Sister Stella's Legacy

Anawim Housing’s motivation and drive to provide safe, permanent and affordable housing to families in need grew out of the strong heart of one woman.  December 7^th marks the one-year anniversary of Anawim Housing Founder Sister Stella Neill’s passing.  Sister Stella, who began Anawim in 1987, died in a car crash on I-80 near Walnut one year ago. Since she started Anawim almost 25 years ago, the organization has developed homes for over 450 families each year. That is more than 700 kids who have a safe place to celebrate the holidays in 2011, because of Sister Stella’s legacy. The current Anawim family is so thankful for the great impact that Sister Stella had and will continue to have.

“Sister Stella was always available for tenants or staff. She cared about the personal growth of everyone around her and encouraged you to reach for your dreams.  She did rental housing but constantly spoke to me about looking into Homeownership.  She fought for low/middle income families and understood that they deserved a safe place to live.” 

-Monica Muhammad, Senior Housing Manager

“It isn’t often that people leave behind a living legacy, but Stella certainly did that.  Her vision and passion for families at risk never waivered.  In the initial years of Anawim she was opportunistic and creative about establishing the organization, but she never forgot what the goal was.  I think even Stella would be surprised and very pleased about the work and the culture that continues at Anawim.  Those of us that knew Stella still miss her, but are so proud to be a part of something that she cared so deeply about.” 

-Loree Miles,  Anawim Board Member

“Sister Stella was an amazing woman.  She was so incredibly passionate about the mission of Anawim Housing, and yet an outstanding businesswoman at the same time.  She was very direct and had no trouble stating her opinion….and holding people accountable for their actions.  And yet, she had an unending amount of compassion for the struggles that others were facing. 

She was very insightful, she said amazing things at the exact right time, she made you think, she forced you to think, feel, and grow outside of your comfort zone.  She taught me so much about compassion, about helping others, and about understanding others and their struggles.

I miss her dearly and think about her all of the time.  I continue to love my job because I am doing the work that she taught me to believe in.  She was like a Grandmother to me and a true mentor.”

 -Heidi Watkins, Director of Accounting

“Sister Stella was for the people. She didn’t see race, gender or class. She inspires me to do the same. Her legacy definitely lives on through this organization. She gave people a second chance at housing that normally wouldn’t have gotten one. I’m grateful for the time I had with her. She’s truly missed.” 

-Sierra Smith, Property Management Assistant/Receptionist

“She was a determined person, once she set her mind to a task, best step out of the way.  Sister Stella enjoyed the people she served. She knew tenants to call them by name and was always interested in what else we could do to assist struggling families.  She had a good sense of humor, and would occasionally forward an email funny or share something that had made her laugh out loud.”

-Bill Swanson, Director of Property Management