Elouise Westbrook facts for kids

Elouise Westbrook (1915-2011) was an amazing American activist. She worked hard to make sure people had fair housing and good health care in San Francisco. She was also part of a special group called the Big Five of Bayview. These five activists made a big difference in their community.

Elouise Westbrook's Early Life

Elouise Westbrook was born in Gatesville, Texas, in 1915. She moved to San Francisco in 1949. There, she worked as a supervisor for the city's Economic Opportunity Council. This job helped people get the support they needed.

Fighting for Fair Housing

In 1959, San Francisco started a big plan to rebuild parts of the city. Sadly, this plan forced thousands of people with lower incomes to leave their homes. No new affordable homes were built for them.

Elouise Westbrook decided to act. She joined the Hunters Point-Bayview Joint Housing Committee. This group wanted the government to build affordable homes. Soon, Elouise became the leader of this important committee.

In 1968, her committee asked the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for money. They wanted to build new homes for families with low and middle incomes. These homes would be in the Bay Area.

Success for Hunters Point

Thanks to Elouise Westbrook and the other members of the Big Five of Bayview, their hard work paid off. In 1971, the Hunters Point neighborhood project received $40 million in funding. This money helped build much-needed homes.

In 1973, Elouise spoke to a special government group. She shared her ideas with the Subcommittee on Housing and Urban Affairs. This group was part of the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Working for Better Health Care

Elouise Westbrook also cared deeply about health care. In the early 1970s, she worked hard to convince San Francisco to open a free medical clinic. She wanted this clinic in the Potrero Hill neighborhood.

Her efforts were successful! The Caleb G. Clark Potrero Hill Health Center opened in 1976. This clinic provided important medical help to many people.

Elouise Westbrook's Legacy

Elouise Westbrook passed away at her home on September 13, 2011. She was 96 years old. She was buried next to her husband at the Golden Gate National Cemetery.

Remembering Elouise

Many important people spoke at her funeral on September 21, 2011. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and former mayor Willie Brown shared stories. Willie Brown said she would "scare me" because she was so determined. She would demand he answer her calls and even show up at his office!

Actor Danny Glover also spoke at her funeral. He had worked with Elouise Westbrook through the Model Cities Program.

Honoring Her Work

A new building was named after Elouise Westbrook. The Westbrook Plaza Health Center And Housing Complex opened just three months before she died. It honors her work in both housing and health.

William Delaney, a San Francisco author, dedicated his 2011 autobiography to her. He was one of the first African-American police officers in San Francisco.

In 2007, director Kevin Gordon made a short film about her life. It was called "Tellin' It Like It Is: The Work of Elouise Westbrook."

Elouise Westbrook's Family Life

Elouise was married to Isaac Westbrook. He served as a private in the United States Army during World War II. They were married until his death in 1965. Elouise had a large and loving family. Her family members live all across the U.S., with some still in Gatesville, Texas, where she was born.