Sankofa Leadership supports housing systems and the organizations that operate within them in designing and delivering services that are more person-centered, effective, and sustainable. Our work focuses on how housing programs are designed, implemented, and operated — recognizing that housing stability depends not only on access to units, but on the systems and service delivery practices that surround them.

We partner with housing authorities, affordable housing providers, state and local agencies, municipalities, and service organizations to strengthen program design, service delivery, and workforce practices, helping housing systems support long-term stability, dignity, and positive outcomes for residents.

Why Person-Centered Housing Systems Matter

Research consistently shows that housing stability is driven by the quality of services and relationships surrounding housing — not housing alone.

• Research from HUD and the National Alliance to End Homelessness shows that housing retention improves when services are delivered consistently, with clear communication, and with resident engagement, particularly for households navigating complex needs.
• Studies of supportive and service-enriched housing models show that programs emphasizing relational, tenant-centered practices experience higher engagement and lower rates of exit to homelessness.
• National housing workforce research indicates that staff burnout, unclear roles, and fragmented service delivery systems are among the leading contributors to poor housing outcomes and high turnover, undermining program effectiveness.

Person-centered housing systems respond to these realities by aligning program design, policies, and day-to-day practice around clarity, coordination, and respect — supporting both residents and the teams who serve them.

Our Approach

Sankofa Leadership applies person-centered principles across housing systems — from program design and pilot development through implementation and scale. Our approach is informed by experience supporting complex human services systems, including the formation and launch of Integrated Service Delivery Networks, where housing, workforce, and social service partners work together to reduce barriers and improve outcomes.

We work alongside housing organizations during planning, pilot, and early implementation phases, providing hands-on technical assistance to ensure programs are both operationally sound and responsive to resident needs.

We support housing organizations to:

• Design housing programs that center on resident experience and long-term stability
• Align policies, workflows, and service delivery practices
• Equip staff to navigate high-stakes interactions with clarity and consistency
• Strengthen coordination across housing, workforce, and service partners

Rather than treating training, operations, and systems as separate efforts, we help organizations design and implement housing systems that work — and remain engaged through the pilot phase to support learning, adaptation, and successful launch.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Our housing support may include:

• Housing program and service delivery model design
• Technical assistance during pilot development, launch, and early implementation
• Training for housing staff and supervisors in person-centered practice
• Support for cross-agency and cross-provider coordination
• Tools and frameworks that reinforce consistent, resident-centered service delivery

This integrated approach helps housing systems move beyond compliance-driven models toward stable, accountable, and sustainable housing practices.

Learn More

Person-Centered Housing Systems reflect Sankofa Leadership’s broader commitment to equity, stability, and effective human services delivery. By strengthening how housing programs are designed and operated, we support systems that honor dignity, reduce fragmentation, and create the conditions for lasting housing stability.