Joe Jackson, the Executive Director of Hesed House in Aurora, has announced his decision to step down from his leadership position at the homeless shelter. This change comes as he prepares to take on a new role as Vice President of Capital Development and Asset Management with the Association for Individual Development (AID). Jackson’s new position aligns with his long-standing commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis affecting many communities.
During a recent meeting with staff, Jackson expressed his nervousness about delivering the news. His journey at Hesed House began as a managing director for four years before he became executive director in 2021. His dedication to the organization is deeply personal; both he and his wife, Tricia, have experienced homelessness in the past. Jackson’s commitment to advocating for the homeless population reflects his understanding of their struggles.
Jackson revealed that making the decision to leave was not easy. He explained that he had taken time to wrestle with the choice, seeking guidance from family, friends, and mentors like former executive director Ryan Dowd. Dowd, who led Hesed House for approximately 15 years, will step in as interim executive director while the board searches for a permanent replacement. His ongoing connection to the organization remains strong, as he also serves as its director of mission and strategy.
Challenges and Future Goals
For Jackson, transitioning to AID represents a natural progression in his career. He emphasized that the issue of affordable housing has always been a passion of his. “Running Hesed House is a special job, but it’s a hard one,” he stated, noting the emotional toll of managing the shelter. Among his notable achievements was leading a $6 million rehabilitation project that transformed a building into an additional shelter. Despite this accomplishment, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges, particularly the rising number of individuals experiencing homelessness.
“More shelters is not the way to tackle the issue,” he asserted. “Housing is the answer – housing that is affordable and dignified.” His new role at AID will focus on overseeing both current and future housing developments, aimed at providing sustainable solutions for those in need.
AID, with a budget of $58 million, has seen significant growth in the last decade, expanding its services across seven counties. Executive Director Lore Baker noted that Jackson’s extensive experience in development would be invaluable as the organization continues to grow.
A Personal Commitment to the Mission
Jackson’s announcement to the Hesed House staff was filled with emotion. “This place has never been just a job to me. It’s been a calling,” he told them. He reflected on the honor of serving the shelter’s mission, emphasizing that even after his departure, he would always carry a part of Hesed House in his heart.
As Jackson prepares for this new chapter, he remains hopeful about the future of both Hesed House and AID. The alignment of his personal experiences with his professional goals embodies a commitment to making a substantial impact on the lives of those facing homelessness. With a firm belief in the need for affordable housing, Jackson is poised to make significant contributions in his upcoming role.