Dr. Canaan Van Williams

Dr. Canaan Van Williams is a nationally recognized leader in Social Impact Affordable Housing, known for turning distressed, undervalued real estate into vibrant communities that deliver both above-market returns and measurable impact. With over 25 years of experience and more than $36 million in repositioned assets, Dr. Van has proven that purpose-driven investing can be both transformative and profitable.

Raised in Section 8 housing in Berkeley, California, Dr. Van's mission is personal. That firsthand understanding of housing insecurity drives his relentless focus on dignity, opportunity, and stability for the underserved. Through The Proactive Realty Group LLC, he has created a blueprint for investing that tackles some of the nation’s most urgent challenges—housing affordability, social equity, and community revitalization.

A key pillar of his strategy is NOAH (Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing)—acquiring undervalued, often overlooked properties and revitalizing them into high-quality, long-term affordable housing. This approach allows his team to provide low- and lower-income housing with monthly cost savings of 20 to 30% for residents, while delivering consistent investor returns averaging 25%+.

Operating in several states, Dr. Van and The Proactive Realty Group LLC are making a measurable social impact through housing affordability—improving lives while generating financial prosperity for mission-driven investors.

His work directly advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 1 (No Poverty)

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Holding a Doctorate in Psychology and multiple certifications in property management and sustainability, Dr. Van brings a unique, human-centered lens to the investment world. His efforts have been featured in Morningstar’s Sustainalytics Impact Reports alongside global financial institutions like Santander Bank, validating his commitment to transparency and long-term impact.

Through partnerships with Hopelink of Nevada, Catholic Charities, and other frontline social service agencies, Dr. Van’s projects provide housing to those escaping domestic violence, navigating reentry from incarceration, and overcoming economic displacement. He Officially launched Proactive Impact Foundation Inc, a Non-Profit to address Housing Essentials, Social Justice, and Transportation assistance for The Public at Large & Proactive Residents.

This book is your invitation: to invest with purpose, to build with integrity, and to create generational wealth while serving those most in need.

The time is now. Build your legacy. Driving Social Impact. Invest with Proactive.

Fund Manager, ProActive Real Estate Group