Operation Pathways
Place-based programs, services, and service coordination for low to moderate income families living in affordable housing communities. Operation Pathways, Inc.
Operation Pathways improves quality of life by equipping low- to moderate- income individuals with tools to become self-sufficient and break the cycle of poverty. We accomplish this by providing and coordinating placed-based programs and services for residents in affordable housing communities. We provide one-on-one service coordination and opportunity-driven programing focused on academic achieve
Meet the Team: Jay Cengiz, Assistant Vice President, Development
At The NHP Foundation, our development team is committed to creating and preserving affordable housing opportunities that strengthen communities and improve lives.
As Assistant Vice President of Development, Jay Cengiz focuses on the acquisition, preservation, and development of affordable housing. His responsibilities span the full development process, including site feasibility, financial underwriting, capital planning, raising debt and equity financing, and overseeing design, engineering, and construction teams.
Prior to joining NHPF in 2024, Jay built an impressive track record in affordable housing development, helping create and preserve more than 3,500 affordable housing units throughout New York. His experience includes leading complex acquisition and development efforts, managing large-scale affordable housing transactions, and directing projects under the Affordable Housing New York Program.
Jay earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from The Pennsylvania State University's Smeal College of Business and continues to bring his expertise and passion for affordable housing to communities in need.
Thank you, Jay, for your dedication to advancing NHPF's mission.
Where you live matters.
For many seniors, affordable housing provides more than a place to call home. It can also create opportunities for connection, purpose, and community.
At Ships' Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts, Miss Linda discovered exactly that.
What started as attending a few fitness classes and resident activities grew into a deeper involvement with Operation Pathways. Through volunteering at the food bank, helping organize holiday meals, participating in outreach efforts, and supporting National Night Out, Miss Linda found something she didn't expect: a sense of family.
The relationships she built with fellow volunteers have extended far beyond scheduled programs. Neighbors check in on one another, spend time together outside of events, and encourage others to get involved.
As Ships' Cove Resident Services Coordinator Caitlyn Luis shares, "If it weren't for Miss Linda and the other volunteers, our sense of community wouldn't be as strong as it is today."
The confidence Miss Linda gained through volunteering has also enriched her personal life. She feels more comfortable meeting new people, has a more positive outlook, and embraces opportunities to engage with the world around her.
Her advice to others: "Put yourself in new situations, find your sense of belonging, and don't be afraid to seek support if you need it. Therapy has helped me throughout my life."
Through her kindness, dedication, and service, Miss Linda has strengthened the heart of the Ships' Cove community, one act of service at a time.
📍 Ships' Cove | Fall River, MA
Meet the Team: Geanna Franqui, Construction Manager
At The NHP Foundation, successful developments are made possible by dedicated professionals who guide projects from concept to completion. Geanna Franqui brings more than 18 years of experience in real estate development and construction management, overseeing complex affordable housing, mixed use, senior living, and community focused projects.
Since joining NHPF in 2020, Geanna has managed multifamily renovations and new construction projects, coordinating contractors and consultants, conducting site inspections, reviewing project documentation, and monitoring schedules and budgets to ensure successful outcomes.
Her expertise extends to risk mitigation, value engineering, sustainability requirements, ADA compliance, and collaboration across acquisitions, development, asset management, and property management teams.
Prior to her career in construction, Geanna worked as a network engineer designing infrastructure for local government agencies, bringing a unique blend of technical and operational expertise to her work.
We are proud to recognize Geanna's leadership and dedication to creating high quality affordable housing communities that make a lasting impact.
06/03/2026
In this Multi Housing News article by Mikayla Sciortino, “Closing the Gap,” NHPF Chief Investment Officer Joe Weatherly discusses how our organization is evolving by tapping alternative solutions when traditional financing falls short.
Read on for his take on how NHPF successfully leverages our credit rating to use 501(c)(3) bonds to help build and acquire assets, as well as our use of historic tax credits to rehab St. Luke’s Plaza after a tornado.
06/02/2026
Thank you to Multi Housing News and Suzann Silverman for the piece, “Creating Space,” which highlights the importance of affordable housers focusing on residents’ needs and the invaluable work of our services subsidiary, Operation Pathways.
As NHPF’s own Andrey Zudin reminds us, “Affordable housing development is about far more than delivering buildings. Where people live matters.”
✨ Resident Voices: Blanca ✨
For more than 50 years, Blanca has called Plaza Borinquen home.
Growing up in the Bronx during a time marked by violence, addiction, and loss, Blanca witnessed firsthand the challenges facing her community. Yet through every hardship, she remained committed to creating a better future for her family and neighbors.
Today, with support from Operation Pathways, Blanca has become Narcan certified and is helping combat the opioid crisis that impacted so many lives around her. Her determination to serve others and advocate for her community reflects the strength, resilience, and leadership that define Plaza Borinquen.
Blanca's story reminds us that where you live matters, and that one person's courage can create lasting change.
📍 Plaza Borinquen, Bronx, NY
Operation Pathways is proud to support residents like Blanca as they build stronger communities and brighter futures.
✨ Meet the Team: Sandra Black ✨
Please join us in welcoming Sandra Black, Corporate Paralegal at The NHP Foundation.
Sandra joined NHPF in 2024 and supports the organization’s corporate governance, compliance, and transactional work. She brings more than a decade of diverse legal experience from prestigious law firms across New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area.
A graduate of New York University, Sandra later earned her Paralegal Certification with distinction, receiving the President’s Award.
Sandra is passionate about supporting NHPF’s mission and helping meet the organization’s growing transaction, compliance, and governance needs. We are excited to have her expertise and dedication as part of the team.
05/27/2026
grateful to support in securing passage of the Maryland Transit & Housing Opportunity Act and Housing Certainty Act, key legislation to increase housing production and affordability.
05/25/2026
This Memorial Day, NHPF and Operation Pathways honor those who served and the families they love. We're proud to support veterans and military families through safe, affordable housing and resident services every day. Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day.
✨ Meet the Team: Micah Hunter ✨
Please join us in welcoming Micah Hunter, Development Manager at The NHP Foundation.
Micah serves on NHPF’s acquisition and development team, overseeing the acquisition, financing, development, and preservation of multifamily housing communities. Since joining NHPF in 2021, he has brought extensive experience in affordable housing development, adaptive reuse, project management, and community focused impact.
Before joining NHPF, Micah contributed to affordable housing developments across Baltimore, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, supporting projects from financing and grants to property management and Section 8 awards. He also previously worked with New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development, where he provided senior level recommendations on new construction proposals and contributed to the agency’s MWBE Build Up program.
Micah’s background also includes seven years of social work experience in child welfare and juvenile justice, bringing a people centered perspective to his work in affordable housing and community development.
We are grateful to have Micah’s leadership, expertise, and passion as part of the NHPF team!
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