Building People: Joe’s Story
“Century builds housing. Here at CVC, we build people.”
When Joseph “Joe” Haywood arrived at Century Villages at Cabrillo (CVC), he didn’t just find a job—he found a purpose. Today, as a longtime member of the Century team, Joe’s story reflects the heart of our mission: creating not only housing but opportunity, dignity, and lasting change.
A Navy veteran and former electrician, teacher, and manager in Fortune 300 companies, Joe brought experience and a desire to give back. After working through personal challenges, he came to CVC ready to rebuild and to help others do the same.
“I came here looking for a fresh start,” Joe says. “This place gave me a chance when I needed it most, and I showed up ready to work and willing to grow.”
Joe has spent years caring for the physical heart of the campus and the community members who call it home. As Facilities Manager, he helps lead CVC’s maintenance team, caring for the campus in ways that help residents feel a sense of pride, comfort, and belonging:
Joe with his grandson Jamal.
“You take people with problems and place them in a beautiful setting, and something changes. It gives people a reason to want to do better. I’ve always believed that the way we care for this place can help others care for themselves.”
Under his leadership, the maintenance team has even earned first-place honors at national property management competitions.
Joe lives out the values that Century upholds: honesty, integrity, respect, accountability, and compassion. His approach to leadership is grounded in those principles and shaped by years of personal growth.
Outside of work, Joe and his wife host a weekly Bible study on campus. They offer home-cooked food, a listening ear, and a space for reflection.
“Sometimes people just want to be heard,” he says. “They want to know they’re respected, that someone cares.”
CVC has also been a deeply personal place for Joe and his family. His son, who was working on-site, encouraged Joe to apply when he first started at CVC. His daughter has lived on campus. His great-grandchildren have played on its grounds. And now, his grandson Jamal—who got his start at Century at age 19—is a full-time employee.
“One day, my grandson looked at me and said, ‘Grandpa, thank you for the inheritance.’ I asked what he meant, and he said, ‘You’ve already given me everything I need to be a man.’”
Joe with Judge Harry Pregerson at an event in 2015.
Reflecting on his journey, Joe can point to moments that brought everything full circle. One of the most meaningful came during a court appearance years ago, as he worked to resolve a series of traffic citations through a restorative justice program. The presiding judge that day was Hon. Harry Pregerson—the federal judge whose work on the Century Freeway Housing Program led to the creation of Century Housing 30 years ago.
“He looked at me and said, ‘I see you work at Century,’” Joe recalls. “Then he asked, ‘You’ve been through the 12 steps, right? What’s the fifth step?’ I told him, and he just smiled. That moment stuck with me.”
Joe sees his life as a testament to both grace and growth.
“I give all my appreciation and honor to God for directing my life,” he says. “I’m grateful for the ups and the downs. I think the downs have helped me learn the most.”
Through his leadership, mentorship, and steady presence, Joe has helped build a stronger, more connected community at CVC—one where people are inspired to grow, give back, and thrive.
