Research and Information

Shawn Poynter/ There Is More Work To Be Done

Research Information Data Rural America at a Glance Research Team

Meet HAC’s Research & Information Team

Lance George

Director of Research and Information

Lance is the Director of Research and Information at the Housing Assistance Council. With more than 20 years of experience, Lance leads the organization’s research, data, and information efforts. Lance works at the intersection of housing, research, and data to help Americans who have quality and safe homes, understand and care about those who do not. Lance’s research encompasses a wide array of issues and topics related to demographics and housing.

Areas of Interest
Rural economies, rural people, and their housing

A displaced Kentuckian, who currently splits his time between Washington DC and Minnesota, Lance embodies the adage, “North Charm and Southern Efficiency.”

Jarissa Craft

Research Associate

Jarissa Craft is a Research Associate at HAC. She graduated from Northeastern University with her master’s in public administration. As a NCRC Equitable Development Fellow, she researched Rural black farmers and published a paper on the Impact of COVID-19 Disaster Relief Funds on Small Business Owners. During her graduate program, she also completed research with an international-recognized nonprofit on Federal Stimulus Disaster Relief Funds. Since her undergraduate degree at George Mason University, she has worked in the Fairfax County, VA community, building access to resources and community for the greater Washington, D.C. area.

Areas of Interest
Community development, affordable housing, rural demographics

An audiobook devotee, Jarissa enjoys a good mystery

Manda LaPorte

Research Associate

Manda LaPorte is a graduate student and Paul D. Coverdell fellow in the Applied Community and Economic Development Program at Illinois State University, working towards a master’s in Political Science. Since receiving her undergraduate degree in Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Manda has worked for various community development organizations. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and a Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Nicaragua and Guatemala, respectively. After her service, she worked for Habitat for Humanity in the Greater Charlottesville area in a variety of positions ranging from construction to financial coaching. Through her time at Habitat, Manda has developed a strong passion for working in affordable housing and advocacy. She is excited to be able to continue her professional career with HAC and looks forward to her continued understanding and work in housing, especially within rural America.

Areas of Interest
Affordable housing, community development, advocacy

With an equal love for nature and the finer things, Manda’s favorite type of adventure is glamping.

Natasha Moodie

Research Associate

Natasha Moodie is a Research Associate at the Housing Assistance Council. She came to us as a Stevenson Fellow in the Applied Community and Economic Development Program at Illinois State University, where she completed her master’s thesis on equity in the housing market. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, where she competed as a varsity swimmer for UofM and an Olympic team member for her home country, Jamaica. After her time in Ann Arbor, Natasha began her career in secondary education. Through AmeriCorps, Natasha developed programming to increase high school graduation rates in Tampa, Florida. She then transitioned to teaching full-time as a Teach for America corps member in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Natasha developed a deep appreciation for rural America during her Teach for America commitment and subsequent years living and working in the Rio Grande Valley. She is thrilled for the opportunity to work with HAC, where she can work within her passions for housing access and community development in rural America.

Areas of Interest
Sociology, education, systemic challenges, economic development

Natasha is a fan of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and old Star Trek series, and she’s always on the lookout for good gluten-free, dairy-free, pescatarian dining options.

Dan Stern

Communications and Outreach Manager

Dan Stern is HAC’s Communication and Outreach Manager. His responsibilities include managing and updating HAC’s website and communications, coordinating HAC’s outreach initiatives, and is a member of HAC’s Tech Team. He lives in Rockville, MD with his wife, four boys, and too many pets.

Areas of Interest
Web design, Search Engine Optimization, CRM, customer journeys, marketing

Dan listens to far too many podcasts, and would prefer that all content be distilled in podcast format.

Keith Wiley

Senior Research Associate

Keith has worked extensively with many datasets in an effort to better understand where, when, and how development patterns occur. As part of these efforts, Keith has authored a recent article in the Journal of Housing Policy Debate, entitled “The role of the CDBG program in rural America” and has written several reports analyzing rural lending activities. He also coauthored both a book chapter in The Oxford Handbook of Urban Economics and Planning and a Resources for the Future discussion paper exploring residential infill. Keith holds a Master’s in Public Policy from American University, and a PhD in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Areas of Interest
Rural housing and development, smart growth planning and policies, environmental economics

It is impossible to find Keith in his natural environment without his statistical software.

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