People First: Creating Spaces Without Walls
“ You have to look at housing as a safe space; it’s foundation for a lot of people. Housing provides peace; it also helps lessen the trauma that a lot of people are experiencing.” — Nichole Battle
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Thank you to everyone who attended the live interview and discussion on November 20, 2025! The recording of this conversation has been published as an At Home, On Air podcast episode.
Thank You to Our Featured Guest Speaker:
Nichole Battle | CEO, Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO)
Thank You to Our Podcast Host:
Susanne Stadler | Executive Director of At Home With Growing Older
Episode Description:
What if affordable housing could transform entire communities, not just provide shelter? Join us for a conversation with Nichole Battle, CEO of GEDCO, an affordable housing developer in Baltimore born from a coalition of churches responding to their parishioners’ needs. With her background in urban planning, landscape architecture, and real estate development—plus deep roots as a longtime Baltimore resident—Nichole understands that decent housing goes beyond four walls and a roof. It’s about creating context: green spaces where neighbors gather, ball fields for exercise and play, urban farms that nourish bodies and spirits, and sacred grounds for celebration and reflection. It’s also about stability—having a home provides the foundation people need to secure employment and fully participate in community life.
When we put people first, housing becomes something bigger—it creates spaces without walls that strengthen the entire community.
About Our Guest:
Throughout her career Nichole Battle has managed the development of over 600 homeownership and multifamily units in Baltimore, Washington DC, and Baltimore County. As CEO and Director of Real Estate development management for GEDCO she is managing the completion of Stadium Place, a unique community project that offers independent living to 520+ older adults on the site of the former Baltimore Memorial Stadium. More recently Nichole secured the funding to purchase and renovate a building that serves as a resource center for the Govans community. The GEDCO Community HUB is a food pantry, meeting space, computer lab, a place to get emergency financial assistance, and home to GEDCO’s main office. She is a long-time resident of Baltimore City and believes that everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.
About the Podcast:
At Home, On Air is a radio hour offering connection, community and knowledge to participants. At Home With Growing Older proudly hosts this podcast covering a wide array of topics with guest speakers, who share insights and tips about aging at home. This season, we are exploring the theme, People and Places That Build Community: Creating a Home Away From Home. Find our podcast by searching for “At Home, On Air” on your preferred platform.
Takeaway Resources
People & Topics Mentioned:
- Nichole Battle
- Rev. Jack Sharp
- Jim and Patty Rouse
- GEDCO.org
- Stadium Place
- ThanksGiving Place
- Rebuild Together
- Nature Sacred
- CARES
- Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD
Delve Deeper:
- Impact of Affordable Housing on Families and Communities, by Enterprise, 2024
- Research Series: How does housing impact health?, by Habitat for Humanity, 2021
- Housing: Often Overlooked but a Critical Pillar for Older Adults, by the American Society on Aging, 2021
Thank YOU!
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