David Bowers

David Bowers

I constantly see two things that define Jim’s powerful impact on people’s lives.  

The first is his unwavering commitment to justice housing and to bringing others into awareness that justice must ground our perception of our work. Jim’s way is to talk about justice housing and why it matters and then invite people into the conversation. Sometimes it’s in small groups or while breaking bread together. His invitation is to join him to go deeper and as I have witnessed countless times, miraculously, they often do, even stepping up to help lead the charge.   

I witnessed the second definition when I served on Jubilee’s Board: Jim’s genuine desire to hear the authentic voice of the residents of Jubilee Housing. Often at Jubilee board meetings, the conversation turns to real estate financing, and technical and financial details that can prove challenging for folks to fully grasp all of the nuances. Jim labors hard to make sure all board members understand and to make especially sure that residents serving on the board understand. He deeply respects how decisions directly affect their lives and how critical their voice is in decision making. This is not easy, and I’ve been in places where residents were at the table but not engaged.    

Enterprise and Jubilee Housing grew out of the same faith community and our organizations’ origin stories overlap. Mine and Jim’s multifaceted relationship is shaped by faith. We share the notion of speaking truth to power, of being bold in the face of naysayers. I sense that as Jim’s faith walk has lengthened, his conviction has strengthened. We are all blessed by this.