Message from the President of the Board

The story of Lincoln-Westmoreland Housing is…

more than one of bricks and mortar. It is about a unique, decades-long, sustained effort of two congregations of the United Church of Christ—one from the inner city and the other from the suburbs. It is the story of how people from widely different walks of life overcame diversity to meet the most basic of human needs—shelter and community. It is the story of extending a helping hand to those most in need. It is the story of how citizens moved their government agencies to mobilize our nation’s resources. It is the story of collaboration among community members, builders, workers, architects, engineers, lawyers, bankers, government employees and countless others. And it is the story of how we can work together to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in urgent times.

Back in 1969 when our first groundbreaking ceremony took place, housing in the cities of America was in a state of crisis, as indeed was the nation at large. The assassination of Martin Luther King had ignited fresh anger and produced deep despair. Today, housing is again at the core of a national crisis that has revealed increasing ripples of a panic with solutions yet to be discovered and implemented. It is now abundantly clear that how our people are housed is an issue that requires our collective attention.

Racial, social and economic disparities remain rampant. Security of the residents was an issue then and remains one today. Ensuring that the special needs of our most vulnerable—children and the elderly—are met still requires care and attention. Some problems are emerging, such as an increasing trend toward gentrification that threatens the viability of mixed income neighborhoods including Shaw, where our buildings are located.

Yet then, as now, hope springs from difficult times. Then and now, the times are challenging and full of hope.

David Jacobs, President of the Board

January 2009