From Jake’s desk

In honor of Black History Month, the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority is proud to recognize individuals whose commitment to advancing human and civil rights in housing and community development is truly inspirational.

Annette Phillips has dedicated the past 34 years to serving her community and making a positive impact in the lives of many. As a Family Development Specialist with Open Door Community Services, Annette became acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many Hoosier families. Her desire to address these issues led her to the Muncie Homeownership and Development Center, where she was Muncie’s first Housing Counselor. She spent seven years there working with individuals and families to meet homeownership goals and resolve housing issues.

Annette has been the Community Development Director for PathStone Housing Corporation of Indiana since 2001. Under her leadership, her office expanded into affordable housing development in 2006 and has constructed single family homes, rehabbed homes and multifamily rental properties, and completed more than 100 owner-occupied projects. In addition, her office has grown from two to seven employees and the number of funding partners has dramatically increased. Annette is a powerful advocate for farmworkers and people whose voices are muted. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Annette on migrant farmworker housing, and I was deeply inspired by her enthusiasm and tireless efforts to improve the lives of others.