On April 24, SHA, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic and members of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine came together for a one‑day Earth Week beautification project at Martin Luther King Jr. Apartments.
Volunteers sanded and repainted benches, refreshed railings and trim, and planted tulips and daffodils. They also helped complete a new mural created in partnership with Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association and painted by artist Jonarra Swanson.
SHA Property Manager Renee Hipp played a key role in bringing the project to life. In the weeks leading up to the event, she coordinated the full scope of work, managed volunteer logistics, sourced materials, prepared the site and oversaw day‑of operations to ensure everything ran smoothly.
“Seeing residents, partners and staff show up together meant everything to me. It reminded me that this work is bigger than any one person. It is about community, pride and people investing in the place they call home,” Renee said.
SHA Community Builder Tiffany Dickerson described how the work will enhance the community by clearing overgrown areas so the property shines, tending the gardens to support nutrition and hands‑on learning, and collaborating with partners and residents on a mural that reflects the neighborhood.
Sahra, an SHA resident, shared what the day meant to them. "I've been living in this complex for almost 30 years – I moved in in '96. I’ve seen a lot of changes, but this is beautiful. People need this kind of change, this kind of beautiful environment. I've been raising my kids here, raising grandkids. This is a beautiful place, and I love it.”
The work was made possible in part by a $10,000 donation shared between SHA's Campus of Learners Foundation and Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, ensuring the project could be completed with quality materials and the people and resources needed to get it done right.
For SHA leadership, the day reflected something bigger. "Whether we're talking about our staff, our residents or community volunteers – we can't do this work alone. It requires collaboration and cooperation. I’m so glad to see people out here,” said SHA Director of Housing Operations Dave Wellings.
SHA Community Builder Ella McRae, who helped organize the event, said,
"To me, partnership is everything and it is the essence of the work. We are always stronger together. It's just like when you're cooking: the seasonings strengthen the soup.”
If you are interested in partnering with SHA on future community projects, email SHA Community Builder Supervisor Phillippia Goldsmith at phillippia.goldsmith@seattlehousing.org.