HABcore, Inc., the Jersey Shore’s premier nonprofit provider of permanent supportive housing, announced a significant leadership restructuring and the appointment of three new members to its volunteer advisory council.
In a move that marks a new chapter for the 38-year-old organization, the Board of Trustees has named longtime executive director Steve Heisman as president and CEO. Under Heisman’s 27-year leadership, HABcore has transformed from a small local initiative into a $9 million organization that serves more than 1,000 individuals annually across Monmouth and Ocean counties.
The newly appointed council members bring a powerful blend of corporate strategy, property management, and, crucially, lived experience to the organization’s governance.
- Michael Parent (Middletown): A veteran investment banker with over 30 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, Parent has a storied history of nonprofit service. He currently serves on the boards of the Count Basie Center and Trinity Church in Asbury Park, focusing on social justice and housing advocacy.
- Joe Soboti (Little Silver): A retired hospitality sales executive and residential property manager, Soboti brings technical expertise in construction and property maintenance. A skilled woodworker and “sfoglino” (traditional Italian pasta maker), Soboti helps oversee HABcore’s growing real estate portfolio.
- Livette Burgos (Freehold): A HABcore program participant, Burgos offers an essential resident-centered perspective. After overcoming domestic violence and homelessness, she now uses her stability to advocate for other women in transition, recently launching a women’s empowerment group focused on self-care and confidence.
“As our organization evolves, it’s critical that our leadership reflects both professional expertise and lived experience,” Steve Heisman, president and CEO said. “Our Advisory Council helps ensure we remain focused on long-term stability for the people we serve.”
The leadership expansion comes at a time of rapid growth for HABcore. The nonprofit is currently spearheading several high-impact projects, including:
- Fort Monmouth Development: A 25-unit supportive housing project.
- Ocean County Expansion: Developing the first-ever emergency housing system in Ocean County.
- Shelter Operations: Managing the Monmouth County Adult Homeless Shelter.
Since its founding in 1988, HABcore has moved beyond providing simple shelter, focusing instead on “permanent supportive housing.” This model combines affordable rent with essential services like life skills training and healthcare coordination, helping veterans, families, and individuals with special needs move from crisis to independence.
With Heisman at the helm as CEO and a reinforced Advisory Council, HABcore is positioned to further decrease the average household’s vulnerability to homelessness while continuing to scale its impact across the region.
