Story 5: Lucy, Our Beloved Co-Founder
One year ago, INHS and the Ithaca community lost a remarkable leader: co‑founder Lucy J. Brown, affectionately known as Ms. Lucy. She passed away at the age of 91 on February 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of fierce advocacy, compassion, and lasting impact.
Ms. Lucy dedicated her life to advancing racial justice, educational equity, and affordable housing. As a co‑founder of INHS, she helped shape an organization that has provided quality housing for people of modest means for 50 years. Her leadership was especially influential in Ithaca’s Southside neighborhood, where she championed affordable housing and served on the INHS Board of Directors for nearly four decades (1977–2016).
Her commitment to systemic change extended far beyond INHS. Lucy served on numerous boards, including the Ithaca City School District, the Ithaca Housing Authority, the City’s Board of Public Works, and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency. At Cornell University, she counseled countless students of color, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Colleagues and community leaders have described her as a woman of unparalleled impact whose contributions continue to resonate throughout Ithaca.
In August 2024, Lucy was honored with a commemorative statue, along with influential Frances Perkins, recognizing her extraordinary service to the community she helped shape. She attended the celebration, allowing INHS and the broader community to express gratitude for her decades of dedication. Since its installation, the statue has become a living memorial — often adorned with artwork, scarves, and blankets lovingly placed by community members. The morning after her passing, the statue was found wrapped in a blanket, a touching gesture that symbolized the love and respect she inspired.
Lucy Brown was more than a leader; she was a lifelong trailblazer of change, a voice for the marginalized, and a guiding presence in decision‑making processes. Her legacy lives on in the homes INHS has built, the families she supported, and the community she strengthened.
As we mark one year since her passing, and celebrate 50 years of INHS, we honor Ms. Lucy’s extraordinary life as one of our 50 Years, 50 Stories highlights. Her vision and courage continue to inspire us to carry forward the mission she helped establish.
Routine Maintenance and Seasonal Tasks – An INHS Post-Purchase Class – April 22 (In-person)
