Beyond the Resume Podcast with Andrew Germansky (Building Housing that Heals)
In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Andrew Germansky, Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Westhab, a leading nonprofit affordable housing developer and shelter operator in New York. Andrew discusses his journey from history major to housing leader, the innovations Westhab is bringing to affordable and supportive housing, and why ending homelessness requires bold thinking, public-private partnerships, and a reimagined approach to shelter development.
From shelter design innovations to why affordable housing is national infrastructure, this conversation dives deep into what it takes to develop housing that heals and stabilizes communities.
Chapters
(00:00) Meet Andrew Germansky + Westhab’s Mission
Andrew reflects on joining his first podcast and introduces Westhab’s work across affordable housing, shelters, and services in NYC, Westchester, and Rockland.
(05:29) Building Better Shelters: Zoning, Pushback & Equity
Andrew explains NYC’s shelter models, the "fair share" placement philosophy, and how Westhab works to integrate shelters into underserved neighborhoods with dignity and purpose.
(11:14) Who Experiences Homelessness — and How We Help
The discussion breaks myths about homelessness, highlighting Westhab’s case management approach, family-focused shelters, and the holistic services that help residents transition into stability.
(14:35) From History Major to Housing Developer
Andrew shares his path from studying history to affordable housing, his early roles at Omni New York, and the career pivot that led him to lead real estate development at Westhab.
(18:49) Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Development: Collaboration & Trade-offs
A thoughtful exploration of the relationship between private capital and mission-driven development — and why both are essential to solving the housing crisis.
(27:40) Designing Without Red Tape: Parking, Politics & Possibility
If zoning and budgets weren’t barriers, Andrew says we could build far more housing — especially by eliminating parking mandates that waste space and increase costs.
(32:36) Projects, Podcasts & People Who Inspire
Andrew highlights Dayspring Commons as his most meaningful project, shares real estate podcast recs (like BiggerPockets), and names the mentors who shaped his leadership style.
🎧 Call to Action:
If you care about affordable housing, ending homelessness, or purpose-driven careers in real estate, don’t miss this episode. Subscribe for more deep dives with the people building a better future—one community at a time.
Links
YouTube: https://youtu.be/aAVJHYxkjN4
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9
Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/andrew-germansky