Lydia's House started with two people, a single vision and a sack of potatoes.​
 
In 1989, Pastors Eugene and Patrice Sheppard left comfortable jobs in a safe
community and moved to Bellevue, in an attempt to make a difference in the
lives of Washington, DC's poorest men, women, and children. They began
their work by handing out potatoes from the backseat of their car. 
 
Founded by Pastors Eugene; Patrice Sheppard in 1990. Lydia's House is a
Washington, DC based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to Growing
Children, Strengthening Families and Changing Neighborhoods. 
 
Lydia's House takes a holistic approach to community development by
providing social services, emotional support and educational resources that
address the needs of low-income and at-risk families at every stage of the
poverty cycle.