family
As 2019 drew to a close, we found ourselves reflecting on a year of strategic planning. I am struck by the clear vision that emerged from the focused process – resident impact, our North Star. It has been affirming for me that this new plan is an evolution that focuses on our roots. Access to stable homes as a platform while focused on opportunities for residents has always set us apart.
We’re proud to see our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion transcend words and stay true to our mission through action as we double down on our resident-centered approach. That action is taking form in resident-led endeavors, to give people access to stable homes and essential opportunities that support them and meet them on their terms. Together, and only together, will we continue to strengthen communities in need. I cannot wait to see what’s next for Mercy Housing.
Jane Graf
President & CEO
After 33 years of service to Mercy Housing, Jane announced her intent to retire in 2020 as President and CEO. She leaves us with an organization well positioned and well prepared to continue to address the affordable housing crisis in our country. Jane’s faithful call, inclusivity, and passion for people that call Mercy Housing home will forever be treasured as an example of true leadership and passion. We wholeheartedly thank Jane for her leadership and service.
While the organization’s leadership may change, our commitment to creating affordable homes and inspiring dreams as we work with residents and partners to establish engaged, strong, and inclusive communities, remains stronger than ever with our clear North Star.
I am grateful for the vital work of many in support of the residents of Mercy Housing. When we come together to work together, our impact knows no bounds.
Sister Linda Werthman, RSM
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Revenue by Source
$4.46 Billion
in affordable real estate development since 1981
$393 Million
in affordable housing lending since 1981
Expenses by Program
$2.97 Million
in pipeline for future affordable housing developments, totaling 8,383 apartment homes
Program Efficiency Ratio
Total Donations Raised
$11,056,068
Percentage of organizational expenses that go directly toward Program Activities
*Unaudited financials, subject to change
Doing What's Right
Shekar Narasimhan, longtime Donor and Supporter
I believe if you have the means, you have the obligation to give back to society. I learned that from my parents and have carried this ethos with me my entire life.
Mercy Housing’s work is extraordinary because of what they’re doing for society as a whole. I discovered the organization through Sister Lillian. She impressed me, and I saw that she was fearless. She wanted to do what was best for the organization. I was contracted to help with some pivotal organizational restructuring at, what I would later find out, was a transformative moment for Mercy Housing. I couldn’t believe how willing they were to do what was right, but not necessarily easy. I recognized the lasting impact they were making in the communities that needed it most. I knew I had to stay involved and have ever since.
I donate every year and have done so for 15 years. Giving isn’t just a transaction for me; it’s my way of staying active about the issues that I care about.
inspiration
2019 Board of Trustees
Sister Barbara Busch, SC*
Sisters of Charity; Executive Director,
Working In Neighborhoods
Yvonne Camacho
Former EVP, Simpson Housing LLLP
Patricia Cochran-Bergman
Former CFO, VSP Vision Care, Retired
Adrienne Crowe (Vice-Chair)
Retired
Alwyn Dias, MSW
Executive Coach & HR Consultant,
Bridge Group Consulting, LLC
Charlie Francis
SEVP, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, CommonSpirit Health
Sister Mary Hadded, RSM
Sisters of Mercy; President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association of the United States
Sister Diane Hejna, CSJ*
Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange
Sister Rose Marie Jasinski, CBS*
Sisters of Bon Secours
Douglas Jutte, MD
Executive Director, Build Healthy
Places Network
Barbara J. Kelley
Retired
Ed Madell
Continental Properties Company
Sister Pat McDermott, RSM *
Sisters of Mercy
Erika Poethig
Urban Institute
Suzanne Swift
President/Owner, Buffet Concepts Inc., Retired
Bob Tetrault
CFO, Highridge Costa Companies
Sister Linda Werthman, RSM (Chair)*
Sisters of Mercy
Carol Wetmore
Retired
Special Advisor to the Board:
Jack Diepenbrock
Diepenbrock Harrison
peace
In Loving Memory
Sister Lillian Murphy, RSM (1941 — 2019)
Sister Lillian Murphy served as the Mercy Housing President and CEO from 1987 through 2014.
“Sister Lillian balanced fearlessness with pragmatism and got more done than anyone could’ve imagined,” remembers Jane Graf, Mercy Housing’s current President and CEO.
“Her work lives on today with a vision and core principles that guide every decision that we make as an organization."
You can't talk about Mercy Housing's success without mentioning Sister Lillian. As we reflect on 2019, we honor her legacy that will continue to make a positive impact for generations to come. Before her, Mercy Housing was a small, regional organization, and she turned it into a nationwide system that serves over 42,000 residents, with 1,593 employees in 20 states.
Sister Lillian’s motto, “peace,” lives on today through the stable homes and life-changing Resident Services that she helped create. Her achievements inspire us to look humbly to serve those most in need. Sister Lillian was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by University of San Francisco School of Nursing, was named Housing Person of the Year by the National Housing Conference, and was inducted into the Affordable Housing Hall of Fame by "Affordable Housing Finance."
Sister Lillian said that she has “every confidence that Mercy Housing will continue to bring hope to those we serve for many years to come.”
It is our honor to carry on the work she cared about so deeply.