Reflections from Nancy Lee, Board President — December 18, 2013
When I joined the Clare Housing board of directors in January 2008, we provided affordable housing and supportive services to 56 individuals, operated six community-based care homes and one 32-unit affordable housing site, Clare Apartments. We had recently merged with AIDS Care Partners and were actively planning our second multi-unit building, Clare Midtown. Six years later we serve 150 individuals and also a dozen families who live in permanent supportive housing. It’s an amazing growth rate and inspires us to continue responding to the need for our services. In fact, we already have two new sites in the planning stages.
While treatment has made and will continue to make huge advances, medication side effects challenge those who live with HIV/AIDS in other ways, and many continue to need housing and services. On top of that, Minnesota’s rate of new infections has increased in each of the past two years. Clare Housing will continue to work with Minnesota AIDS Project and others to educate and prevent the spread of this disease, influence public policy, and, of course, to house and provide supportive services for all who need them.
As I come to the end of my board service I want to express my gratitude to the staff of Clare Housing. They are a truly amazing group of dedicated, smart professionals who practice wholehearted compassion for our residents and for each other. It is because of their work that our residents can say, sincerely, they feel at home. It is because of their work that Clare Housing has thrived and will continue to thrive.
I’ve also been fortunate to work with talented and dedicated board colleagues who operate as a highly effective and accountable governing body. It’s been an honor and a joy to serve with and learn from all of them.
In January another gifted group of new members will join the board. Welcome to:
Darielle Dannen
John Estrem
Mark Lasswell
Jodi Pritchard
John Salisbury
And another amazing set of board leaders will step up to lead Clare Housing on to further growth:
Ann Ruff, President
Mark Bishop, Vice President
David Vieths, Secretary
Kelsey Vatsaas, Treasurer
I joined the board because I believe every individual deserves the shelter and support they need to live a life of dignity and that our community has the resources to provide that. It has been an honor to serve and to see first-hand the ways Clare Housing works to create positive change in our neighbors’ lives. I’m excited for the future of Clare Housing and confident that this board of directors and Executive Director Chuck Peterson will continue to advance the mission.
At this time of year when we’re keenly aware of the importance of shelter against our Minnesota winter and the critical value of a community of support, please join me in extending thanks to all those who support the work of Clare Housing. And let’s all keep finding ways to work together to provide everyone with a place to call home.