A Letter From Our Founder

Release Date: April 20, 2020

A Letter from our Founder: Showing Our True Colors

These are strange and difficult times for all of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has reached across the globe, bringing with it dramatic changes to almost every aspect of daily life. From our interactions with co-workers, grocery store clerks and teachers to our own families, we are all having to adapt to a new, uncomfortable normal.

But there is one thing that hasn’t changed: our mission. Our focus remains on serving areas across the U.S. with the greatest need. While this pandemic is challenging for all of us, it may present the greatest threat in living memory to the most vulnerable in our communities.

We strongly believe that success in life begins with a good home. To date, we have preserved affordable housing across 25 states ensuring a roof over the heads of tens of thousands of people. With more than three hundred million Americans now sheltering in place to keep themselves and their families safe, our mission at Vitus is only more critical.

Crises like this one reveal our true colors, both as individuals and organizations. These are the times that demand we back our opinions and beliefs with action. I am proud to say that in the past few weeks our team has risen to this challenge.

Across the country, our team and network of partners have put our residents first in extraordinary ways. Property managers reacted quickly, putting in place new social distancing and sanitation protocols and communicating directly with residents to help keep them safe. Our community partners have delivered meals and fresh produce boxes to residents in need. In our senior communities, staff are now conducting daily wellness calls to residents to make sure their medical and emotional needs are being met.

While the circumstances we face are difficult and will continue to test us day in and day out, I am inspired by the strength, compassion and fortitude of the Vitus team and our many partners throughout the country.

These are unprecedented times. But through the exhaustion of daily changes, isolation and unexpected new obstacles, we remain steadfast in our mission to create safe homes for those who need them most.

Because the only way out is through. And the only way through is together.

Sincerely,

Stephen Whyte

Founder and Managing Director