[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 163 (Wednesday, October 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING LYNDEL ``JOE'' WISHCAMPER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2019

  Ms. PINGREE. Madam Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations 
to Lyndel ``Joe'' Wishcamper on his outstanding advocacy for and 
production of affordable housing. I was thrilled to learn that Joe will 
receive this year's Affordable Housing Vision Award from the National 
Housing & Rehabilitation Association. I cannot think of a more 
deserving recipient.
  In his nearly 50 years as a community developer Joe has owned, 
developed, or redeveloped over 15,000 affordable housing units 
throughout the country. These include many units throughout Maine 
including ones in Portland, Eastport, Camden, Freeport, Bath, Rockland, 
and Wiscasset. He became an early practitioner of historic 
rehabilitation when he converted a vacant school building in downtown 
Portland to senior affordable housing. He later reduced their energy 
costs as well as reduced global warming by investing in a solar farm.
  Beyond his work in affordable housing, Joe has also been an asset to 
the Maine community serving on the boards of countless businesses and 
nonprofits, including Maine Medical Center, the Nature Conservancy, and 
the University of Maine System. In recognition of his contributions to 
the community he has been awarded both the Spurwink Humanitarian of the 
Year and the Colby College Philanthropy Award.
  While we are very proud of Joe and his contributions to his home 
state, this is a national award and many states have benefitted from 
his work and his philanthropy. His life's work has earned him many 
honors. This is a particularly significant one that merits special 
note.
  Congratulations to Joe Wishcamper for this award. I look forward to 
his continued efforts to create safe, decent, and affordable housing 
and to his many philanthropic endeavors.

                          ____________________