The Waterfront Project, Inc. (WFP) is a lifeline for low- and moderate-income individuals and families facing housing instability and legal injustice in Hudson, Union, and Bergen Counties. Founded in 2013, our nonprofit was born out of a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves a safe place to call home and equal access to justice—regardless of income, background, or circumstance.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, WFP provides free civil legal services, HUD-certified housing counseling, and compassionate resource navigation to those most at risk of eviction, foreclosure, housing discrimination, and displacement. Our work is guided by the conviction that housing is a human right and that no one should have to navigate a complex legal system alone.
In the past decade, The Waterfront Project has grown into a trusted community anchor. Our team of attorneys, housing counselors, and advocates walks alongside clients every day—fighting unlawful evictions, securing safe housing, defending survivors of domestic violence, and helping families stay rooted in the neighborhoods they love.
Through direct services, outreach, and advocacy, WFP works not just to respond to crises, but to prevent them. We empower our clients with knowledge, amplify their voices, and help shape a future where justice is accessible, housing is stable, and communities are whole.
Because at the end of the day—there’s no place like home.
Meet Our Leadership
Carol is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in nonprofit management, housing policy and community development. With a career spanning over a decade, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in overseeing diverse organizations and driving impactful programs. Carol is an avid advocate for the Housing First Model and has implemented multiple low-barrier supportive housing initiatives across the country.
Kayla started as an intern at The Waterfront Project in 2016 and is now the Deputy Director overseeing all WFP programs, personnel, and operations. Kayla is also a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor. With proven dedication to our mission, housing is a human right, Kayla works hand-in-hand with our management team to ensure clients receive comprehensive wraparound services.
Dante Lara, Housing Manager
Ana Paz, Sr. Intake Manager
Liz R. Hurley, Esq. Legal Director
Carmen Esquilin, Program Manager
At The Waterfront Project, we are more than just a legal center – we are a beacon of hope for our community. Join us in our mission to end homelessness and promote housing stability for all.
Client Feedback
We love helping our community and keeping people in their homes. If you need rental or housing assistance, contact our team today.
“Thank you so much Mrs. Ellams. It has been so long since I had a person to help guide us in the right
direction. We feel lucky to have found someone like you to help us and hopefully resolve this nightmare
for our family.
Have a wonderful weekend and I will speak soon!” – Nancy
“It’s difficult to express in words just how appreciative I am for this unbelievable opportunity I’ve been provided! The past few years have been such a challenge for me and so many good hard-working families, and this second chance fills me with so much gratitude and hope. THANK YOU again to all the truly special staff participating in this hardship program and helping save so many families in jeopardy of losing their home.” – Tracy
WFP Board of Directors
Francesca Larson
Executive, Mosaic Strategies Group
Isabel Chou
General Counsel, Purpose
Lucas Swanepoel
Director, Government Relations, Catholic Health Association of the United States
Katie Brennan
Executive Director, NY Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery
Erin K. Law
Associate General Counsel, Office of Chief Financial Officer, District of Columbia
Keshav Poddar
Associate, Windels Marx
William Opel Keshav Poddar
Associate, Windels Marx