Who We Are
Community Corporation of Santa Monica (“Community Corp.”) is a non-profit organization that restores, builds, and manages affordable housing for people of modest means. Founded by community leaders in 1982, Community Corp. has pioneered the development of architecturally significant and environmentally sustainable affordable housing. It has built or restored more than 90 properties throughout Santa Monica, creating nearly 1,700 affordable homes and transforming the lives of more than 4,000 people every year. Our work contributes to the distinct character of Santa Monica, making it a more inclusive, caring, and environmentally sustainable city.
Our Values
- Inclusiveness: We work to make Santa Monica a more inclusive and vibrant place to live for everyone, contributing to the City’s distinct character.
- Sustainability: We advance environmentalism by pioneering the development of green affordable housing, creating opportunities for people to live near where they work, and employing sustainable practices in everything that we do.
- Opportunity: We create opportunities for those of modest means to build a brighter future by providing access to a home and neighborhood where they can thrive.
- Community: We strive to enrich Santa Monica communities by preserving historically significant structures, and replacing neglected properties with neighborhood-appropriate buildings at the forefront of architectural innovation.
DEPARTMENT HEADS
Tara Barauskas joined Community Corp. in 2016 as the Executive Director. She is responsible for the overall management of the organization and achieving its strategic goals and vision. Ms. Barauskas has been working in the affordable housing industry since 1999, in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. During this time, she has developed over 20 affordable housing projects throughout California, and has overseen development activities for a non-profit that produces permanent supportive housing for people who are homeless in the Los Angeles area. Tara’s passions are affordable housing, creating equity and social justice in communities, and sustainability. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University Long Beach, and earned a LEED AP (Homes) credential from the US Green Building Council, and a Living Future credential from the International Living Future Institute.
Tara Barauskas
Executive Director
Durinda Abraham manages Community Corp.’s portfolio of nearly 1700 units. She is responsible for project performance (physical and fiscal), and regulatory and statutory compliance. Durinda has 20 years of experience in the affordable housing industry. Prior to her current role, she worked as a property supervisor, certified compliance specialist and resident services coordinator. In those capacities, she prepared grant applications and conducted research to help create a sustainable workforce development program for homeless individuals with mental illness.
Durinda Abraham
Director of Property Management
Miguel Ceballos joined Community Corp. in 1988 and has held several positions over his 27-year tenure. He has worked primarily in the Facilities and Maintenance Department, but has also worked closely with the Property Management Department to develop procedures that better serve tenants, and with the Development Department to develop building material standards that yield better-functioning properties.
Miguel Ceballos
Director of Maintenance
Jesús Hernández is the Director of Housing Development of Community Corp. An 11-year affordable housing development professional, Mr. Hernández has a proven track record in securing and developing approx. 860 units of affordable and permanent supportive housing. In his current capacity with Community Corp, Mr. Hernández is tasked with overseeing the organization’s real estate department including both new construction opportunities and the rehabilitation of existing buildings. Mr. Hernández received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Minor in Urban Planning from University of California, Los Angeles.
Jesús Hernandez
Development Director
Robert Connell joined Community Corp. in 2004 and rose through the Accounting Department to the position of Accounting Manager in 2010 and Controller in 2014. In 2018 he was promoted to Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for overseeing all financial matters of Community Corp. and its affiliates. He works closely with management and the board of directors to develop and implement various strategies across the organization along with ensuring the long term financial sustainability of Community Corp. Robert received a BS and MS in Accounting from the University of Wyoming.
Robert Connell
Chief Financial Officer
As the Director of Resident Services, Leila Towry joined Community Corp. with over twenty years of community development, social services, education, and green living expertise. Ms. Towry has worked to address macro issues in many communities, working at institutions such as Occidental College and the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, as well as several affordable housing developers in Los Angeles. Mrs. Lowry holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Comparative Cultures, from Whittier College, and a Master’s Degree in Anti-Bias Education from San Francisco State University.
Leila Towry
Director of Resident Services
Martha Martinez joined Community Corp. in 1989 as an accountant. During her tenure, the organization has grown to 80 employees. She has worked to improve the company’s payroll systems, employee benefit programs and performance evaluation processes. She also oversees the development of company employment policies and procedures, and she manages risks associated with workman’s compensation claims. Martha ensures that Community Corp. employees have the proper skills, orientation and training to be successful in their jobs.
Martha Martinez
Human Resources / Administration Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The corporation is directed by a 16-member board that represents the diversity of Santa Monica, comprised of housing and finance experts, City residents, and professionals with relevant skills in their fields.