“We have inherited a large house, a great world in which we have to live together, black and white, Gentile and Jew, Catholic and Protestant, Muslim and Hindu- a family unduly separated in ideas, culture, and interest, who, because we can never again live apart, must learn somehow to live with each other in peace.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Established in 1968, EAH Housing was founded to address the needs of low-income families and elders living in Marin County, California. Originally named the Ecumenical Association for Housing, EAH was organized from grass-roots efforts in response to the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Kerner Report, commissioned by the federal government in the wake of riots triggered by the King assassination, underscored the fact that violence and poverty arose from the lack of jobs, education and housing.

Meanwhile in Northern California, a group of concerned citizens came together with the intention to bring about social change through the creation of housing opportunities that would be available to people regardless of income or ethnic background. Representatives of many religious as well as civic organizations played key roles in founding EAH Housing. Several founding organizations helped to create housing by donating land for affordable developments. Others welcomed low-income people to the community by working to bring affordable housing into their own neighborhoods.

Martin Mackey, EAH Housing's founder, noted in a Pacific Sun interview: “When it came time for us to organize EAH, the groundwork for social action had already been done.”

EAH Housing has a tremendous record of success. Starting from humble origins as a community-based, nonprofit organization with donations of $200 from 16 members, and an office consisting of two capable volunteer staff, EAH has grown to a staff of over 400 people, managing over 90 properties, with a budget of over $95 million. EAH celebrates more than 40 years of dedication to social justice by creating affordable housing on behalf of local seniors, working families and the many people that comprise the unique fabric of our community today.

To purchase a copy of EAH's History Book, please contact:
Doris Cardinal, Special Projects Manager
(415) 258-1800 extension 8849