Rev. Jim Dickerson

Back in the 90s when DC was known as the “murder capital,” I taught a class called “Reimagining the Community and the People in It,” to show how committed local people were making good things happen. Jim was a student, and not only did we become buddies, but I can joyfully say that we’ve been fighting the good fight, making good trouble, right alongside each other ever since.  

He is as tenacious as they come. When he took over at Jubilee Housing a number of issues needed to be addressed. Every building they owned needed renovating – soup to nuts, top to bottom – and though he had never undertaken anything like this before, he led his team to create the best affordable rental housing around. He had to learn it from scratch, but he did it. I remember telling the founders how blessed they were to have him and they agreed. 

I saw Jim’s tenacity when we worked together on many affordable housing policies and resource issues. One such instance was to get a local low-income housing tax credit program for the city. There was resistance from administrative and some elected officials, and there was even reluctance among some housing coalition members. But Jim is a visionary and a risk-taker, and he is a powerful partner to have on your side. We persisted, and the City Council ultimately adopted a new local tax credit program that continues to provide financing for affordable rental housing for DC residents who need it the most. 

Jubilee Housing and Manna often partner with each other along with others to bring opportunity to people in this city who need it. Jim is somehow always able to see what others cannot even imagine getting done. He’s ready with new ideas when something isn’t working and is honest and bold even when it’s not easy to say what needs to be said. 

He’s taken Jubilee in directions no one could have imagined and, as we continue our journey together, I am grateful for the faith and our mutual belonging we share in Christ Jesus.