Mission First Housing Group

What Mission First Housing Group does

Mission First Housing Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affordable housing organization founded in 1988 as a joint venture between the City of Philadelphia, HUD, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to provide housing for adults with chronic mental illness. Headquartered at 2042-48 Arch Street in Philadelphia, the organization operates as a vertically integrated real estate platform across the Mid-Atlantic region (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington DC), developing, owning, and managing multi-family affordable rental housing. As of the most recent reporting, Mission First serves nearly 6,000 residents in over 4,000 apartments, including families, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, seniors aged 62+, and individuals with disabilities and mental illness, delivered through both general affordable housing and dedicated permanent supportive housing programs (notably Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison in New Jersey, with 46 units for homeless individuals and families). The organization also runs specialized programs in Montgomery County, PA (housing ~100 homeless individuals with serious mental illness) and Delaware (106 units serving 180 individuals with chronic mental illness), and maintains three LEED-certified properties (two Gold, one Platinum) as well as Enterprise Green Communities-compliant buildings.

The organization's product portfolio is organized into four business lines: (1) Housing Development — ground-up new construction, rehabilitation, and historic preservation of affordable properties; (2) Property Management — delivered through wholly owned affiliate Columbus Property Management, Inc., which also serves as in-house general contractor (Columbus Property Management & Development) on over 900 units of construction/rehab in the Greater Philadelphia region; (3) Resident Services — programs spanning employment, education, income/asset building, community engagement, and health services access, delivered in partnership with local nonprofits; and (4) Innovative Solutions / Supportive Housing — a model combining affordable housing with on-site supportive services for vulnerable populations. The underlying technology is operational and physical-asset oriented rather than software-oriented: LEED-certified green building practices, energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, ultra-low-flow plumbing, and low-VOC interior materials. There are no disclosed AI/ML, SaaS, or digital platform components.

The business model is a hybrid of rental revenue, government capital and operating subsidies, philanthropic contributions, and in-house construction services. Recurring rental income is generated from 4,000+ apartments serving residents at 30%-70% AMI, sourced via HUD-VASH vouchers, project-based Section 8, LIHTC-financed units, and other federal/state subsidy programs. Development is funded through layered capital stacks including LIHTC equity (syndicated via Enterprise Community Partners and others), HOME funds, CDBG, Capital Magnet Fund grants (e.g., $4.8M from the U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund in 2021), FHLB grants ($3.25M from FHLB NY in 2022, $150K from FHLB Dallas in 2026), state HFA allocations ($1.04M from PHFA in 2023; $4.5M from CDFI Fund in 2024), and city preservation funds ($6M from City of Philadelphia in 2022). Philanthropic revenue is generated through annual Building Home (DC) and Welcome Home (Philadelphia) fundraising events and individual giving. Mission First employs 200+ people and is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Michael Davidson, Esq., with executive leadership including CEO Thomas A. K. Queenan (joined June 2022), COO Chip Darling, and CFO Mark Deitcher.

Name

Mission First Housing Group

Legal name

Mission First Housing Group

Website

https://missionfirsthousing.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Mission First Housing Group is a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1988 that develops, owns, and manages affordable rental housing across the Mid-Atlantic, serving nearly 6,000 residents — including families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities — in over 4,000 apartments through integrated development, property management, and resident services programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Affordable Housing Development and Management

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities (6232), Other Community Housing Services (624229)

SIC

Real Estate Agents & Managers (For Others) (6531), Services-Social Services (8300), Lessors Of Real Property, Nec (6519)

akta.pro primary industry

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Affordable housing development
• Property management services
• Supportive housing programs
• Housing preservation services
• Green building development

Headquarters

HQ city

Philadelphia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Affordable Housing Rental Income: Revenue generated from rental income across 4,000+ apartments in the Mid-Atlantic region. Properties serve residents at various AMI levels (30%-70% Area Median Income) through government-subsidized and affordable housing programs.
2. Government Grants and Subsidies: Funding from federal, state and local government sources including HUD, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), HOME funds, CDBG, FHLB grants, and Capital Magnet Funds for development and preservation of affordable housing.
3. Philanthropic Donations: Individual and corporate donations through fundraising events (Building Home, Welcome Home) and general giving programs to support resident services and housing operations.
4. Construction and Development Services: In-house construction management through Columbus Property Management & Development affiliate, serving as general contractor on projects in Greater Philadelphia region. Has served as general contractor for construction/rehabilitation of over 900 units.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Mission First Housing Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops, owns, and manages multi-family affordable rental housing across the Mid-Atlantic region, operating over 4,000 apartments housing nearly 6,000 residents. The organization delivers a vertically integrated service combining affordable housing development, property management (through its Columbus Property Management affiliate), integrated resident services (employment, education, health, community engagement), and supportive housing for vulnerable populations including veterans, seniors, individuals with chronic mental illness, and survivors of domestic violence.

Product overview

Mission First Housing Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affordable housing organization operating as a full-service real estate company that develops and manages multi-family, affordable rental housing across the Mid-Atlantic region. The organization offers an integrated portfolio of housing development, property management (through Columbus Property Management), resident services, and innovative supportive housing solutions. Mission First serves diverse populations including families, veterans, seniors, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals with disabilities, providing safe, affordable, sustainable homes to nearly 6,000 people in over 4,000 apartments. The organization operates several notable sub-brands including LEED-certified properties, the Edison Supportive Housing program, and various senior housing communities. Mission First also engages in property preservation efforts and community development, working with government partners and community organizations to expand affordable housing options.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Housing Development Development of new affordable housing properties, rehabilitation of existing properties, and preservation of historic buildings across the Mid-Atlantic region, producing high-quality, green community assets ranging from row homes rehabilitated into multi-family apartments to new construction high-rise buildings.
• Property Management Property management services provided through Columbus Property Management, Inc., a Mission First subsidiary, including marketing, leasing, 24-hour maintenance, and oversight of all units across the Mid-Atlantic portfolio.
• Resident Services Comprehensive resident support programs addressing employment, education, income and asset building, community engagement, and health services access, delivered through partnerships with nonprofits that provide access to additional resources and services within the community.
• Supportive Housing (Innovative Solutions) Model for housing vulnerable populations including individuals with serious mental illness, homeless individuals, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence, providing permanent supportive housing combined with on-site support services.
• Columbus Property Management Property management and construction services affiliate of Mission First Housing Group, providing marketing, leasing, property management, and general contracting for the Mid-Atlantic portfolio and external projects.
• LEED-Certified Affordable Housing Properties LEED-certified affordable housing developments across the portfolio, including two LEED Gold projects and one LEED Platinum project, alongside many projects built to Enterprise Green Communities Criteria.
• Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison Permanent supportive housing program in Edison, NJ (Middlesex County) combining affordable housing with on-site support services for homeless individuals and families, totaling 46 units across Amandla Crossing (30 units) and Imani Park (16 units).

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 6,000 people provided housing in over 4,000 apartments across Mid-Atlantic
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Har Tzeon – Agudath Achim SynagoguecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 November 2025Development partner for 1910 University Senior Apartments project on the former underutilized parking lot of the synagogue in Wheaton, MD. Rabbi Steven Suson and Ethan Goldrich participated in topping off ceremony.
• Enterprise Community PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the nation's largest syndicators of affordable housing. Enterprise approached Mission First in 2006 to stabilize a troubled North Philadelphia property (Temple I and II).
• Montgomery County Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental DisabilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2008, partnered with Mission First to provide housing for nearly 100 homeless individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness using rental subsidies.
• State of Delaware - Division of Substance Abuse and Mental HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2013, Mission First supports Delaware's community-based housing solution for adults living with chronic mental illness. Currently manages 106 units with capacity for 180 individuals.
• Columbus Property Management & Development, Inc.coreOthersMission First affiliate that leases, manages and maintains properties, coordinates resident services, and serves as general contractor on construction/rehabilitation projects in Philadelphia region.
• Columbus Property Management, Inc.coreOthersMember of Mission First that provides property management services through a dedicated team of property managers overseeing all aspects of marketing, leasing and managing units.
• Henson Development CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for The Lewis Apartments in Suitland, MD along with L.A. Bolden Company.
• L.A. Bolden CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for The Lewis Apartments in Suitland, MD along with Henson Development Company.
• Various Nonprofits for Resident ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMission First partners with other nonprofits to provide greater access to services, identify resources and refer residents to services within the community.
• Making it Possible to End HomelessnesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 2016 partnered with Mission First Housing Group to convert Amandla Crossing and Imani Park to Permanent Supportive Housing for homeless individuals and families in Middlesex County, NJ.
• IOA (Platinum Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor for Welcome Home 2022 fundraising event.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Mercy Housing: National nonprofit affordable housing developer and operator serving low-income families, seniors, and people with special needs. Directly comparable to Mission First across mission, resident services integration, and LIHTC-financed development.
• National Housing Trust: Nonprofit affordable housing developer and preservation specialist. Directly comparable to Mission First on LIHTC-driven preservation and new construction; also a documented financing partner on Mission First's 1910 University Senior Apartments.
• Pennrose: Private developer, owner, and manager of affordable and mixed-income housing across the Mid-Atlantic and nationally. Closely comparable to Mission First on product type, geography overlap, and integrated property management, though structured as a for-profit.
• BRIDGE Housing: Nonprofit developer, owner, and manager of affordable and mixed-income rental housing primarily on the West Coast. Comparable to Mission First on mission, integrated resident services, and LIHTC-financed portfolio growth.
• Enterprise Community Partners: One of the nation's largest nonprofit affordable housing developers and LIHTC syndicators. Directly comparable to Mission First as a mission-driven developer/owner/manager of affordable rental housing; Enterprise is also an existing partner of Mission First (e.g., Temple I & II stabilization).
• Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH): National nonprofit that preserves and operates affordable rental housing with integrated resident services. Directly comparable to Mission First on preservation-driven growth, supportive housing, and resident services programming.
• The NHP Foundation: Nonprofit affordable housing organization developing and preserving multifamily housing with supportive services for seniors, families, and special needs populations. Comparable to Mission First on resident profile mix and supportive housing focus.

Regional players

• Habitat for Humanity International: Global nonprofit affordable housing provider focused on homeownership for low-income families. Compares to Mission First on nonprofit affordable housing mission and volunteer/donor-driven model, though primarily serves first-time homeownership rather than rental multi-family.

Broad incumbents

• WinnCompanies: Large private multifamily developer and third-party property manager with a substantial affordable housing portfolio. Comparable to Mission First's Columbus Property Management arm on operating model and resident profile, though materially larger and for-profit.
• Volunteers of America National Services: National nonprofit providing housing and supportive services for vulnerable populations including seniors, veterans, and those with mental illness. Comparable to Mission First's supportive housing model and resident population mix, though operates at significantly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MissionFirstHG
• YouTubevimeo.com/missionfirsthousinggroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cpm-housing-group
• Instagraminstagram.com/missionfirsthg

Compliance18 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mission First Housing Group