Changing of the Guard at CHHIP

Capitol Hill Housing (CHHIP, till recently) has long been our neighborhood's major landowner and low income housing provider. They have, for ever, been wonderful neighbors and advocates for neighborhood safety and everything else that we long for, and have helped to turn round several problem properties in our area. That is surely due, in large part, to the efforts of their longtime director, Chuck Weinstock. Below is an announcement from CHHIP about the appointment of a new Executive Director at CHHIP, and of a goodbye party for Chuck. Please join me in welcoming Christopher, and in thanking Chuck for his decades of service to the neighborhood.

For a quick review of Capitol Hill Housing's mission, you might read the articles in the July 92 and Spring 96 editions of the Miller Times, or you can hear if from Chuck himself in this Council Committee hearing. From CHHIP:

On behalf of Capitol Hill Housing Board of Directors and Staff we are pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Persons as new Executive Director. Persons replaces Chuck Weinstock who is leaving the organization after 19 years on August 30, 2007. Persons, who was selected by the CHH Board of Directors following a national search, will be relocating from Chicago to begin with the organization on September 4, 2007.

“Christopher will be a great new voice for affordable housing in Seattle and a thoughtful and enthusiastic addition to the community leadership on Capitol Hill,” said Richard Yarmuth, CHH Board President.

Persons, whose work for Inspiration Corporation was lauded for its entrepreneurial nature and client focus, has been a strong advocate for affordable housing in Chicago highlighting that concern in a recent run for local political office. Persons’ community involvement runs deep, serving on several boards including the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness.

“I look forward to continuing Capitol Hill Housing’s strong presence in the community on Capitol Hill and other Seattle neighborhoods. Capitol Hill remains central in the city’s plan for growth, transportation and economic and social diversity. I look forward to being a voice representing families, lower wage workers, and seniors who want to live in Seattle for the great city that it is. I can’t wait to get started,” said Persons. “I am also excited about continuing the organization’s strong partnerships with others in the affordable housing industry as well as the Capitol Hill community.”

Persons will take the helm at CHH on September 4, 2007. A celebration for Chuck Weinstock, the outgoing Executive Director, is scheduled for mid-September.

Capitol Hill Housing is a non-profit provider of affordable housing with over 1,000 units in various Seattle neighborhoods. CHH seeks to build and manage the best in affordable living and preserve the character of Seattle’s neighborhoods.

If you have any questions please contact Teresa Macaluso, Deputy Director at tmacaluso@chhip.org or Chris Cooper, Director of Fund Development ccooper@chhip.org, or (206) 329-7303.