John Greenan runs the Central Dallas Community Development Corporation, the sister non-profit organization that develops workforce housing for us. I've noted before in this space just how smart and creative John is.
Back in 1999, along with Ken Koonce, John helped create Central Dallas Ministries' public interest law firm. We call it the L. A. W. Center--Legal Action Works.
About five years ago, John began spending more and more time on our special brand of real estate development.
Our deals all turn out to be complex. It just works that way when you have no money!
Not long ago after a meeting with one of our housing partners, John and I stood for a moment in the parking lot discussing one of our pending deals.
As we talked about its difficulty, challenge and complexity, John said something I hope to remember always.
"You know, Larry," he said with a hint of a smile, "whenever I am tempted to quit or give up, I just think of 'Sam' (not his real name) and that keeps me going."
You see "Sam" is a disabled, homeless law client of John's. And John has promised "Sam" a place to live. John is a man of his word. "Sam" is going to have his home one of these days or John will die trying!
Things can get complicated, frustrating, discouraging and really, really difficult.
Remembering why we are out here trying this stuff always helps.
We can't quit.
"Sam" is believing we wouldn't quit for anything.
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