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The Full Story

Howzing

​Howzing is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to developing real estate solutions for the most vulnerable members of our communities. Our work is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: housing comes first. We aren’t trying to be the biggest—we’re focused on being different.
 

Where others lead with programming, we lead with the physical spaces that make programs possible. Our specialty is brick-and-mortar housing—from ground-up construction to adaptive reuse of neglected properties. We then partner with mission-aligned service providers who bring in the wraparound programs, care coordination, or workforce training. It’s this division of strength—we build, they serve—that keeps our focus sharp and our results sustainable.
 

Now celebrating our third year, and our achievements:

  • Raised over $1 million in cash, property, and in-kind donations (with no formal fundraising campaign)

  • Housed hundreds of people in stable, dignified housing in Oakland and Newman, California

  • Advanced three new entitlement projects in San Joaquin and Merced counties

  • Initiated plans for 38 junior one-bedroom units in Oakland, with additional projects in process on 98th Avenue and 12th Street near Fruitvale Station

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Mission

If we can place even one person a day in a safe place to live, we’ve achieved our goal.
 

Vision

Whether you’re working with:
 

A vacant building, entitled land, or stalled project;

A legacy property you want to donate or repurpose;

A vision to develop community-serving housing or mixed-use space.
 

We help bring your ideas to life, grounded in feasibility, sustainability, and lasting impact.

Let’s reimagine what your property can become, and let's build a better future together.

The Full Story

Real Estate Consulting
That Reimagines and Restores 

At the heart of Howzing’s mission is the unwavering leadership of Mahnaz Khazen Shadman, a globally recognized expert in real estate, housing strategy, and social impact. With distinguished credentials as a CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member), CPM (Certified Property Manager), and MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), Mahnaz brings unmatched knowledge and credibility to every project.
 

She is a multi-awarded leader who has spoken at conferences, summits, and policy roundtables nationwide—sharing insights on housing innovation, public-private partnerships, and the power of reimagined spaces to change lives.
 

The Value of Real Estate Consulting

Through Howzing, Mahnaz offers strategic real estate consulting to developers, property owners, family trusts, philanthropists, and municipalities. Her goal is simple: help you unlock the hidden value in your property while delivering purpose-driven outcomes that serve the greater good.
 

Our consulting services include:

  • Site analysis, entitlement strategy, and public funding alignment

  • Adaptive reuse concepts and housing conversion models

  • Structuring social impact partnerships with cities and nonprofits

  • Creative design visioning and pro forma modeling

     


Let’s Talk – No Cost, No Pressure
We proudly offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation—a no-obligation opportunity to explore your property, your goals, and how we can partner to serve your community. Get in touch.

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