About Us
The Waterfront Project began in 2013 as a small legal clinic responding to the housing crisis in Hudson County. 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.
Our Mission Statement
The Waterfront Project provides 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.
The Team
Carol Sainthilaire, Executive Director
Leadership & Operations
Kayla Zimmer, Deputy Director
Leadership & Operations
Elizabeth Hurley, Legal Director
Legal Services
Beryl Dayton, Managing Attorney
Legal Services
Samantha Hing, Staff Attorney
Legal Services
Carmen Esquilin, Program Manager
Leadership & Operations
Dante Lara, Housing Manager
Housing & Counseling
Ana Paz, Intake Manager
Housing & Counseling
Stefany Perez
Housing & Counseling
Alessandra Molina
Outreach & Communications
Foreclosure
Maria Mascola, Foreclosure Specialist
William Paige, Foreclosure Specialist
Patricia Ellams, Foreclosure Specialist
Housing Counselors
Cristina Cercone, Housing Counselor
Joe Correa, Housing Counselor
Intake Coordinators
Janet Aponte, Intake Coordinator
Nika Deitch, Intake Coordinator
Nohely Rose, Intake Coordinator
The Board
President:
Isabel Chou, General Counsel, Purpose
Vice President:
Francesca Larson, Executive, Mosaic Strategies Group
Secretary:
Lucas Swanepoel, Director, Government Relations, Catholic Health Association of the United States
Treasurer:
Katie Brennan, Executive Director, NY Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery
Trustees:
Erin K. Law, Associate General Counsel, Office of Chief Financial Officer, District of Columbia
William Opel, Partner, McManimon, Scotland & Bauman
Keshav Poddar, Partner, Windels, Marx, Lane & Mittendorf
Alyssa Domenech, Founder & CEO, Jersey City Connects
Jennifer M. Slotwinski, Executive Director, Fellowship LIFE Foundation
Lorena Loayza, Executive Director, McGinley Square Partnership Special Improvement District
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.
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