Over the course of Reba's history, the need to purchase
housing became evident in order to meet the needs of members and to stabilize
an ethnically and economically diverse neighborhood; by the early to mid 1990's
the inaccessibility of affordable housing in Southeast Evanston was a growing
concern. In 1995, Reba Place Church
members invited community minded neighbors to form a broad-based not-for-profit
corporation to extend the mission of affordable housing.
With over a decade of experience in directing the Overground
Railroad, a Reba-based refugee resettlement ministry, David Janzen became the
Executive Director of RPDC in 1996.
Soon after, RPDC developed the House of
Peace, a twelve-unit limited
equity-housing cooperative.
After
forming the House of Peace, RPDC became certified
House of Peace Co-operative
by the City of Evanston as a
Community Housing Development Organization, which qualified the organization to
apply for HOME fund grants and other city housing resources. Access to these grants has enabled RPDC to
develop two affordable condominiums targeted to first time homeowners, the
five-unit Elmwood building and the twelve-unit Mulford Commons. RPDC also owns a twenty-seven-unit rental apartment
building that provides below market units to low-income families.
Reba has developed two professional property management companies, Reba
Apartments and Reunion Property Management, to maintain and improve the
properties. For many years, members of Reba Place Church and
Fellowship have found stable employment opportunities and the blessings
of common work experiences "on the crew" of Reba Apartments. Reunion
is now providing similar employment opportunities to members of Living
Water Community Church and residents of their immediate neighborhood in
Rogers Park.
All of these projects grow out of Reba's commitment to God's
Kingdom and God's desire for justice, sharing, and reconciliation. RPDC's mission statement reflects these
values.
RPDC's Mission:
To develop safe, decent, and affordable housing that
demonstrate how the diverse racial and cultural groups in Southeast Evanston
can thrive together.
To promote and cultivate a neighborly environment for those
who wish to raise their families in peace.
To sponsor and support a range of affordable housing
options-including modestly priced rental units, housing coops, and affordable
condominiums.
In cooperation with Reba Place Church, and other
participating congregations, to invite our neighbors into a transforming
relationship with Jesus and an empowering experience of Christian community.
