Five Questions With: Jean Lamb

Jean Lamb is executive director of the Smith Hill Community Development Corp. / PHOTO BY DAVID FISCHBACH/CCRI DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Jean Lamb is executive director of the Smith Hill Community Development Corp. / PHOTO BY DAVID FISCHBACH/CCRI DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Jean Lamb, executive director of the Smith Hill Community Development Corp., has helped serve the neighborhood by providing quality, affordable housing options to Rhode Islanders in need. Since the corporation’s start in 1992, it has helped more than 1,000 families and begun the difficult work of rebuilding Providence’s Smith Hill neighborhood. Lamb speaks with PBN about its mission.

PBN: What is the mission of the Smith Hill Community Development Corporation and how will you execute it as the new executive director?
LAMB:
The Smith Hill Community Development Corporation was founded in 1992 in collaboration with a group of dedicated community residents. We are now in our 24th year of successful community development in the Smith Hill neighborhood, and our mission remains unchanged: commitment to the creation and sustainment of affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families and individuals through both rental and homeownership opportunities. In 2016 that means more than just below-market-rent apartments and affordable single families homes; this means, permanent supportive housing, safe houses, aging in place facilities, “starter” homes for young adults seeking independence and other types of in-demand housing.

As the new executive director I challenge myself, and the organization, to fulfill the needs of everyone seeking the comforts of a home where they can feel safe and happy, become a part of a community that they embrace and embraces them back.

PBN: What is your connection to this particular capital city neighborhood?
LAMB:
My entire life I have either lived or worked in Providence.

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I grew up in the Washington Park section of Providence during the 1960s and 1970s, which was equally as diverse as Smith Hill. My young life was developed by a sense of community with freedom and belonging when I would explore the treasures of my urban core, riding my bike to the shipyard or through Roger Williams Park. The Washington Park library was my second learning environment to St. Michael’s in the Southside and Bishop McVinney Catholic Regional and St. Xavier’s.

As an adult, I worked at RISD and connected with Ed Neubauer, a former executive director at the SHCDC. In 2000, he offered me a job at SHCDC and I worked for five years as the assistant director (some of the best years of my life). In June 2015, I became the newest leader of what I believe is a growing and innovative community development agency.

PBN: What has the company’s impact on this neighborhood been?
LAMB:
It’s a great feeling to see that you don’t have to do it all. We have developed either by rehabilitation or new construction more than 170 affordable “homes” in the following categories: rental, homeownership, landlord opportunities, condominiums and storefronts. We self-manage 23 apartments and 108 Low Income Tax Credit units managed by Dimeo Property Management Co. Currently, we are in the midst of several projects including preservation of three previously rehabilitated older apartments, three permanent supportive housing units for domestic violence victims and homeownership rehabilitation for a first-time homebuyer.
When we develop a few houses on a particular street you appreciate the domino effect with community members recognizing the impact of good housing and community involvement. They want to also show pride in their neighborhood by fixing up their homes or querying us on how we can help them.

PBN: How does the SHCDC support the growth of local Smith Hill businesses?
LAMB:
We are eager to work with community partners within the Smith Hill area on fostering economic growth. A number of us have formed the Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative, a group of individuals, nonprofits and small businesses, in order to pool our resources and strengthen our commitment to the neighborhood. A recent survey conducted by half full LLC, a partner in SHPI, validated our assumptions that workforce development, jobs and youth development are among the top five priorities for residents.

There is awesome opportunity for Smith Hill to regain its reputation as being a mecca of strong and brilliant diversity, creativity and talent.

PBN: What support do you give other small businesses and how are you supported by the business community?
LAMB:
I remember buying my wedding cake from the Better Bake on Smith Street many years ago and members of the SHPI group often reminisce about local restaurants, food co-ops, banks and pharmacies that once lined Smith Street. These institutions provided opportunities for local residents to not only have the necessities for living quality lives in the community, but also job opportunities and economic stimulation. We’re thrilled to continue to have those conversations and help however we can.

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