Ribbons of lights twinkle in silver and gold. Trees. Stars. A sleigh. The light display at Mustard Seed Hill attracted thousands of people last year, part of the plan to make the spot a destination. This year, organizers expect thousands of people again – masked and at a distance -- for the outdoor event they call "Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill." After all, light is something you can see from far away. Light brings hope. Plus, it's a good reminder for families that free, socially distanced activities still exist this season.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, for many families served by the Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, days are spent hunkered at home. Activities stopped. Classes stopped or went virtual. Sometimes, it was hard to tell a Monday from a Saturday.
 

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15 to October 15, they celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

In New Orleans, Louisiana, COVID-19 hit fast and early, following on the heels of Mardi Gras season. The city saw another coronavirus spike at the beginning of July. Meanwhile, the city has seen protests, largely peaceful, as people have cried out for racial equity.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Florida is described as "a surging state," which is not what the president of a housing nonprofit — or anybody else — wants to hear. At Rural Neighborhoods Inc., a NeighborWorks network organization in Florida City, Florida, they are working to keep residents safe.

You can't shelter in place if you don't have a place to shelter, says Stacie Birchett, vice president of external affairs at the Better Housing Coalition. The Richmond, Virginia-based NeighborWorks organization is working to ensure their residents are able to keep their housing during a time when many are losing jobs or working fewer hours due to COVID-19. 

NeighborWorks Week, held this month during a fight for racial equity and a virus that caused neighbors to remain distant from one another, looked different than usual. But the celebration of neighborhoods and what makes them strong continued at many network organizations. Some organizations made their events virtual. Others postponed them to focus on their communities in other ways. And in some places, residents got outside to focus on the neighborhoods they call home.

As communities struggle to find balance and recover from the impacts of COVID19, high unemployment and social injustice, NeighborWorks organizations are working to balance the need for change and support equality while also keeping residents united and safe. 

Kelleigh Gamble, CEO for Neighborhood Housing Services Birmingham Inc., talks about recent days, and his expectations and hopes for the weeks ahead.