“We have inherited a large house, a great ‘world house’ in which we have to live together, black and white, Gentile and Jew, Catholic and Protestant, Muslim and Hindu—a family unduly separated in ideas, culture, and interest, who, because we can never again live apart, must learn somehow to live with each other in peace.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

EAH Housing was founded in 1968 to address the needs of low-income families and older adults living in Marin County, California. Originally named the Ecumenical Association for Housing, EAH was organized from grassroots efforts in response to the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The organization saw that the need was great and soon outgrew the confines of Marin.

The 1967 Kerner Report, commissioned by the federal government amidst the riots triggered by the Martin Luther King, Jr. assassination, underscored the fact that violence and poverty arose from the lack of jobs, education and housing. Martin Mackey, EAH Housing’s founder, noted in a Pacific Sun interview: “When it came time for us to organize EAH, the groundwork for social action had already been done.”

In 1968, a group of concerned citizens came together with the intention to bring about social change through the creation of housing opportunities that would be available to people regardless of income or ethnic background. As stated by an early founder, people “didn’t want to simply be bystanders to the forces of change in the air.”

Soon thereafter a group of 24 organizations, each pledging $200, established what was originally called the “Ecumenical Association for Housing” in a donated office staffed by two capable volunteers. Representatives of many religious, as well as civic organizations played key roles in founding EAH. Several helped to create housing by donating land for affordable developments. Others welcomed low-income people to the community by working to bring affordable housing into their own neighborhoods.

Over the decades, EAH Housing – as the organization is known today – has built a tremendous record of success. Starting from humble origins as a community-based nonprofit, EAH has grown to a full staff of dedicated employees across two states and numerous jurisdictions.

In 2018, EAH Housing celebrated 50 years of dedication to social justice in creating affordable rental housing on behalf of working families, older adults and the many people that comprise the unique fabric of our community today.

Video:  EAH Housing turns 50!

For more detailed information included in our EAH Housing History Book, please contact:
Communications Department, EAH Housing
(415) 258-1800

EAH Housing Mission

The mission of EAH Housing is to expand the range of opportunities for all by developing, managing and promoting quality affordable housing and diverse communities.

EAH Housing Vision

The vision of EAH Housing is of inclusive neighborhoods with thriving socioeconomic and cultural diversity for generations to come, through well-designed affordable housing and a commitment to stewardship and quality of life through services.

EAH Housing Core Values

Passion:
• For our mission, our work, our residents, and our communities.

Ethics:
• In our culture from one generation of employees to the next.
• In our relationships with partners, contractors and vendors.
• In our reputation with lenders, donors and public servants.

Ambition:
• To fulfill our common vision by building excellent affordable housing.
• To serve a critical need in society today.
• To create social justice.

Collaboration:
• With respect, integrity, openness, and encouragement in our team efforts.

Excellence:
• Developing and managing each property to ensure financial integrity, permanent affordability and architectural designs that enhance neighborhoods: EAH Housing communities are built to last.
• Each property is a source of pride and a testament to the dedication, creativity and talents of the whole team.
• Ensuring a high quality of life for our residents, a roof is just the beginning.