It is a call I never wanted to get from a property manager. Sadly, a resident had passed away in their apartment, and it took days for anyone to become aware. There are countless reasons why this is profoundly sad, primarily for the resident's family and those impacted by his life. It was also tough on our property management team and the whole apartment community.
What I keep returning to is the idea that an apartment is more than just a unit; it’s a home. It’s truly the place where all of life’s moments—big and small—unfold. This incident reminded me of the full spectrum of human experience happening within our properties. We’ve seen it all—from new babies to the end of life—in one community.
In times like these, redemptive real estate takes a few forms. First supporting our property managers who faced really difficult things. We made sure they had our assistance and support and more tangibly provided DoorDash gift cards to take meal stress off their shoulders on such a difficult day.
For the resident who passed away, we safeguarded their possessions and ensured they were returned to the family with as much dignity as the situation afforded. We'll also send a sympathy card to share our condolences and let them know we care.
What have I personally learned from this? Beyond reinforcing that life happens fully within these apartment walls, I've recognized the urgency in our work. Life has its end, and we must act with some urgency while our residents are with us. Are there actions or partnerships that we need to be aggressively pursuing that would enhance lives or change trajectories? What are the roadblocks to doing the next best thing for our communities and how do we move forward?
I also learned that I needed a new section in our action plan. These situations aren’t something you plan for until they happen. Now, we understand the logistics, costs and relationships we need to be better prepared in the future.
Ultimately, redemptive real estate is about more than just investments and buildings; it's about caring for people throughout their lives. Every moment, every relationship, and every life within our properties matters to us and we mourn the loss of our resident. We believe that by nurturing our communities with love and care, we can help our residents flourish in every stage of their lives.
Enriching Communities through Redemptive Real Estate,
Easton Garcia
Sovereign Sage
Director of Redemptive Real Estate and Community Innovation
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