Subsidized Housing Entrepreneur

She grew up in an economically challenged, city minority neighborhood – a polite way of saying ‘poor’ – and as an adult, focused on helping others with limited financial means to live more comfortably. 

FAMILY BACKGROUND

Edna Delk (ED) was the second oldest of six children born to her parents while living in Philadelphia. 

CHILDHOOD

ED grew up in South Philadelphia. Neither of her parents attended college. 

While visiting schoolmates living in more comfortable housing than her family could afford, ED vowed – to herself – to someday be able to help others live better lives. 

EDUCATION

ED graduated from high school and could not afford to continue her formal education thereafter. 

FIRST JOBS ARE NEVER A BINDING CAREER COMMITMENT

For several years after high school, ED worked as a keypunch operator at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. To supplement her income, she also worked several housekeeping jobs on a part-time basis. 

REAL ESTATE ENTREPRENEUR

With savings earned from two jobs, ED bought her first rental house – at age 41 – in West Philadelphia for a below-market cost at a Sheriff’s foreclosure sale. ED then supervised renovations and maintenance for that house and other rental properties she was able to buy using her same methods: continue saving from her two jobs and look for opportunities to buy properties at below market prices which could be fixed up to serve as rental properties. 

ED’s concurrent goals were to (1) earn enough money from her non-real estate jobs and from rentals’ income to cover all her business and personal expenses; and (2) provide safe, decent, and affordable housing to those who needed it most. 

Altruistic (showing selfless concern for the wellbeing of others) as a rule and committed to combating poverty, hunger and community blight, ED focused on providing much-needed subsidized housing even as the local real estate market prices jumped up, dropped down, jumped and dropped around her. 

She earned a real estate license to represent sellers and buyers, when she was in her 50s. 

When ED retired at age 96, she was the owner of 30 apartments and houses. 

Profits from her real estate business enabled ED to invest in stocks, which she apparently did wisely to be able to afford to travel to Europe, Africa and elsewhere with family and friends. 

CHALLENGE – ‘A BIT SHY OF 5 FEET TALL’

Despite standing a bit shy of 5 feet tall, ED inspired respect and results from colleagues and others.

“She was feisty,” said her son. “When she walked into the room, everybody made sure they were working. They knew she was the boss. She was a little Napoleon.” 

Said a granddaughter, “My grandmother lived life on her own terms and was an advocate for herself. She commanded people’s attention! She was ahead of her time and never stopped engaging with life.”

Business colleagues noted that while ED could be supportive, she was – when necessary – tenacious and fearless in adversity. 

Apparently, these qualities enabled someone of short physical stature to earn and command respect from those not height challenged. 

CAREER SUCCESS ENABLED HER TO AFFORD BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT

In addition to raising her son, ED became a foster parent to several other children. She considered those fostered to be fully part of her family. Said one, “She meant everything to me. She always reached out to others. She was focused, loving, compassionate, consistent, and caring. But she was no pushover! She brought us up ‘old school.’ She didn’t play.”

ED valued education, bought a complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica with S&H Green Stamps, and instructed her sons to read every volume. “We were happy when we finally got to Z because it was the shortest,” said her son. 

CAREER SATISFACTION

In addition to managing her own real estate business and personal stock investments, ED assisted other organizations in need, contributing to local groups such as the Germantown Life Enrichment Center. She gave both time and financial support to Heifer International, a global economic development charity based in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Upon retiring from her real estate business, ED promptly donated most of the money within her savings accounts to friends and charities and her 30 properties to her family. 

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This career story is based on multiple sources including an obituary written by Gary Miles, published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on November 17, 2023, plus internet research.