“I didn’t grow up wealthy,” says Jessica Dominguez, “but I had little firsthand contact with the poor. Only as an adult were my eyes opened to real suffering in our society – when I became a teacher.” Jessica taught in an area of the city where her students were very vulnerable, and she particularly noticed that their housing instability created a cascade of challenges in the classroom and beyond.

Jessica turned deep concern for her students into a relentless, sacrificial passion for housing advocacy. “I can still hear my mother saying, ‘Your life is not your own; it’s the Lord’s.’ When she would give me a dollar she would remind me, ‘It’s not yours; it’s the Lord’s.’” Jessica was raised in a very conservative home, and she still thinks of personal generosity as a conservative value—a gift of her upbringing even though she no longer considers herself conservative.

While still teaching, Jessica launched a dream with her husband Joseph: Love Thy Neighbor, a real estate firm with a heart to serve the community by providing access to affordable and attainable homeownership for everyone. “I took a risk. I was scared; I didn’t have much faith. We didn’t have savings and lived paycheck to paycheck. During the pandemic, it has seemed even crazier. I realized I was generous when I had money but was tempted to conserve what I had when I was insecure. I grew to realize that even when I have a little, I can still live with enthusiasm and faith.”

Two years ago, Jessica reached out to an old mentor – Jeff Johnsen, executive director of Mile High Ministries. As a young adult twenty years ago, Jessica had been a resident apprentice in MHM’s Issachar Center for Urban Leadership. “During that time, I watched Jeff doing what God commands us – living out the gospel in the streets, seeking justice, developing and strengthening people. He walked the walk and lived the life.” Now, walking into Jeff’s office, she lit up at the sight of a whiteboard covered with housing strategies and plans.

Not only would their friendship be rekindled, but a partnership as well. “I saw how sound Mile High Ministries’ approach is – scaffolding people from homelessness to stable housing. People can’t get there in one step. Joshua Station is an entry point, with intensive support. The tiny homes at Clara Brown Commons can be another entry point – also with much support. The planned apartments on that property are a further step toward self-sufficiency. Finally, there will be units for purchase – as we also provide through Love Thy Neighbor.”

Based on that trust, Jessica not only donates finances to Mile High Ministries but also gives her time and talents on the board of directors. “I believe in this with my whole heart… it’s what God wants us to be doing.