Resident-Centered Housing Provides a Foundation for Long-Term Well-Being 

Sydne Garchik is founder, president, and principal of MRK Partners, a prominent real estate investment and management firm specializing in the acquisition, repositioning, preservation, and creation of affordable multifamily properties across the nation. 


What does resident-centered housing really mean? 

For MRK Partners, resident-centered housing goes beyond providing a place to live. It’s about creating a foundation for long-term well-being by combining safe, stable housing with access to holistic support. This includes programs to improve job security, financial literacy, and community resilience. In essence, it’s about providing the right mix of housing and holistic support to give residents the tools they need for success in all areas of life.  

What can multifamily owners and operators do to achieve a resident-centered approach at their communities

Start by completing a resident needs assessment at each community. Knowing where you are now helps you plan where you want to go. Create space for social interactions and events to help residents build a sense of belonging. Offer educational and professional development opportunities to support upward mobility. Lastly, build long-term partnerships with local employers, schools, and community organizations. These connections can provide residents with valuable resources, job opportunities and mentorship to support their personal, financial, and professional success.  

What should these stakeholders avoid when it comes to resident-centered housing? 

Stakeholders should avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Every community has unique needs, so it’s important to offer personalized services tailored to individual circumstances for great impact. Considering residents’ long-term needs can be challenging at first but is absolutely worth it. For example, creating and implementing job training might take months, but getting residents jobs that provide financial security, and the ability to pay rent more easily, has enormous benefits for both parties.  

Stakeholders should also try not to focus on the wrong outcomes. What works for one community might not work for another. Positive results will look different for each community, so it’s important to remain flexible. Be willing to pivot if something isn’t working – that’s how you find the right mix of services to create meaningful change.  

Anything else to add? 

At MRK, our mission goes beyond providing housing. We’re leading the way with sustainable practices and innovative services that prioritize the health, wellness, education, and opportunities of our residents.  

Affordable housing is about people – the teachers, nurses, first responders, seniors and young professionals who are the backbone of our communities. By addressing their needs and fostering connection, opportunity, and resilience, we create environments that enrich lives, strengthen neighborhoods, and uplift entire cities.