The Metro Housing|Boston family is saddened to share today that Steven J. Rioff, co-chair of our Board of Directors, has died after a long illness. Steven served on the Metro Housing Board of Directors for nearly thirty years, including the past eighteen years as its co-chair.
Steven was the founder of Metropolitan Housing Incorporated that merged with the Boston Housing Partnership in 1991 to become Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership. Under Steven’s leadership, Metro Housing worked with partners throughout the affordable housing field and across many sectors to evolve into a multi-faceted regional housing organization that addresses the dynamic housing needs facing individuals and families in the region.
Recently, Steven worked with the full board overseeing the purchase, development, and construction of our new headquarters in Roxbury Crossing and our name change. We are heartened that Steven saw this major project completed.
Whether he was checking in with an old friend or being introduced to a new employee for the first time, Steven treated each person as though he or she was the miracle that kept families from becoming homeless. He constantly encouraged innovation, resulting in conversations with staff and colleagues focused on rehousing families, improving relationships with property owners, expanding initiatives to address problems like hoarding, and helping families face other challenges .
For thirty years we relied on Steven as our “head of household” for the Metro Housing family. Because of Steven’s vision and generosity, the Rioff Family is engraved— not only in our hearts— but on the walls of our new home: It is the first name families see above the reception desk when they come to Metro Housing. His vision and generosity also preserve the founding values that Steven held close and passed on to everyone he came in contact with —that every person in Greater Boston should always have a place to call home.
Metro Housing|Boston Board of Directors and Staff