When Working In Neighborhoods hosts its annual Housing Opportunities Forever Hall of Fame on October 15, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Cincinnati, the spotlight will shine on three remarkable leaders whose careers reflect a common belief: strong neighborhoods begin with opportunity.
This year’s honorees—Steve Schaefer, founder of Schaefer, Inc.; Kristen Baker, Executive Director of LISC Greater Cincinnati; and Philip Denning, Executive Vice President of Neighborhood Revitalization at The Port—have each approached community development from different angles. Yet all three share a commitment to expanding affordable housing, strengthening neighborhoods, and creating pathways to financial stability for families throughout Greater Cincinnati.
Baker has championed collaborative housing strategies and investments that help communities thrive. Denning has led innovative efforts to return vacant and distressed properties to productive use while preserving opportunities for homeownership. Schaefer has dedicated decades of service to WIN as a board member and volunteer, lending both his professional expertise and personal time to rehabilitate homes and strengthen neighborhoods block by block.
Together, these leaders represent the full spectrum of community revitalization—from vision and funding to implementation and hands-on action. Their work reflects WIN’s beliefs that affordable housing is more than shelter; it is a foundation for economic mobility, neighborhood stability, and generational wealth.
Presented by title sponsors Union Savings Bank and Guardian Savings Bank, Housing Opportunities Forever brings together community and business leaders to celebrate the people who make lasting change possible. Proceeds from the event’s silent auction support WIN’s housing, financial education, and community-building programs that help low- and moderate-income families achieve stability and homeownership.
The stories of Baker, Denning, and Schaefer remind us that transforming neighborhoods requires collaboration, commitment, and a shared vision for a stronger future.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To learn how your company or organization can support Housing Opportunities Forever, contact S. Barbara Busch at 513-541-4109. Individual tickets are also available and can be purchased at https://WIN2026.givesmart.com. Join us on October 15 as we celebrate these outstanding leaders and invest in stronger neighborhoods across Greater Cincinnati.