The path to affordable homeownership is longer than it used to be. Interest rates are higher. Coming up with a down payment is harder. And there's less affordable housing stock available, especially for low- and moderate-income residents looking for a safe place to live, according to NeighborWorks America's National Homeownership Programs & Lending staff.  

The path to affordable homeownership is longer than it used to be. Interest rates are higher. Coming up with a down payment is harder. And there's less affordable housing stock available, especially for low- and moderate-income residents looking for a safe place to live, according to NeighborWorks America's National Homeownership Programs & Lending staff.  

In Aurora, Illinois, Richard Carney went to The Neighbor Project (TNP) seeking assistance. His tenant couldn't pay him on time, which also put Carney in a difficult financial position.

In Aurora, Illinois, Richard Carney went to The Neighbor Project (TNP) seeking assistance. His tenant couldn't pay him on time, which also put Carney in a difficult financial position.

In Aurora, too many households – 1 in 6 – have zero net-worth, says Rick Guzman, CEO of The Neighbor Project (TNP), a NeighborWorks network organization. His nonprofit formed in 2018 to do something about it, with a focus on helping low- to moderate-income individuals build financial health and wealth. Much of this takes place through the newly formed Aurora Financial Empowerment Center. Now in its second year of operation, the center has already served 672 families. 

Middle neighborhoods – those neighborhoods caught between growth and decline – were first developed to provide modestly priced homes to the growing middle class. "Middle neighborhoods provided families with the opportunity to own a home, build community and realize the American Dream," explains Paul Singh, NeighborWorks America's vice president for community initiatives. But many middle neighborhoods are facing serious challenges. Housing stock is aging.

NeighborWorks network organizations across the country celebrated NeighborWorks Week with paint, plants, trash pickups, cards, signs, hammers, nails, food, and all of the other trappings you’d expect in a community celebration. Held each year the first full week in June, NeighborWorks Week highlights the collective impact of NeighborWorks America’s nearly 250 network nonprofits. The week, celebrated nationally since 1983, also celebrates the resiliency and strength of communities.

The Tableau Fellows, a cohort chosen from among NeighborWorks America's network organizations, work to tell new stories about their nonprofits through the information they collect, with the help of mentors, using Tableau, which helps organi