The Waterfront Project began in 2013 as a small legal clinic responding to the housing crisis in Hudson County.Â
Today, it’s a leading nonprofit providing free legal services and housing counseling to thousands across Hudson County.
WFP’s team of attorneys and advocates helps people fight evictions, avoid foreclosure, and stay safely housed – all at no cost. Through year-round outreach, workshops, and partnerships, we empower communities most vulnerable to displacement.
Trusted by residents and rooted in justice, WFP protects housing rights and promotes stability – one client, one family, one home at a time.
Mission Statement
Thanks to our donors, The Waterfront Project is able to provide free civil legal services and HUD-certified housing counseling to low-and moderate-income families and individuals in Hudson County, ensuring access to justice, protecting housing rights, and promoting stability for vulnerable communities.
About Us
The Team
Vicky Hernandez
Executive Director
Kayla Zimmer
Deputy Director
Elizabeth Hurley
Legal Director
Carmen Esquilin
Program Manager
Dante Lara
Housing Manager
Beryl Dayton
Managing Attorney
Ana Paz
Senior Intake Manager
Janet Aponte
Intake Manager
Nika Deitch
Intake Coordinator
Alessandra Molina
Intake Coordinator
Nathan Ford
Attorney
William Paige
Housing Counselor -Foreclosure Specialist
Maria Mascola
Housing Counselor -Foreclosure Specialist
Patricia Ellams
Housing Counselor -Foreclosure Specialist
Stefany Perez
Housing Counselor
Joe Correa
Housing Counselor
Cristina Cercone
Housing Counselor
The Board
President:
Isabel Chou, Founder/CEO, Alt+H
Vice President:
Francesca Larson, Executive, Mosaic Strategies Group
Secretary:
Lucas Swanepoel, Secretary, Vice President, Advocacy & Public Policy Catholic Health Association
Trustees:
Erin K. Law, Associate General Counsel, Office of Chief Financial Officer, District of Columbia
William Opel, Partner, McManimon, Scotland & Bauman
Alyssa Domenech, Founder & CEO, Jersey City Connects
Jennifer Slotwinski, Associate Director of Development, Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations, The Pingry School
Lorena Loayza, Executive Director, First Team Management/Community and Commerce Enhancement Foundation
Help Families Stay Home
Every dollar helps protect someone’s home – one family, one future at a time.
Donate today to keep our neighbors safe, housed, and hopeful.Â
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