Jubilee Housing

Miya Morris is a seasoned expert in social services with advanced degrees in social work, psychology and counseling. She leads programs that support vulnerable seniors and families, and foster community empowerment. Currently, she is the director of resident services at Jubilee Housing.

In an interview with Elder Care Review, Morris discussed how she leads resident services, creating programs that support seniors and families with wellness and community-building so they can live independently and with dignity.

Leading with Strong Purpose and Unwavering Dedication

My career began with a focus on serving high-risk populations, including children in foster care, justice-involved youth, survivors of violence and individuals facing mental health crises. I provided therapy, case management and led teams in social services.

As director of resident services at Jubilee Housing, I oversee support programs for nearly 460 affordable apartments in Washington, D.C. My role is to ensure our residents, especially seniors, have access to vital resources like food banks, wellness checks, digital literacy programs and personalized service coordination.

Overcoming Obstacles with Focused Determination

I’m driven by a clear sense of purpose and connection to the why behind my work. My passion comes from a commitment to addressing social justice issues like health and wealth disparities affecting the vulnerable communities we serve. Our efforts contribute toward a broader impact on equity and justice, nationwide and beyond. Being part of a larger solution fuels my resilience and dedication.

One of the most challenging moments was losing a resident who had become dear to me. That tested my sense of purpose and resolve. I stay grounded by consistently reminding myself that giving up is not an option, especially knowing people look to us for support and rely on our presence during their most vulnerable times.

Finding balance through personal time and recognizing my team’s hard work energizes us. Celebrating small victories, like seniors gaining skills or improving mobility, reminds me that our work changes lives. Staying connected to this purpose renews my energy and sustains me on this meaningful journey.

Transforming Lives with Progressive Initiatives

At Jubilee Housing, we’re proud of introducing rent reporting to affordable and subsidized housing. This allows residents consistent and on-time rent payments to be reported to credit bureaus, helping them build better credit scores. Seniors shouldn’t be overlooked regarding financial mobility, as they often encounter emergencies, rising medical expenses and the need to plan for their future.

Digital literacy is the key to this effort. We provide digital literacy programs, helping seniors learn basic computer skills, get certifications and access essential services online. This helps reduce social isolation and allows them to engage fully with modern life, whether accessing telehealth, connecting with family or exploring new opportunities.

Beyond education, we focus on community connection with weekly meals, fall risk screenings, food banks, workshops and field trips. Outreach fairs at the Adams Morgan plaza bring together government and nonprofit partners to extend resources to all. Despite a small team of four, we hosted over 80 resident events in 2024, nurturing a vibrant community for Jubilee residents.

Honest Guidance for Resident-Focused Care

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is humility. As professionals, we shouldn’t assume we know best or drive the services ourselves. Being truly person-centered means listening to the people that we serve and letting their voices shape the support we provide. It’s easy to get caught up in satisfying funders or boards, but it is not real work if the services don’t resonate with residents.

Honoring our residents as the primary stakeholders is crucial. For our services to be truly meaningful, we must actively listen to and incorporate their opinions into every aspect of our programs. Keeping them at the center ensures our efforts remain grounded and impactful.