How to Become a Development Associate in Affordable Housing

Introduction

In this episode of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, host Kent Fai He speaks with Amar Halaweh, a Development Associate at Beacon Development Group. Amar’s story is both inspiring and practical: from being a student at the University of Washington to landing a career in affordable housing development.

For investors, advocates, and aspiring professionals, this conversation provides a roadmap to entering the affordable housing field, understanding funding applications, and supporting projects that bring real homes to people who need them most.

What Does a Development Associate Do in Real Estate?

A Development Associate supports project managers in every stage of the development process. Amar describes her role as being hands-on with applications, budgets, and construction oversight.

• Funding applications: Helping compile narratives, budgets, and supporting attachments.
  
  

• Construction draws: Tracking invoices, identifying which funding sources pay which costs, and submitting monthly draw requests.
  
  

• Project support: Handling tasks that lighten the project manager’s workload, from cashflow tracking to coordinating with funders.
  
  

As Amar explains, “If I can help lessen the load on the project manager’s plate, then I’m more than happy to do so”.

How Do Funding Applications Work in Affordable Housing?

Funding applications are at the heart of development. Without them, projects cannot move forward.

• Most cities and counties use the Common Funders Application format. It includes:
  
  

  • A long narrative document, often 40+ pages.
    
    

  • An Excel workbook with 20 or more tabs for budgets, unit counts, and square footage.
    
    

  • A checklist of required attachments, from site plans to organizational documents.
    
    

• Applications typically take two months to prepare, and even then, funding is not guaranteed.
  
  

Amar highlights that missing out on funding is common. Developers must decide whether to pause or continue spending money on design work while waiting for the next round.

What Are Construction Draws and Why Do They Matter?

Once a project enters the construction phase, developers submit monthly construction draws to lenders. These requests prove that money is being spent on actual project costs.

• Draws cover invoices for labor, materials, and related expenses.
  
  

• Each invoice must be matched with the correct funding source, since restrictions vary.
  
  

• Developers compile all invoices, budgets, and cashflow into a single PDF for review.
  
  

Amar explains that lenders release funds only after reviewing these detailed packages, ensuring that millions of dollars are being used responsibly.

What Challenges Do Development Associates Face?

Amar shares that the biggest challenge is securing funding. Projects often require multiple applications over several years.

• If funding is denied, developers must decide whether to keep design work moving or put projects on hold.
  
  

• In one case, Amar’s team kept progressing with design while seeking alternative sources, including state appropriations and support from their parent company.
  
  

This flexibility and resilience are key traits for anyone pursuing a career in development.

Key Insights from Amar Halaweh

• Development associates play a crucial role in funding applications and construction oversight.
  
  

• Common Funders Applications streamline the process, but every city or county may require adjustments.
  
  

• Construction draws ensure accountability for lenders and transparency in project spending.
  
  

• Securing funding is a long, uncertain process that often requires persistence and creative problem solving.
  
  

• Passion for community and affordable housing can be more important than prior technical experience when entering the field.
  
  

Memorable Quotes from Amar Halaweh

“You need the sense of community, you need stable housing, and just to be able to create these communities and have people enjoy the benefits of that”.

“Most of the time, it truly does take two months to put these funding applications together”.

“If I can help out and lessen the load on the project manager’s plate, then I’m more than happy to do so”.

“Things aren’t going to go your way. You just have to figure out how to make it work”.

Common Questions Answered in This Episode

What does a Development Associate do?
They support project managers with funding applications, budgets, and construction draws to keep projects moving.

How long does it take to prepare a funding application?
Usually around two months, as applications require extensive narratives, budgets, and attachments.

What are construction draws?
Monthly requests submitted to lenders that show how funds are being used for invoices, labor, and materials.

What happens if funding is denied?
Developers must either pause the project or find alternative funding sources to keep work moving.

How can someone break into affordable housing development?
Passion, persistence, and lived experience can matter more than technical expertise. Internships, networking, and a strong personal story are often the entry point.

Kent Fai He is an affordable housing developer and the host of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, recognized as the best podcast on affordable housing investments. By sharing Amar Halaweh’s journey, Kent continues to provide listeners with practical knowledge and inspiration to pursue careers in development.

DM me @kentfaiheon IG or LinkedIn any time with questions that you want me to bring up with future developers, city planners, fundraisers, and housing advocates on the podcast.