While 2020 was unimaginable in so many ways, there were many beautiful things that came out of the struggle. The residents of Jubilee Housing demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of tremendous obstacles and our community of donors, volunteers, and neighbors showed solidarity through gifts of time and treasure. 

In the stories that follow, you’ll read a tribute to our beloved Beverly Barnes and her enduring contributions to Jubilee Housing, a statement about the impact of your support in 2020, and an interview with a local neighbor about the power of giving. We know now, more than ever, the power individuals can have in uplifting the broader community. 

Your support this year was a lifeline for staff and residents, as we navigated these turbulent waters.  Thanks to your generosity we were able to provide over $100,000 in food, rent, and direct financial support to residents in 2020. 

In addition, we took steps to recognize the enduring effects of racism through the Housing is the Foundation discussions. Our pervasive and systemic inequality has a common root and a common solution – Housing. 

While we know that having a home is critical, we need more than a roof to thrive. Justice housing is a conviction that deeply affordable housing should be located in areas of opportunity and should bring with it access to resources that any of us need to thrive. 

Justice housing promotes inclusion and equity for neighborhoods and for our city.

As an organization, we are working to counteract the most intense gentrification in the U.S. Our investments help to undo the patterns of the past by giving all people, regardless of background, access to deeply affordable housing in thriving neighborhoods. Increasing our witness to what works through advocacy has shown us that our city needs more of this, more justice housing. 

With four buildings and over 120 apartments waiting, permit ready we are even more committed to finding the resources to build those new homes.

At no time has it been more important to promote equity through housing. Historically crises such as the current pandemic usually result in people with the fewest resources – especially those of color – falling further behind in pursuit of resources and opportunities. 

Now is the time to change this narrative. Join us in rebuilding with equity through justice housing!