Partner Charles L. Stern, Jr. was recently interviewed for the Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association’s (L9WHA) newsletter. Since 2018, Chuck has served as a Board Member of the resident-run, 501(c)3 organization, which is dedicated to providing individual assistance, outreach and organizing expertise to New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward community. He currently serves as the Treasurer.
As noted in the newsletter: “We are so grateful to Chuck, his expertise, his willingness to serve and his partnership with us in the revitalization of our historic community!”
L9WHA Meet the Board Newsletter: Chuck Stern
“I first became involved with the L9WHA several years ago when I was asked to handle a couple of pro bono legal matters for property owners in the [Lower 9th Ward] neighborhood because my private legal practice focuses on property and real estate disputes. One case I recall in particular concerned an owner who was threatened with the loss of his property because of a tax sale held after the Assessor incorrectly removed the homestead exemption. [The former L9WHA Executive Director,] MA and I got to know each other through that work, and she asked me to join the board, which I was happy to do.
While I have lived in New Orleans most of my life, I didn’t have any special connection to the Lower Ninth before joining the board. But I’ve always known that [the Lower 9th Ward] was a vibrant community with a substantial population of Black homeowners, resilient despite the devastation caused by Hurricanes Betsy and Katrina. Neighborhoods like it are part of what makes New Orleans a special place, and I thought being on the board could be my way to contribute to the renewal of the Lower Ninth and preservation of its culture and community.”
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Join with Chuck and the L9WHA board in advancing the mission of the organization – preserving & creating homeownership and the resident-driven revitalization of the historic Lower 9th Ward – by becoming a sustaining donor today.