In 1989 Mishell Lilly contacted West Elmwood, R.I., Housing Development Corporation (WEHDC) seeking assistance to create a block association and rid prostitution in his West Elm neighborhood. Since then, Mishell, 51, has actively been leading community improvement and pride initiatives. He has served on the WEH board guiding their efforts to provide affordable housing and encourage home ownership. He created the annual Unity in the Community Festival and founded Young Voices, engaging young people in civic activities and supporting their academic improvement.

 

In spite of a full-time job in Boston, Mishell still uses every available free moment to stay active in the community. For Mishell, who has lived in West Elmwood for 17 years, civic improvements take time. “I believe in slow, steady progress, and you don't get paid for a lot of things you do. But when someone recognizes that something you did made even a small difference, that's the reward. We all go to work, have families, and we're all tired, but we have to extend ourselves just a little bit.” Mishell's tireless efforts have served as a role model for others in the community, who are increasingly becoming involved on the WEHDC board and with community activities.

 

WEHDC's mission is to strengthen communities through housing construction, rehabilitation, and repairs and to grow the economy in the West End. Executive Director Sharon Conard-Wells sees Mishell as an example of the importance of resident involvement. She says, “Everyone can tell a story of someone who called to get involved because Mishell told them to. Thanks to his encouragement, volunteer recruitment is now an agency priority and everyone's responsibility.”