When Multifamily Gives Back to Local Communities ("Mission Success" Series)

Many real estate companies have made a habit of donating to charities that help those in need in the communities they serve. Whether it’s money or time, each contribution is making an impact. In the past couple of years, the pandemic limited or even shut down many face-to-face charitable activities, but companies found other ways to help those most affected by the COVID-19 disruption.

“Real estate services the community, so in that sense, we are community stewards. When you view the role of real estate in that way, it’s easier to understand why philanthropy and community care is such an important pillar in this industry,” Gotham Organization General Manager Elizabeth Polanco told Multi-Housing News Senior Editor Laura Calugar in the April episode of the Mission Success: Women in Multifamily podcast series.

She has been in the real estate industry since 2004, overseeing the operational and financial health of more than 3,000 units. Currently, she leads the day-to-day operations of the Gotham portfolio in Manhattan and continues to be a trailblazer for women in the real estate industry.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this episode:

• How Polanco got into charity work (0:55)
• Causes she supports (4:45)
• Why time is the real asset when it comes to helping others (5:30)
• Involving residents in charitable causes (8:55)
• The pandemic’s impacted on the real estate industry’s charity actions (12:35)
• Why real estate companies shouldn’t hesitate to boost their philanthropic actions (13:43)