Never Too Late: A Journey into Affordable Housing with LISC AmeriCorps

Delton Walker spent nearly 20 years as a project manager at an insurance company but often felt drawn to work that aligned more closely with his values. He wanted to help the community, focus on sustainability, and draw on the real estate knowledge he gained from his mother, a real estate broker for 50 years. As the years passed, this desire grew stronger, pushing Delton to consider a major career shift.

The turning point came when Delton connected with Kristen Johnson, a former LISC AmeriCorps participant, who shared her experiences and guidance. With Kristen’s support, Delton began to map out his path forward. When he was unexpectedly laid off, Delton saw it as the perfect moment to make the change he had been contemplating. He joined the LISC AmeriCorps program and secured a placement with American Family Housing (AFH), marking his first real step into the field of affordable housing.

LISC AmeriCorps is part of a nationwide network with over 1 million members, providing individuals with opportunities to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable skills. Since 1994, LISC has connected members with communities to support local development. The LISC LA AmeriCorps Program places members in roles such as job placement, financial coaching, housing development, and community engagement, offering training, stipends, benefits, and educational awards. In 2024, LISC LA has placed 14 fellows with organizations across Los Angeles, further strengthening local partnerships and community initiatives.

At AFH, Delton has learned about affordable housing budgeting, project management, and collaborating with stakeholders—experiences that have given him a true understanding of affordable housing projects. Though the work has been challenging, Delton has embraced each new task with enthusiasm. One standout project for him has been the Sepulveda Heights Apartment project, which involves transforming an old extended-stay hotel into 120 units of affordable housing through California’s Home Key program. Reusing an existing building and giving it new life for the community perfectly matched his passion for sustainability and service. It was exactly the type of meaningful work he envisioned when he set out on this path.

At AFH, Delton is already making an impact. He’s shared his project management expertise, introducing daily team check-ins that has helped the team communicate better. He’s also pushed for more sustainable practices, such as adding solar panels, switching to electric systems, and making other eco-friendly changes to AFH properties. Thanks to Delton’s drive, AFH is looking into how to bring these ideas into both current and future projects.

Delton’s story is also helping inspire others to pursue their interests. He recently met with a community college associate dean who has wanted to shift to affordable housing after retiring from his education career. Delton shared his experiences and encouraged them to explore a similar path. It was a reminder that one person’s journey can motivate others to pursue work that benefits the community.

Reflecting on his experience with LISC AmeriCorps, Delton said that programs like this aren’t just for young people or recent graduates. “If you’re at any stage in your career and can make it work financially, an opportunity like this can give you the experience you need to transition into work that’s more fulfilling,” he said. His words come from experience—he believes that the practical knowledge he gained was worth any sacrifices.

As his service comes to a close, Delton is determined to create more affordable housing and help residents use it as a steppingstone toward home ownership and financial stability. He envisions affordable housing as more than a temporary solution—it’s a path for families to build lasting security. Delton’s journey shows that it’s never too late to change careers and make a meaningful impact in the community.

To learn more about the LISC AmeriCorps program, please click here.