As we get close to concluding our celebration of 50 years of impact, or our Jubilee Year, we continue to reflect on our founding principles to guide us in the future: Filling gaps through access to deeply affordable housing, onsite and nearby services, and the essential resources of high-opportunity neighborhoods — Justice Housing®, breaking down boundaries by bringing those cut off from opportunity back into the circle of belonging, and resetting the system by interrupting unfair practices at the systemic level and replacing them with just pathways forward that have impact far beyond our neighborhood.
This month, we reflect on Jubilee’s history of advocacy for our residents and neighborhoods and for city-wide policies that provide housing access and supportive programs for that ensure that residents and families have the security and stability they need to thrive, helping them break the cycle of poverty and achieve their dreams.
We reflect on this crucial and expanding component of Jubilee’s work with a special interview and spotlight with long-time Jubilee Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Marty Mellet and new Vice President of External Affairs Tyrell Holcomb.
50th Anniversary Stories
Special Spotlight: Marty Mellet
For over 40 years, Martin “Marty” Mellet has been an outstanding community leader, dedicating his life and career to promoting social justice through housing, economic development, policy advocacy, and improving Washington, DC for everyone—especially those most in need.
Marty’s journey in community development began nearly 30 years ago when he joined the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Prior to his work at Jubilee, Marty served as a senior program officer at LISC DC from 1996 to 2013. In a time when foundations were starting to collaborate in specific sectors, Marty led the Community Development Support Collaborative. This innovative approach pooled resources from various funders, allowing for larger grants and setting clear expectations for measurable impact. Under his leadership, this initiative provided crucial operating support to community groups, including Jubilee Housing. Marty helped select organizations through a competitive request-for-proposals (RFP) process, ensuring that funding went to groups with demonstrated capacity for growth and improvement. This connection deepened his ties with Jubilee Housing, ultimately leading him to serve as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. He also worked on social justice issues for the Archdiocese of Washington, immigration law at his own firm, and training programs for the Arizona Farmworkers Union.
From 2016 to 2023, Marty played a pivotal role at Jubilee Housing as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, and before that, as Director of Special Projects starting in 2013. His efforts in securing housing affordability, advancing youth programs, supporting reentry for returning citizens, and advocating for immigrant rights were instrumental in advancing Jubilee’s mission. Marty was key in advocating for city-wide legislation and led the complex processes that enabled Jubilee to acquire the Maycroft Apartments. His innovative financing strategies, the development of a solar program benefiting residents, and the planning for a one-of-a-kind rooftop aquaponics farm and workforce development program for returning citizens are just a few of his remarkable achievements.
Marty has been a strong advocate for the formation of the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED), helping establish crucial resources such as the Housing Production Trust Fund, the Housing Preservation Fund, and the DC ecosystem surrounding TOPA laws and rent stabilization.
In recognition of his incredible career and enduring impact, Marty was recently honored with the Bob Pohlman Lifetime Achievement in Community Development Award at CNHED’s 25th Anniversary Gala. This prestigious award is given annually to a local leader with at least 20 years of consistent service and leadership in the community development field.
Congratulations, Marty! Your legacy continues to inspire and uplift communities throughout Washington, DC.