.png)
A Message From Our Executive Director:
Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Inc. takes pride in the Syracuse community and in our role as a catalyst of change. Nearly 30 years ago, we embarked on a journey to reduce crime and blight while providing housing opportunities for low-moderate income families.
The outcome can be seen in the Southwest neighborhood, where we have installed more than 90 owner-occupied homes and attracted private and public investment within the community.
Join us in our mission to take the community to the next level. We can make it happen, but we can't do it without you!
​
Sincerely,
​
Walt
​
Walter Dixie
Executive Director
Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Inc.
We believe that by educating our youth, providing workforce development opportunities and helping families become homeowners we can change our community for generations to come.
Meet The Team
Walter Dixie
Executive Director
Walt has served as Executive Director of Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Inc. for over 35 years. As Executive Director he has overseen the construction and rehab over 100 properties on the City of Syracuse’s Southwest side utilizing the Time of Jubilee Community Land Trust, Jubilee Homes has been integral in rebuilding South Avenue, White Street, Tallman Avenue, Rich Street, Hudson Street and the surrounding area.
In addition to all Mr. Dixie’s work in housing development, he has also been instrumental in implementing other endeavors under the Jubilee Homes mission, which are the Southwest Economic Business Resource Center, Jubilee Homes Southwest Community Learning Farm (a project of Urban Delights/Farmstand program), and Jubilee Homes Supermarket project which created a partnership with Price Rite and open its store on South Ave in April of 2017. In addition to the tremendous work that has already been done, Mr. Dixie along with the Jubilee Homes staff, and agency partners were responsible for bringing the National YouthBuild Program to Syracuse, NY.
Walter is lifelong resident of Syracuse and a graduate of Ithaca College. He has two daughters and four grandchildren, whom he loves to spend his free time with.
Desaree Dixie
Program Director
Desarée currently serves in the position of Program Director at Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Inc. She started with the agency as an Office Assistant and later as the Fiscal Manager. As she transitioned into her next role as Housing Development Coordinator, she became certified through Neighborworks, Inc. in Homebuyer Education. In her role as Program Director, Desarée has been instrumental in achieving great success of all of Jubilee Homes’ many wonderful programs and services from housing to workforce development. In 2015 she created the Build to Work Program (Workforce Development pre-employment training program) which has prepared over 400 individuals for employment and/or educational opportunities.
Desarée is a lifelong resident of Syracuse. She attended Henninger High School with a concentration in Health Careers and graduated from SUNY Albany with her Bachelor’s degree in English/Criminal Justice and Africana Studies. She is the proud mother of two and enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Cherylene"Twiggy" Billue
Workforce Development Coordinator
Twiggy has worked for Jubilee Homes for 7 years and is currently the Director of Workforce Initiatives. Twiggy continues to be a tireless advocate for our community for nearly 30 years. Twiggy also manages the Urban Delights Youth Development Program and the Urban Delights Community Learning Farm where local youth learn to grow and sell fresh produce. Twiggy was elected to the Syracuse City School Board in 2021.
Madea Holman
Service Support Coordinator
Madea is a lifelong resident of Syracuse, NY. She attended Syracuse City Schools as well as Onondaga Community College and received an associate degree in Health Information Technology. A mom to a beautiful daughter and hairstylist by trade. Madea has been with the Jubilee Homes team for the past 6 years starting as Administrative Assistant, transitioning to the role Office Manager and looks forward to serving clients and the community in her new role as the current Service Support Coordinator.
Rita Paniagua
Economic Development Coordinator
Rita was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has been a resident in Syracuse since June of 2003. Her 30 years background in Business Administration, Fundraising and Public Relations has been instrumental to her success in Syracuse. Paniagua also brings with her experience in the field of performing arts, radio and special events production.
​
Since her arrival, she has been committed to serve the Syracuse community at all levels. Her first steps lead to the appointment of Executive Director at the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County (2005-2015), which opened the doors to subsequent work with the CNY Region and the State of New York through the NYS Puerto Rico/Hispanic Task Force. In 2016, Paniagua was elected as a Commissioner of Education for the Syracuse City School District and in 2019, elected to serve in the Syracuse City Council At-Large position.
​
In 2021 Rita joined the staff at Jubilee Homes as Economic Development Coordinator. She is responsible for leading the Jubilee Homes of Syracuse Economic Development Initiatives and developing a consulting business “Cross Cultural Strategies.”
Among her many responsibilities she is currently serving on Board of Directors; CNY Arts, Board President and Interfaith Works, Chair of Government Relations Committee
Transportation Coordinator/Van Driver
April English-Palozzola
Workforce Development Coordinator
April is a lifetime resident of the City of Syracuse and a graduate of Nottingham High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at SUNY Binghamton and completed postgraduate work at Syracuse and Cornell Universities. April has over 25 years of experience in Workforce Development, serving in various colleges, universities and for the Onondaga County Department of Social Services/Economic Security Unit. Currently she is employed by Jubilee Homes of Syracuse as the Workforce Development Program Coordinator.
Administrative Assistant/ Urban Delights Youth Program Manager
Our Mission
Jubilee Homes of Syracuse, Inc. is committed to revitalizing the Southwest side of Syracuse through affordable housing opportunities, workforce and entrepreneurship programming, economic development and youth development programing.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide access to homeownership, economic growth and employment opportunities to the community to turn generational poverty into generational wealth in our community.