Driving Social Impact: Strategies for Transformative NOAH Housing in Distressed Areas
Dr. Canaan Van Williams is a visionary leader in social impact real estate, dedicated to revitalizing distressed communities through Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH). Over a 25-year career in real estate investment, Dr. Van has scaled from a single $50,000 note to managing over $22.5 million in assets under management (AUM), demonstrating how mission-driven capital can deliver strong returns and lasting resilience.
Raised partially in Section 8 housing in Berkeley, California, Dr. Van brings a deeply personal understanding of housing insecurity. That lived experience inspires his life's work-transforming overlooked properties into high-impact, affordable housing ecosystems.
As the Founder of the Proactive Realty Income Fund and ProactiveInitiatives.org, Dr. Van has developed a comprehensive strategy to:
Stabilize families in vulnerable communities
Unlock pathways for economic mobility
Rebuild neighborhoods from within
Dr. Van holds a Doctorate in Psychology and combines behavioral science, trauma-informed design, and environmental sustainability in every investment. As a Certified Property Manager and Green Property Advisor, he leads with values, prioritizing measurable impact at every step.
Recognition & Global Impact
Dr. Van's work has earned recognition from leading organizations in the global impact investment sector:
One of only two groups worldwide-alongside Santander Bank-with a Social Impact Affordable Housing report featured on the Morningstar Sustainalytics platform
Earned an Impact Authenticity Score from the Impact Evaluation Lab, validating measurable, outcome-based impact
Undergoing a Bluemark Fund ID(TM) Assessment to benchmark against international best practices in sustainable and impact investing
Aligns every investment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 1: No Poverty
SDG 5: Gender Equality
SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation
SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
How to Partner with Purpose
Dr. Van offers opportunities for investors, donors, and changemakers to join the movement:
Everyday Investors: Start with just $500 through our Reg CF platform at www.Noah-Housing.com
Accredited Investors: Access fixed-income impact returns through our Sustainable Bond Offering at www.SustainableBonds.com
Donors & Philanthropists: Support ProactiveInitiatives.org to fund housing support, transportation, and trauma recovery services for families in need
The affordable housing crisis is one of today's most pressing challenges, but solutions are already being built. With every investment, you're not just earning returns-you're helping write a legacy of equity, dignity, and opportunity.
Join us. Invest in what matters. Build your legacy with intention.
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