Housing Assistance New Board Member In Tune With Housing Crisis

Filed Under: Non Profit News

The new chair of the Housing Assistance Corporation’s board of directors has seen firsthand the effects of Cape Cod’s housing crisis.

Bill Bogdanovich, HAC boardBrewster resident Bill Bogdanovich is president and CEO of Broad Reach Healthcare, a company of 300 employees that offers post-acute and community-based healthcare. About five years ago, managers at Broad Reach noticed that a housing-triggered life crisis was causing some staff members to move off-Cape. 

“Housing has been a growing challenge for those at the beginning of their career paths,” he said. “Now it’s a challenge for people in professional positions, such as social workers, nurses and therapists.”  

Broad Reach looked into opportunities for year-round properties that could be used as rentals.  

“We [now] have a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as a house that is used in a shared way,” he said. “We’re able to offer housing to about 26 of our employees, and it’s made a huge difference for us. It’s helped us keep people who would otherwise be gone.” 

Throughout this time, Bogdanovich stayed in touch with Housing Assistance CEO Alisa Magnotta. The two met when she was executive director at Alzheimer’s Services of Cape Cod & the Islands and he was on the board.  

“She’s been a great resource as I contemplated my own work with the challenges of workforce housing,” he said. “When she mentioned the opportunity to serve on the Housing Assistance board, I couldn’t say no.” 

Bogdanovich said he views his role as chairman of the board as supporting and strengthening the work Housing Assistance does to stabilize, educate and empower some of the region’s most vulnerable people. 

“As somebody who’s lived on the Cape for 30-plus years, I’d like to think that my presence can bring an informed passion to what Housing Assistance does going forward and help motivate others to be part of the solution,” he said. 

Magnotta said Bogdanovich, who became Housing Assistance board chairman in December, will continue a legacy of support and vision carried out by previous board chairs. 

“We are grateful for the work of Ray Tamasi, who served as interim chair after the passing of Peter Muise last July,” said Magnotta. “I know from my past work with Bill that he will bring his unique energy and insight to his new role on the Housing Assistance board.”  

Kathryn Eident is Director of Marketing & Communications for Housing Assistance Corporation, based in Hyannis.