A Habitat Legacy in Lakewood: American Lake Townhomes Celebration
Tillicum (or Tillikum) is a word from the Chinook language that refers to “a relative, family, kindred, tribe, or nation.” Over the last 15 years, it
has become a word that embodies this small Lakewood neighborhood.
Since 2011, Tacoma Habitat has partnered with the City of Lakewood to build over 50 new homes in Tillicum, strengthening the community by replacing much of the abandoned and nuisance housing that existed there with homes affordable to moderate-income buyers.
Jeff Gumm, Housing Division Manager for the City of Lakewood, has watched these changes unfold.
“The impact is that we’ve seen the Tillicum School District enrollment increase,” Gumm stated. “Replacing dangerous abandoned homes with new housing opportunities has improved the neighborhood.”
On Saturday July 18, Tacoma Habitat invited volunteers, board, staff, Habitat homeowners, and community members to join in celebrating the completion of its most recent Tillicum neighborhood – American Lake Townhomes – a 12-unit development – and the last of the homes Habitat has planned for the area.
Many Tillicum homeowners joined the celebration, welcoming their new neighbors, Jeremy and Kathleen, both of whom are purchasing units at American Lake Townhomes.
Ellie Wilson, a volunteer and donor to American Lake Townhomes, stated, “The people of Lakewood have been generous in supporting Habitat and the new families coming to live here. It gives us a great deal of pleasure to see the fruits of our volunteer labor and our hopes and dreams for the families in Lakewood.”
Tacoma Habitat board member Courtney Acoff was delighted to recognize one of the new homeowners as a former schoolmate:
“It is such a heartwarming experience as a new board member to see childhood friends obtain the American dream. I remember when I did a tour of Tillicum and there was only one family living here. Now there is a whole village. Habitat is that village, providing affordable homeownership for all. This program is vital for families and our communities to thrive.”
The celebration was a testament to the work of Tacoma Habitat – bringing community members together achieve great things. We are incredibly grateful for the support of the City of Lakewood, community members of the Lakewood community, and our donors, staff, and volunteers who made 50 homes possible in this beautiful Neighborhood.
