Two years ago around this same time of year, I wrote a “My Turn” column for the Monitor. Today, I am in a similar mood, have a similar outlook and am inspired to write again.

Two years ago, my column was in regard to Fellowship Housing Opportunities’ neighbor converting one of the buildings near our offices from lower-income rental housing to upscale higher-priced housing. I was recently invited to their grand opening/open house, and there is no doubt that the apartments are beautiful. Rents start at about $1,300 per month and go up to over $2,000 per month for multi-bedroom units.

This year, the same is true for another building right next door to us. They are currently in the midst of major construction, converting the building from lower-income housing to higher-scale rental housing.

The difference for me this time is that my co-workers and I have gotten to know some of the tenants who are now being displaced, as we walk by this building each day on our way to and from the office. It makes me wonder: What happened to the nice woman who used to sit outside on the stoop and enjoy the weather and watch the people go by? What happened to the woman who we saw outside quite often walking her little black dog? We know she is currently suffering from many medical issues. Moreover, what happened to the man who taught me old wise sayings and nursery rhymes? I worry about them. Where did they go? Are they okay?

I know that the man I referred to is now homeless, as I have seen him on the streets and talked with him. I hope that is not true for all of the tenants, particularly as the weather was 5 degrees again last week.

Is it just my imagination or are there more people than usual who seem to be carrying all their worldly possessions on their back as they walk downtown? Maybe there are not actually more, but maybe they are the only people walking downtown this time of year, in this frigid weather, as they have no other place to go. The rest of us are all running back inside where it is warm as soon as we have finished our errands.

As much as I enjoy the wonderful revitalization of downtown Concord, again I want to express my desire that we think about – as a community and society – all of our citizens. That is how I understand the example and teachings of Martin Luther King, whom we just celebrated.

Statistics say that the vacancy rate for rental housing in the Concord area is about 0.5%. A healthy vacancy rate economically is about 5%.

As the market gets tighter, prices go up. Those who have the means end up pushing out those who don’t to make room – just like the building next door.

Fellowship Housing provides affordable housing to 60 low-income people thanks to the support of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority and many other public and private funders. Unfortunately, I know even if we had 120 apartments available they would all be in immediate demand.

(Nancy Egner is the executive director or Fellowship Housing Opportunities.)