50 Years. 50 Stories., Community Stories
Story 43: Eden’s 50th Celebration is a Great Success
July 9, 2018
More than 500 guests joined us to celebrate our 50-year milestone. It’s hard to believe that it all started when a small group of dedicated individuals got together, saw a need and fought to bring affordable housing to those who needed it most.
Eden’s founding Board of Directors had no office space, so they met at the local IHOP, which still stands today. Our event wouldn’t have been the same without a shout out to our beginnings – with pancakes and ‘Eden’ syrup enjoyed by all. Today our Board, who surely still enjoys a good short stack every now and then, continues our mission to bring affordable housing to communities in 15 counties across California.
Ilene Weinreb, who has served on Eden’s Board for 35 years, was recognized at our event. She has worked tirelessly over the years to help ensure Eden’s success. Her dedication to our work and commitment to our mission is commendable. We were so pleased to honor her in the company of her family and friends.
To congratulate our Board on its successful completion of an Excellence in Governance intensive leadership program, NeighborWorks representative Katie Watts joined in the fun and presented our directors with a participation stipend. Eden became a NeighborWorks affiliate in 2014, and they sponsored the training.
Our work would not be possible without the support of our partners. Representatives from Union Bank and Wells Fargo shared a few words about the importance of our work together. We also thanked the many partners who supported our 50 stories campaign to raise awareness about the importance of affordable housing in people’s lives, in building sustainable communities and in providing solutions in a challenging world.
Additional VIP partners and special guests included Fiona Ma, Vice Chair, Board of Equalization; Senator Bob Wieckowski; Ben Metcalf, Director, California Department of Housing and Community Development; Barbara Halliday, Mayor of Hayward; and representatives from Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Congressman DeSaulnier, and Congressman Swalwell along with many others.
Most importantly, we highlighted the impact our housing and supportive programs have had on our residents. Pictured here are Marcela and Karen, two sisters who grew up at Eden. Both have gone on to college and Marcela, one of our keynote speakers at the event, is now pursuing her graduate degree. Both attribute their success to an affordable home, stating that not having to worry about rent has allowed them to focus on their education.
It’s all about HOME. Since our humble beginnings 50 years ago, more than 100,000 people have come home to an Eden Housing community.
We want to express a HUGE shout out to everyone who has made Eden’s work possible! We cannot do it alone. From our staff to our Board to our community partners, each person plays a critical role in our work to provide homes to thousands of individuals every day. THANK YOU! And here’s to another 50 years!
Sponsored by Eden Housing