Dear Friends,
I am deeply moved by the recent tributes awarded to me from several of CCH’s partners recognizing my more than 40 years in the affordable housing industry. What an honor to receive LeadingAge California’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Opening General Session for its Annual Conference & Exposition May 20 in Monterey, CA. And to have been named a Housing Champion during kick-off celebrations for East Bay Housing Organization’s Affordable Housing Week was a humbling experience I will truly treasure. For most of my adult life, and even beyond since the age of 13 when I moved with my family into CCH’s Westlake Christian Terrace, I have focused on providing for the needs of seniors in our communities. This is work I treasure and I am deeply gratified to be recognized for this work I love.
Care for our seniors has been the heart and soul of my work and what drives CCH’s existence. This care is manifested in many ways and includes outreach to the greater community. Most recently, about 25 of our residents joined other seniors from throughout Northern California to speak with legislators in Sacramento about key issues facing seniors. They lobbied for solutions to the affordable housing crunch and for more services to meet the needs of seniors. It was refreshing to see the outpouring of voices coming together and rallying around common agendas and concerns.
In this issue, you will also read about one of our residents at Woodland Christian Towers. Janice was formerly homeless, down on her luck and living in an encampment under Houston’s 59th Street Bridge until her life changed for the better and she moved into our newly refurbished building. We recently celebrated the re-opening of Woodland, in which we set aside about 70 units to provide support and housing for those who were previously homeless. Janice’s story is one of success in how we can work together, as partners, to uplift the once down trodden in our communities.
We have much work ahead of us but I’m thankful for all our accomplishments as we push ahead to find solutions to common causes. Consider joining us and becoming a sponsor at our annual fundraising gala taking place Friday, September 27, aboard the Commodore Cruises’ Cabernet Sauvignon. This will be a fun and lively event as we cruise the San Francisco Bay to raise funds to build and preserve more affordable housing in the Bay Area and beyond. I look forward to seeing you there!
All the Best,
Don Stump
CCH President/CEO
