We recently released our 2020 – 2021 Annual Report. Check out Mike McKenna’s (CEO) letter below as he reflects on key highlights.
While this past year has certainly had its unique challenges, we have grown stronger and more committed to unlocking opportunities for our neighbors. That opening phrase in our mission statement, “sparking the power in ALL people”, has truly come to life as our staff, volunteers, board members, donors, and partners – and of course the individuals and families who trust us to serve them – worked in tandem towards housing solutions despite daunting odds. Join me in reflecting on the events that unfolded in 2020 and the first half of 2021. These changes set the stage for continued impact in the years to come.
Joining forces as one team
Tabor Community Services and Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership (LHOP) teams worked side-by-side to leverage our collective resources and expertise to navigate the significant events that were unfolding in our country. Our merger was finalized in January 2021, and our new identity – Tenfold – was rolled out in April 2021. Our programs, services, and brand are reflective of the principles upon which we were founded, while capturing the energy of our new direction toward a community where homelessness is rare, where housing affordability is the norm, and where homeownership is a key to unlocking generational wealth.
Serving as one united voice for racial justice
2020 was a crucible moment as we confronted twin pandemics – COVID-19 and systemic racism. While we have come a long way, 2020 was a clear indication we have so much farther to go on our journey to understand and combat the inequities that are still present in our country today, especially in housing. Tabor and LHOP were both founded on the premise of racial justice and fair housing for all. As a result, there was no better time for our organizations to come together to serve as one united voice to continue our work to spark the power in all people to achieve equitable housing and financial security. Our Fair Housing Speakers Series in the spring of 2021 invited national experts to share a vision of how housing can be at the center of a community where everyone can thrive! You can find their talks on our blog. Additionally, our team is learning, individually and collectively, and practicing ways to improve how we approach and respond to issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in 2021 and beyond.
Developing creative solutions in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
We continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing the safety of our clients and team members, while continuing to offer vital services and solutions to our clients and community at a time of economic hardship. That meant fast-tracking technology solutions like virtual financial education and housing case management, deepening partnerships through the Eviction Prevention Network, and expanding TLC’s emergency shelter services to include singles (in addition to families), among other enhancements. Despite the strain we are all feeling, we remain hopeful with each household holding the keys to their new apartment or house, with each eviction or foreclosure avoided, with each new affordable housing project financed.
We look forward to the possibilities that await us, and we thank you for your partnership and support. Let’s continue to work together to multiply our impact and unlock opportunities in 2022!
