Stories

To rebuild deteriorating housing and employment opportunities in Puerto Rico's Route 123 Heritage Area, amid a crumbling infrastructure and shrinking tax base that have crippled the ability of local governments to meet needs.

The Navajo Nation covers more than 27,000 square miles. Seventy percent of those living in the nation earn less than $15,000 per year. Many banks will not lend to residents of sovereign Native American Nations out of fear they will not be able to foreclose on delinquent loans.

Aging houses were interspersed with vacant lots and blighted buildings and the neighborhood urgently needed revitalization. NeighborWorks Great Falls created a program to link low- and moderate-income residents in need of a home with high school students who were skilled in construction. 

The 2013 tornado that swept through Moore, Oklahoma, left more than 1,400 residents with destroyed homes. Neighborhood Housing Services of OKC looked to NeighborWorks America and other network members help implement a three-phase recovery plan

Rising utility costs are beyond the control of the average homeowner and even minor increases can significantly affect those with low incomes. But figuring out how to offer energy efficiency solutions to those homeowners and get them to take action poses challenges, particularly in Latino communities.

Homelessness rose by 60 percent in Vermont, leaving hospitals with dozens of patients who could not be discharged due to lack of facilities. Champlain Housing Trust stepped in with Harbor Place motel—a housing solution for chronically homeless and medically vulnerable adults. 

With some of the highest unemployment and poverty rates in Colorado, it’s not surprising that residents of Grand Junction lacked access to energy-efficient alternatives to lower utility costs. Housing Resources of Western Colorado teamed up with a local utility company for a solution.

Minnesota’s older homes were plagued by hazards such as pests, mold and lead leaving homeowners in unhealthy conditions. In response, Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership took a health-first approach in its rehab and new-construction projects, integrating green and healthy features into its designs. 

Low-income residents throughout New Mexico face challenges that can prevent them from buying a home. Homewise takes a step-by-step, simplified approach to help low-income families overcome these barriers.

Condominiums can be an affordable alternative for low-income families in Hawaii’s pricey housing market.  But it can be difficult for first-time homebuyers to secure loans. Hawaii HomeOwnership Center organized a way for borrowers to buy and maintain a home.