For over 50 years, Jubilee Housing has been committed to creating equitable communities where people of all backgrounds can thrive. As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering inclusivity and uplifting the vibrant Hispanic community that has played such an integral role in shaping Adams Morgan, Mount Pleasant, and Columbia Heights.
This month, we celebrate the contributions of our Hispanic residents and partners, highlighting their stories, achievements, and the deep cultural pride that enriches our community. Through events, resident engagement, and continued support, we are honored to stand with the Hispanic community in building a more just and inclusive future for all.
50th Anniversary Stories
Concepción Benitez: A Hispanic Heritage Month Resident Spotlight
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to spotlight Concepción Benitez, a cherished resident of Jubilee Housing. Concepción’s journey is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community in Adams Morgan, Mount Pleasant, and Columbia Heights. Her story reflects the vibrant contributions that residents like her make to our community. In this Q&A, we celebrate her experiences and the cultural legacy she helps to preserve.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you joined the Jubilee Housing community?
I was born in El Salvador and came to the United States in 1984 when I was 10 years old. At that time, living in El Salvador was not possible due to the Civil War. A person, called a “Coyote,” was paid to bring my brother and me to the U.S. I remember crossing the border at night, walking for long stretches, and hiding to avoid immigration officers. At one point, I even crossed a river while sitting on a tire. This was all because my parents wanted a better life and education for me and my siblings. While living here, my mom got a job and eventually got her green card through her job and her employer extended it to all my family. In 2000, I became a United States citizen.
I attended H.D. Cooke Elementary School before my siblings, and I were transferred to a school in Northeast. We were the only Hispanic students there who didn’t speak English, and there were no bilingual teachers. I was forced to learn English quickly. I later completed my high school diploma at Benjamin Banneker High School and attended Trinity College for two years.
Since 2003, I had been on the waiting list for a housing voucher. My family needed an apartment, as our place was in poor condition and too small. My children didn’t have their own bedrooms, and it was painful and disappointing that I couldn’t provide a better living situation for them due to financial difficulties. In 2016, I finally received a local voucher for an apartment in Washington, D.C. I am forever grateful to a DC Housing Authority employee who connected me with Dorothy, a former Jubilee Housing employee, who helped me secure an apartment.
When I saw the apartment for the first time, my eyes filled with tears of excitement and happiness. I was overjoyed that my children would have their own rooms in a place we could finally call home. Thanks to Jubilee Housing for accepting my voucher and making this dream come true!
How has Jubilee Housing made you feel supported and connected?
It is nice to live at Jubilee Housing. I love living in Adams Morgan because it is a diverse community. I have access to many resources and services. I feel safe living here. Jubilee Housing always invites me to their events. They allowed me and other residents with the support of Ms. Miya [Jubilee’s Director of Resident Services] be on the committee to plan the Heritage Hispanic Month event. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, they give my family gift cards and presents. They have also supported my daughters with their education.
My oldest daughter participated in the Jubilee Housing Teen Center, which prepared my daughter for college. She participated in college readings, community service, art therapy, and tutoring. She was awarded the Jubilee Housing Teen Center scholarship. Additionally, every year my children receive a new bookbag and school supplies.
What inspired you to restart your own educational journey?
I am planning to return to college to complete my degree. I already have some college credits and will apply for financial aid and scholarships. If I am able to secure sufficient funding, I will go back to school.
The challenges and experiences I’ve faced in life have inspired me to continue my education. I want to make a positive change, and I know that going to college will help me achieve that. It will allow me to learn and prepare for a professional career.
What are some ways you stay connected with your family, culture, and tradition?
I stay connected to my family, culture, and traditions by speaking Spanish, cooking, and preparing traditional foods and beverages. I also teach my children how to cook these traditional dishes. Together, we talk about our culture and traditions, and we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally? How do you celebrate it?
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for me to share my life experiences from El Salvador and to talk about my culture and traditions. I celebrate by listening to Christian music as religion is a big part of my culture and experience. I celebrate by reading and watching stories about Hispanics who have made significant contributions to the United States. I also attend various Hispanic Heritage activities.