11.07.22
Giant inflatable basketball nets, a "Welcome Home" banner, and the smell of a tasty cookout underway greeted 285 community partners, Oliver residents, future tenants, volunteers and elected officials as they gathered at 1202 E. Preston Street.
"Today we take an important step: Sojourner Place at Oliver is about reversing inequity and the purposeful disinvestment in Black communities. Housing is a human right and affordable housing is one of the most powerful tools we have. It improves quality of life across the board. This is just the beginning!"
After fourteen months of construction, co-developers Episcopal Housing Corporation and Health Care for the Homeless, opened the doors to 70 new affordable apartments, with half for individuals and families exiting homelessness. Our Board of Directors, staff and members from The People's Association of Oliver Community, Baltimore Oliver Community Association, 6th Branch and Dr. Bernard Harris Elementary School all joined in the festivities, including tours of the four story building complete with shared spaces for a library, gym, game room and computer lab.
"We should ensure housing is affordable and stays that way," said Councilman Robert Stokes, Sr. "Community is connected to housing. Workforce is connected to housing. Education is connected to housing," furthered Senator Cory McCray. Brien O'Toole of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development added, "It's a struggle to live with low income. It's catastrophic to live without a home. This building will be the foundation for new lives."
The outpouring of support—the speakers and institutions they represent, and the array of community parters and funders in attendance—is indicative of the cross-sectional work that it takes to bring affordable housing into being. We all agree that housing matters and is worth the work. And we agree that Sojourner Place at Oliver is just a start.
Housing Authority of Baltimore City's Janet Abrahams advertised at the podium, "For any developers in the audience, we welcome you to the table!" And as Irene Augustin, Director of the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services put it, "Housing ends homelessness. I want to go to more ribbon cuttings!"
Meet our new Director of Practice Operations Cecelia Lane! A DMV native with 18 years of experience in health care operations, Cecelia is coming to us after several years in leadership positions on the West coast, as well as her work as a community health consultant. In her new position, Cecelia will oversee registration, benefits enrollment and referrals, improving access to care throughout the agency. Learn more about her plans (and her two Yorkshire terriers!) below.
This summer could be the hottest on record in Maryland—make sure that you know how to keep yourself and your neighbors safe.
On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for enslaved individuals in the Confederacy, but those in Galveston, Texas were not made aware until June 19, 1865. This day, also known as Freedom Day, Independence Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, commemorates emancipation and Black liberation. See ways to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth this year!