Mary Ann Cuellar knows the importance of resources. So in March of 2020, when the pandemic forced many financial coaches and housing counselors to provide services in an online-only format, she immediately began calling her clients on the phone to make sure they were okay and had the resources they needed. 

Veronica Lopez will always remember March 16, 2020. It’s the day that Los Angeles County ordered the closure of businesses and banned large public gatherings of any kind to contain the COVID-19 virus. Almost immediately, the constant phone calls from businesses seeking assistance began and didn’t start to slow down until several months later in June.

When you attend a NeighborWorks training, there's a good chance you may see Robin Gordon. She's been learning with NeighborWorks for over 15 years. She's incorporated what she's learned into her work so much, that when she shares ideas in staff meetings, her colleagues expect her to end with "I learned that at NeighborWorks training." In fact, it's become somewhat of an office slogan. 

In Western Maine, Marjorie Millett is often face-to-face with clients. But not this year. When the pandemic forced many housing counselors and financial coaches like Millett to switch to Zoom, she and her organization faced the daunting challenge to continue providing their services in an online-only format. 

These are unparalleled times, but NeighborWorks America remains committed to creating opportunities for people to live in affordable homes and strengthen their communities, says Kim Drayton, principal member of Thrive Inspire Inc. Drayton led a course on remote homeownership counseling during NeighborWorks' Virtual Training Institute, offering pointers to help housing counselors embrace remote counseling. 

"There's nothing wrong with Black people that ending racism can't solve," says Andre Perry, a fellow at Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program where he studies Black majority cities.

Training isn't just a way to keep certifications current; it's a way to keep knowledge current. And as current events continue to create moving targets for affordable housing and community development professionals – with eviction moratoriums, unemployment, rental relief, and a kaleidoscope of grants and programs – housing counselors, educators and trainers need to keep up.

Victor Cruz, former wide receiver for the Super Bowl-winning New York Giants, believes giving back – and coming back – to a community can inspire others. He brought his own brand of inspiration to a conversation with Marietta Rodriguez, president and CEO of NeighborWorks America, during an afternoon workshop sponsored by JPMorgan Chase.