions. As I learned more about limited-equity cooperatives and shared ownership models, I became committed to helping residents build long-term stakes in their communities. That passion led me into cooperative development and preservation work, ultimately bringing me to Habitat for Humanity, where I focus on building affordable homeownership for working families.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you?

One of the most influential mentors in my career has been Ann Henderson, a longtime leader in cooperative preservation whom I worked with during my six years at the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board. Early on, she shared a lesson that has stayed with me: there is both an art and a science to this work. While housing development and preservation require technical expertise, success ultimately depends on people. Ann taught me that reaching a goal often requires creativity, flexibility, and meaningful engagement with the communities we serve.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry?

This is a great moment for housing in New York City. While the housing crisis is not new, it is finally driving public attention and creating opportunities for action. Preservation must be a key part of the solution. Stronger tenant protections, rental-to-cooperative conversions, and tools like the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act can expand affordable homeownership and help residents remain in their communities. Coupled with technical assistance, tax incentives, rehabilitation programs, and energy-efficiency investments, these efforts can strengthen neighborhoods and housing stability.