Robin has worked in affordable housing development and management since 1996 in the Seattle area. Before that she worked at the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation in Washington, D.C. and with several private sector real estate development companies in Chicago. She was a senior developer at LIHI from 1998 to 2008. Robin has consulted for the past four years for various non-profits on new project development and public funding proposals. Robin is delighted to be returning to LIHI where advocacy, development and property management work together to serve those in greatest need through creative ways that are financially feasible.  She admires the high productivity at LIHI and its remarkable staff in every department--finance, administration, real estate development, property management and supportive services. LIHI's dedicated people create the success, tackle problems, and house and support residents day in and day out.  She hopes to meet their standards!  Robin holds a BA in Politics from Trinity College, Phi Beta Kappa, and an MPA from the Princeton University Woodrow Wilson School.  She received a Certificate in Project Management from the University of Washington and is certified in tax credit compliance.

On July 2nd, the Frye Apartments celebrated the opening of its new computer lab.  Located in the lobby of the Frye, the computer lab features four computers, plus one internet hook-up where residents can connect on their own laptops.  Volunteers serve as computer mentors to help less experienced residents.

Said one Frye Resident, "We used to have to go to the library.  Now we can stay home and since it's in the lobby it helps foster community".

 

Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata, who learned about the long wait in February, is hoping to make the City more proactive on crosswalks near new residences:  "I'd like the City to work towards a broader policy objective in instances like the Bart Harvey Apartments - when the City is funding a housing development that we know will create a need for new pedestrian improvements - of the Office of Housing working closely with the Department of Transportation coordinating in advance so these improvements can be planned before a new building receiving city funding is open.  If we can plan for these investments in advance, perhaps in the future folks like the residents of The Bart Harvey won't have to wait."

To read Councilmembers full blog post on the issue, click here.

In other Bart Harvey news, LIHI staff recently put together a video overview of the Bart Harvey and its residents for a Metlife Foundation grant for which The Bart Harvey is a finalist.  Please take a look:

LIHI - Bart Harvey overview

Twelve volunteers from Safeco participated in a Serve With Liberty day of service dedicating 4.5 hours each to giving the URS a make-over:  

• they painted the store front
• washed windows
• scrubbed walls and spaces behind the laundry machines
• gave potted plants some needed love
• sanded interior woodwork
• organized reading materials for the patrons
• dusted and deep-cleaned...

and much more! THANK YOU to Ronni, Tim, Caitlin and all URS staff for welcoming the volunteers and supervising their projects!