Four women who turned to University Legal Services for assistance in purchasing an apartment building in 1983 are now saying goodbye to their cherished home, which has appreciated from $75,000 to almost $2 million over four decades.
Joanne Jenkins, Bettie Perry, Earlie Hendricks, and Janice Washington are preparing to bid farewell to the apartment building they purchased in 1983.
What started as a modest investment has become a remarkable success story, with their building’s value skyrocketing from $75,000 to nearly $2 million.
The women’s journey began in the early 1980s when they couldn’t afford a lawyer but turned to University Legal Services for assistance in securing city loans to support acquiring their six-unit building in Northwest Washington, DC.
This building has been more than just a place to live; it has been their home, sanctuary, and the backdrop to decades of shared experiences.
With the oldest among them being 97 years old and the others in their 70s, the challenges of climbing stairs have prompted the decision to sell their beloved home.
But this decision is more than just practical; it represents the end of an era filled with friendship, mutual support, and a shared commitment to nurturing their property.
Over the years, these remarkable women have not only been neighbors but also a family, raising children together, looking out for each other’s well-being, and celebrating life’s joys and sorrows together.
They have witnessed their neighborhood’s transformation from a place marked by open drug use to a peaceful and welcoming community.
Low-Income DC Residents Turn $75K Into $2M Windfall
Their joint efforts have led to meticulous maintenance and upgrades, making their property a valuable asset in today’s real estate market. Similar buildings in the Park View neighborhood are now fetching over a million dollars; some even exceed two million.
To help them navigate this new chapter, Joanne, Bettie, Earlie, and Janice have enlisted the expertise of Noelle-Kristine Spencer from TTR Sotheby’s International Realty to list the property publicly.
Jane Brown, Executive Director of University Legal Services, praised the women’s building as a success story, offering permanent accommodation for four decades.
As they prepare to leave their cherished home, their plans reflect their individual preferences. Hendricks is considering relocating to a senior housing facility in the city, with Perry accompanying her, and Washington hopes to join them later.
On the other hand, Jenkins is searching for a single-story home in Maryland.
While they say goodbye to a place that has been their haven for so long, their bond remains unbroken, and they eagerly anticipate the fresh beginnings that await them. This story of determination, camaraderie, and wise investment serves as an inspiration to all.
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