By Naiya Oden, NLIHC Housing Trust Fund Research Intern
NLIHC is excited to welcome Naiya Oden as a Summer 2026 Housing Trust Fund Research Intern. Naiya is a Master of Social Work (MSW) candidate at Case Western Reserve University with a background in real estate, affordable housing systems, and community-centered development. Her work sits at the intersection of housing policy, social equity, and neighborhood revitalization. She has a particular interest in sustainable affordable housing strategies, equitable land use, and expanding pathways to homeownership for marginalized communities. In her free time, Naiya enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach, and staying active.
Prior to joining NLIHC, Naiya worked in affordable housing and resident services through her internship at CHN Housing Partners, where she supported housing stability initiatives, resource navigation, resident engagement, and housing education. Her professional background in real estate sparked a deeper interest in how housing systems, financing mechanisms, and policy decisions shape neighborhood opportunities and long-term housing affordability.
Naiya looks forward to deepening her understanding of state and local housing trust funds, exploring innovative financing strategies for affordable housing development, and contributing research that supports equitable housing policy solutions. Naiya hopes to bring both a systems-level and community-centered perspective to NLIHC’s work and looks forward to learning from housing advocates, researchers, and practitioners working to advance housing justice and ensure that safe, affordable housing is accessible to all.