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
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.
The Team
Vicky Hernandez Executive Director
Leadership & Operations
Kayla Zimmer Deputy Director
Leadership & Operations
Elizabeth Hurley, Legal Director
Legal Services
Beryl Dayton, Managing Attorney
Legal Services
Carmen Esquilin, Program Manager
Leadership & Operations
Dante Lara, Housing Manager
Housing & Counseling
Ana Paz, Senior Intake Manager
Housing & Counseling
Stefany Perez
Housing & Counseling
Alessandra Molina
Outreach & Communications
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Housing Counselors
Cristina Cercone, Housing Counselor
Joe Correa, Housing Counselor
Intake Team
Janet Aponte, Intake Manager
Nika Deitch, Intake Coordinator
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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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