Mountain Housing Opportunities: Building Homes as a Community

This blog is part of our 35th Anniversary Celebration series, highlighting NeighborWorks member organizations which are celebrating milestone years marking either their membership in the network or their incorporation as an organization.

By Brittany Hutson, NeighborWorks
America Public Relations fellow

Twenty-five years ago, a group of 10 volunteers completed seven home repairs in seven months for seniors in the Asheville area. These repairs included roof and porch repairs, replacing furnaces, correcting electrical hazards, and water and sewer problems. Out of this effort was born Mountain Housing Opportunities, a community development corporation based in Asheville, North Carolina, that builds and improves homes, neighborhoods, and communities for people of Asheville and Buncombe County. Several of those volunteers served on the original board of directors of Mountain Housing, including Executive Director Scott Dedman. Today, the organization completes 150 emergency home repairs each year for families with children and elderly and disabled homeowners.

In the early 1990s, Mountain Housing moved into developing single family homes and affordable/workforce apartments, and later townhomes and condominiums for first-time homebuyers.  Since the financial crisis, Mountain Housing has temporarily stopped producing multifamily homes for homeownership.

Self Help Homeownership families work together to frame a house

“We are building single family homes and have expanded our production of apartments since the rental market continues to expand dramatically,” says Dedman. As part of the organization’s single family home development effort, Mountain Housing worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development office to start a Self-Help Homeownership program, where families spend approximately 20 hours per week building their own homes for about eight months. “We build six homes per years with families through that program,” explains Dedman. Production for apartments averages about 60 per year. To date, 535 apartments have been completed.

Two members of the six Self Help HomeOwnership
families measure wood to cut for their home

Mountain Housing became a NeighborWorks charter member five years ago, and since then, Dedman says the organization has dramatically grown in production and services. For example, after becoming a member, Mountain Housing began a down payment assistance program that provides an average of 25 to 30 homebuyers per year with loans for as much as $15,000 per home.

Since Mountain Housing earned a LEED Gold certification for a building completed in 2010, they have been incorporating even more green features into their developments. Dedman is also proud that Mountain Housing has helped more than 4,500 families and individuals. “We’ve saved people’s homes and lives through emergency repair,” he says. “We’re providing families with children and elderly and disabled folks a safe and attractive apartment in good neighborhoods. We’ve helped families move up in their quality of life.” 

Learn more about Mountain Housing Opportunities at http://www.mtnhousing.org 

Providing Pathways Out of Poverty in the Grand Canyon State

This blog is part of our 35th Anniversary Celebration series, highlighting NeighborWorks member organizations which are celebrating milestone years marking either their membership in the network or their incorporation as an organization.

Reneé Bibby,
marketing coordinator,
Primavera Foundation

More than 28,000 individuals are homeless in Arizona, with 1 in 100 people homeless in Pima County and the Tucson Metropolitan Area. This is double the national average of 1 in 200.

Thirty years ago, Tucson, Arizona like the rest of the country, was experiencing a rapid rise in homelessness. To address this issue, Nancy Bissell and Gordon Packard organized a group of friends and neighbors and created the Primavera Foundation. Their initial goal was to provide for the emergency needs of those in our community who were homeless.

Currently celebrating its 30th year of providing services to the Tucson area, the Primavera Foundation has expanded with a variety of programs, to respond to the complex challenges and diverse needs of the community. Today, Primavera offers a full spectrum of programs that provide multiple affordable housing options, job training, employment opportunities, financial and homeownership education, and neighborhood revitalization. Primavera also provides specialized services for veterans while continuing to address social and economic justice issues. These programs and Primavera’s team of over 1,000 volunteers have helped to create a vibrant grassroots effort to address the underlying causes of poverty in the community.

Rosa Borbon is raising her granddaughter, Mary Rose. Rosa
served on the Las Abuelitas grandparent council, providing
crucial design input into the plans of the Las Abuelitas project.
Photo credit: Primavera Foundation

“Primavera’s job is to meet people wherever they are on their pathway out of poverty,” said Peggy Hutchison, Primavera’s chief executive officer.

A new project under construction for Primavera is Las Abuelitas. This 12-unit community is for low-income grandparents raising their grandchildren and will open in August. It will also include a community center, basketball court, a playground, private gardens within the units, and a community garden.



“Primavera’s job is to meet people wherever they are on their pathway out of poverty,” said Peggy Hutchison, Primavera’s chief executive officer.


 “We were approached by grandparents who had very unique concerns about raising their grandchildren and asked for a solution,” explains Hutchison. “Primavera decided that this was not only an opportunity to help 12 families, but a chance to empower other grandparents and revitalize the neighborhood.” 

Additionally, Primavera is still working to address the needs of individuals. One example is a program participant named Bill McNamee, an ex-offender, who was homeless and in need of employment. After a stay at the Primavera men’s shelter, McNamee moved into Primavera’s rental housing program while participating in Primavera’s workforce development program, Primavera Works. He has now secured a full-time job and is looking forward to joining Primavera’s financial and homeownership education classes. 

Bill McNamee, currently employed as a host at Waffle House,
poses with Waffle House Owner, Gabby Llovet.
Photo credit: Primavera Foundation

“Bill is a great example of how people can grow if given the right opportunity,” says Hutchison. But there are still an abundance of people to assist. Hutchison says a benefit of being a NeighborWorks America charter member is that “NeighborWorks is always willing to support progressive visions and programs.”

“The collaborative partnership that NeighborWorks brings to community development organizations throughout the network is immeasurable,” she adds.

Learn more about Primavera at http://primavera.org

Fulfilling the Dream of Homeownership in Paradise

This blog is part of our 35th Anniversary Celebration series, highlighting NeighborWorks member organizations which are celebrating milestone years marking either their membership in the network or their incorporation as an organization.

By Brittany Hutson, NeighborWorks
America Public Relations fellow

Hawaii is known for its tranquil waters and natural beauty, but the state is also one of the most expensive places to live and buy a home. For 10 years, Hawai‘i HomeOwnership Center (HHOC), based in Honolulu, has been a resource for providing education, information, and support for first-time homeowners. Since the average income does not mirror the high cost of living in the state, HHOC’s services are particularly helpful to low and moderate income households. The organization has assisted more than 930 families become first-time home buyers and this year, HHOC anticipates assisting their 1,000th homeowner.

Hawaii was not immune to the effects of the global economic crisis; HHOC had to develop new strategies to assist their clients. “We never thought that we’d see foreclosures on a high level since real estate has always been a finite commodity in our state,” says HHOC Executive Director Dennis Oshiro. “We have been compelled to deal with the rising number of families in danger of losing their homes dues to financial hardships, as well as educate the public about avoiding modification scams.”

Maria Stewart and Matthew Kriegler attended a Hawaii HomeOwnwership
Center orientation and thought, “homeownership is for other people.” 
They signed up anyway and realized homeownership was
possible. Now they enjoy meals in their own backyard.

After noticing a growing need from homeowners that wanted assistance in resolving their mortgage situation, HHOC added a foreclosure prevention counseling program in February 2009. Instead of hiring new staff, HHOC’s counselors were trained and became certified as foreclosure counselors. Since the foreclosure prevention program’s implementation, over 750 families have been assisted by HHOC. Although lower interest rates have helped create a sellers’ market, rising sales prices and tight credit restrictions for low down payment buyers have made it challenging for low and moderate income buyers to purchase homes, says Oshiro. “In the last four years, more of our clientele have been long-term clients that require additional support to purchase a home.”

For years, Mary Ellen Farias has kept her receipts in a zip lock bag as part of
her system for tracking expenses. Now Farias is a homeowner.
She says, “I did it for my son.”

Oshiro recalls a story about a client, whom he calls ”Keone”, who was able to purchase a home for his wife and four children after completing HHOC’s homebuyer education classes. Keone and his wife were both employed but could not afford to rent a home. The family alternated living with their friends and family members for at least a year. Keone and his wife took HHOC’s online education classes—through which they learned about money management, getting a mortgage, shopping for a home, and credit—and attended counseling sessions.

Oshiro recalls his staff commenting, “Keone was like a sponge soaking up every bit of information at his meetings. He is the only client we know of that read the entire 1-1/2 inch textbook from cover to cover!” Keone and his family now live in a home of their own. “Keone’s open attitude towards learning and his enthusiasm of working towards his dream of homeownership reflects what we have seen in many clients after they are equipped to make homeownership possible,” says Oshiro.

Oshiro says being a part of the NeighborWorks network has allowed HHOC to “operate at a high-level on behalf of our clients” because of the funding and technical assistance NeighborWorks provides. 

Learn more about HHOC at http://www.hihomeownership.org.

Hope Enterprise Corporation: Building Financial Wealth in the Mississippi Delta Region

This blog is part of our 35th Anniversary Celebration series, highlighting NeighborWorks member organizations which are celebrating milestone years marking either their membership in the network or their incorporation as an organization.

By Brittany Hutson, NeighborWorks
America Public Relations fellow

This year, Hope Enterprise Corporation (HOPE), a community development financial institution (CDFI), marks 20 years of providing support and assistance for small business owners and homeowners in economically distressed areas of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, HOPE has grown from providing financing and technical assistance to small business owners to investing in other focus areas such as housing, healthcare, and community development. In 2002, HOPE further expanded the scope of their services by becoming the primary sponsor of Hope Credit Union.

Hope Credit Union was organized in 1995 by members of Anderson United Methodist Church to provide access to financial services to low-income residents in Jackson, Mississippi. Nearly two years ago, Bancorp South, the largest bank in Mississippi announced plans to close 23 branches. Nine of those were in communities where Bancorp South was the only bank.  According to Executive Director William Bynum, “It left a lot of families without access to financial services.”  Utica, a small rural town near Jackson, Mississippi, was particularly affected by the bank closures; so, local leaders invited the Hope Credit Union to establish a local branch that would be run by Utica residents.  According to Bynum, similar bank deserts have emerged throughout the Mississippi Delta region. “Opening that branch [in Utica] addressed a critical need for that community,” he says. “[We were] able to work with [them] and help them recover and essentially create their own financial institution.” The credit union offers business and mortgage lending, as well as basic financial services.

A housewarming celebration for the first two families moving into
homes in the new Radiant Blossoms development in New Orleans

HOPE and Hope Credit Union have also been resources for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Those affected had access to services like small business and housing recovery, and could open accounts to receive recovery funds.  In the wake of the disaster, HOPE joined with NeighborWorks and other collaborators to create Home Again, a home rebuilding effort. HOPE and NeighborWorks also partnered to develop a financial curriculum to help homeowners on the Gulf Coast develop recovery plans. “People needed help navigating all the confusion,” says Bynum.  “We counseled about 10,000 people who received roughly $600 million for housing recovery needs.”

Bynum is proud that HOPE has been able to help people respond to devastating events like Hurricane Katrina and the recent economic downturn. “We’ve been able to survive, navigate, and provide services to thousands of people; it’s a great feeling.” Part of their ability to survive and expand is due to their interest in partnerships, like NeighborWorks. “NeighborWorks has been at the front of the line as a critical partner by providing capital and technical support,” says Bynum. “They are proactive and creative, and have been wonderful to work with.”

Learn more about HOPE at http://www.hope-ec.org/

35 Years of Preserving and Rehabilitating New York’s Rural Communities

This blog is part of our 35th Anniversary Celebration series, highlighting NeighborWorks member organizations which are celebrating milestone years marking either their membership in the network or their incorporation as an organization. Last month, Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation celebrated their 35th year since incorporation. 

By Brittany Hutson, NeighborWorks
America Public Relations fellow

For 35 years, the Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation (CHRIC), located in Mayville, New York, has rehabbed thousands of homes in Chautauqua County. Chautauqua is a low-income rural county situated in southwestern New York. The county has a population of over 126,000 and is a tourist area that offers grape vineyards, wine trails, ski resorts, and fishing in Chautauqua Lake. According to Staci Bemis, housing rehab coordinator for CHRIC, Chautauqua County holds the oldest housing stock in the country, and this has presented a bevy of rehab projects for the organization. CHRIC’s achievements include the completion of nearly 2,700 homes from 1990 to 2011, an approximate value of $25.5 million in housing rehab funds. This was accomplished in spite of the various challenges brought on by the recent recession, such as decreasing housing values, job losses and population loss.

Though rehabilitation is the organization’s largest line of business, CHRIC also offers foreclosure and homeownership counseling, lending, and has been involved in historic preservation and downtown community development projects, including a five-year rehabilitation project on a lighthouse situated on Lake Erie in the city of Dunkirk.

A property before rehabilitation

After CHRIC performed rehab work

CHRIC’s dedication to rehabilitation has made a difference in the lives of numerous local families. For example, the organization received a home through donation in 1998. The home was one of CHRIC’s rehab projects and in 2008, the organization was able to place a family of eight in the home after counseling through CHRIC’s Home Buyers Club. “This was a family who really had been experiencing pretty severe housing needs,” says Jim Goodling, executive director from late 2011 to January 2013. He also recalls assisting a family in which the father worked full time as a janitor and the mother stayed at home to tend to her two mentally and physically disabled girls. Through their counseling program, CHRIC helped the family become homeowners and reduce their monthly expenditures. “That’s indicative of the kind of work that we do.”

CHRIC’s rehabilitation service is in high demand these days and it has been challenging to keep up with requests. “There are nearly 465 families on our waiting list,” says Goodling. “We can address only a small part of those requests in any given year.” Funding is one of the biggest constraints. However, Goodling believes that being a charter member of NeighborWorks has been helpful to CHRIC. Funding from NeighborWorks, along with other federal sources and state contributions, has enabled CHRIC to undertake its “buy, rehab, and sell” housing program. Funding has also provided a basis for their loan and mortgage programs.

Learn more about CHRIC at http://www.chric.org/

AAFE: Working for Equal Rights for All

This blog is part of our anniversary celebration series, highlighting NeighborWorks affiliates celebrating milestone years marking either their membership in the network or their incorporation as an organization. Last month, Asian Americans for Equality, Inc. (AAFE) celebrated 5 years as part of the NeighborWorks network. 

By Brittany Hutson, NeighborWorks
America Public Relations fellow

In New York City, the Asian population currently makes up more than 13 percent of the general population, but history has not always been kind to the city’s Asian community. Asian Americans for Equality, Inc. (AAFE) has been working for 35 years to give these residents, and those of all ethnic backgrounds, equal rights and opportunities, especially in the areas of housing and community development.

Christopher Kui, executive director, describes AAFE as a “unique” and “innovative” organization. In the late 1980s, AAFE became the first community development corporation to introduce the low income tax credit in New York City, demonstrating the organization’s willingness to think outside of the box. “We introduced the low income tax credit at a time when no one else did [it] or thought highly of it,” explains Kui. “It was validation that investing in affordable housing benefits everyone in the community,” he says of Equality Houses, two buildings AAFE purchased for temporary and permanent low-income housing.

AAFE's history includes calling attention to the needs of
New York's Chinatown residents

One element of AAFE's work is housing preservation in Chinatown. The organization developed a program with New York City to purchase historical tenement buildings off the private real estate market so that the buildings could be preserved as permanent affordable housing.

Additionally, AAFE has two community development financial institution (CDFI) affiliates: the AAFE Community Development Fund provides first time homebuyers with homeownership counseling and low interest loans; and the Renaissance Economic Development Corporation provides technical assistance and low interest loans to women and minority-owned small businesses.

A Chinatown senior at a Columbus Park beautification project

In between their work with housing, AAFE has also maintained their initial position of serving as a resource when their communities face tragedy and despair. After the September 11th attacks, AAFE initiated the “Rebuild Chinatown Initiative,” a community planning effort that rejuvenated the Chinatown/Lower East Side neighborhood.

Following Superstorm Sandy this past October, AAFE dispersed over 160 emergency repair loans amounting to $3 million to impacted homeowners and small businesses. “The most gratifying part of being at AAFE is seeing how quickly we respond,” says Kui. “AAFE was able to launch this emergency loan program two days after the storm and was able to get funds released quickly to help homeowners and businesses get back on their feet.”

Kui adds that one of the organization’s biggest barriers is helping to educate underserved minorities about their basic rights. “Recent immigrants are scared about bringing up problems they may have due to the language barrier and fear of the government,” he says. “That’s why AAFE’s work is very important because we continue to educate people about their rights, advocate for resources to improve our community, and promote affordable housing.”

In its fifth year as a NeighborWorks member, AAFE not only receives capital from NeighborWorks America but also resources that support the organization’s mission. “NeighborWorks pushes us to be the best organization that we can be,” says Kui.

30 Years of Affordable Homes in Cambridge

This blog is part of our anniversary celebration series, highlighting NeighborWorks affiliates which are celebrating milestone years marking either their membership in the network or their incorporation as an organization. Last month, Cambridge Neighborhood Apartment & Housing Services (CNAHS) celebrated 30 years since incorporation. 

By Brittany Hutson, NeighborWorks
America Public Relations fellow

Cambridge Neighborhood Apartment & Housing Services (CNAHS) understands how rental and homeownership costs in urban locations can severely strain the finances of low income families.  For 30 years, the organization has been dedicated to creating and preserving affordable housing in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In the late 1980s rent control in Cambridge was overturned through a statewide referendum.  CNAHS knew there would be a large number of displaced residents unable to find living space at a similarly affordable rate. To help alleviate this problem, CNAHS chose to focus on acquiring and preserving affordable homes. In particular, they targeted those properties where rent controls were expiring and owners were being permitted to convert them to market rate.

Peter Daly, executive director of CNAHS, says that some of CNAHS’ proudest achievements are their preservation projects and the fact that this work prevents lower income people from being outpriced and displaced.  “When we first encounter a project and the residents are very much aware of the threat of losing their homes, it’s an exhilarating experience to work with them [and] to give them hope that their homes will be restored at an affordable rate,” says Daly.

Putnam Green housing. Landscaping at the property features
drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plants (no grass).

CNAHS has preserved five buildings, totaling more than 515 apartments. “About two years ago, we started participating in a new state law in which the state appoints a designee to acquire and operate buildings that are subject to being sold,” says Daly. So far, the state has approved CNAHS as designee of two projects. This state designation is a recognition of the need for the organization’s work, and of all CNAHS has accomplished.

However, CNAHS is not content with just these successes; the organization has adopted a green approach to housing, development, and operations. “We believe in green because it is good for the environment, good for the residents and neighborhood, and good for the operations of the property,” explain Daly. CHAHS was one of 16 organizations in the NeighborWorks network recognized in December 2012 for its green business practices.  “The strength of being in the NeighborWorks network is having so many different organizations around the county doing similar things [as you],” says Daly. “You really get the feeling that you’re not alone. Whenever I come up with a problem or challenge, I can call another organization and we can share ideas or they can offer a solution.”

For more about CNAHS, visit:http://www.cambridgenahs.org
For more about the NeighborWorks Green Organization program, visit: http://ow.ly/hu3gT  

NHS of Greater Cleveland: A Port in the Foreclosure Storm

This blog is part of our 35^th Anniversary Celebration series, highlighting NeighborWorks affiliates which are celebrating milestone years marking either their membership in the network or their incorporation as an organization. This month, NHSGC is celebrating 15 years since incorporation. 

By Brittany Hutson, NeighborWorks
America Public Relations fellow

The 2008 housing crisis caused many to wonder if buying a home could still be considered the "American dream." In spite of all the uncertainty about the housing market, Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland, Inc. (NHSGC) has remained steadfast in its mission to assist their clients in becoming homeowners. “A lot of people will say Cleveland and Slavic Village was the epicenter of foreclosure, mortgage fraud, flipping, etc.,” says Executive Director Lou Tisler. “But it was also the epicenter for solution based programs for the foreclosure crisis.”

Tisler says that the foreclosure crisis gave NHSGC an opportunity to prove their value and leadership and that the crisis required the organization to be more flexible and creative. The organization was selected for the Ohio Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, accumulated nearly $5.6 million to assist people in need with the NeighborWorks Collaborative of Ohio, and provided testimony at congressional hearings.

Dave Wilson came to NHSGC to avoid foreclosure. He had
suffered an injury and struggled to make ends meet. By working with
NHSGC, Wilson was able to get an affordable loan modification.

This month, the Cleveland, Ohio organization celebrates 15 years as part of the NeighborWorks network.  NHSGC offers a number of programs to “help people get, fix and keep their homes,” says Tisler. These programs include a homebuyer education program, a down payment assistance program, providing rehab loans to those who cannot get lending from traditional banks, a sustainability program that focuses on foreclosure prevention and intervention; mortgage counseling; and EnergYOU, which helps clients and residents conserve their budgets for utilities and food costs. The organization serves primarily low-to-moderate income people, as well as people with moderate-to-high income that seek foreclosure prevention assistance. “Our clients are usually underserved, under-banked and under-represented in the housing market,” says Tisler. The organization serves up to 3,500 people per year.

Raylene Hood reached out to NHSGC for assistance in saving her home. A
NHSGC counselor helped her apply for rescue funds to bring her mortgage current.
NHSGC also helped Hood when she needed emergency repairs on her roof.

Though NHSGC has seen its fair share of challenges in home equity, lack of access to capital, and limited lending, Tisler praises his staff of 16 for their motivation and commitment to serving the organization’s targeted community. “The staff [has been] the greatest asset to the organization,” says Tisler. “Our staff has gotten us to a solution based delivery system. To see them come in everyday and make what they do happen is incredible.”

In addition to the staff, Tisler says that being a part of the NeighborWorks network is “an incredible, valuable asset for the organization and the people we serve.” He adds, “As a network member, NHSGC has access to best practices and funding, and can share experiences and ideas with other network organizations. It is truly a network of excellence.”

Neighborhood Housing Services of Richland County, Inc.: 30 Years of Serving Wisconsin

NeighborWorks America is celebrating its 35 anniversary this year. This blog is part of our 35^th Anniversary Celebration series, highlighting NeighborWorks affiliates which are celebrating milestone years marking either their membership in the network or their incorporation as an organization. This month, NHSRC is celebrating 30 years since incorporation. 

By Brittany Hutson, NeighborWorks
America Public Relations fellow

Neighborhood Housing Services of Richland County, Inc. (NHSRC) is the first and oldest operating rural program in the NeighborWorks network. For 30 years, NHSRC has been a resource for home preservation, new home construction, homeownership programs and foreclosure prevention in Richland County, Wisconsin.

Executive Director Terry Testolin says new home construction is one of NHSRC’s most successful lines of business. According to Testolin, the housing stock in NHSRC’s targeted communities is “very old with a high dilapidation rate.” Since 1995, the organization has built 52 new homes, a majority of which are energy star certified.  Due to the recession, output has slowed, but NHSRC continues to build new homes. This year, NHSRC will complete construction of two homes and Testolin plans to build two more homes in 2014. “It was amazing to us when we built our 50th house,” says Testolin. “When you think of all the people you’ve helped and the economic development that comes out of that, not too many people are trying that.”

Before NHSRC repairs

NHSRC also receives rehabilitation requests that are generally for roofing repairs and window replacements. In one case, nearly two years ago, NHSRC discovered that a single family home had a number of lead hazards, in addition to general repairs. NHSRC pooled funds from NeighborWorks America, HUD's HOME Investment Partnership Program, and the City of Richland Center’s Community Development Block Grant to cover project costs. Today the project is nearly complete with minor interior work remaining . The family, which includes four children — three of whom are under the age of six — is relieved that their children can sleep and play in a safe and healthy home. They also appreciate the improved energy efficiencies the rehab provided.

As repairs near completion

By leveraging partnerships locally and nationally, NHSRC has extended their reach and services while gaining valuable support from their collaborators. As a NeighborWorks member, Testolin says, “We view our partnership with NeighborWorks as one of the strongest partnerships that there is.” From this partnership, NHSRC had the opportunity in July of 2012 to join with all five of the other NeighborWorks organizations in their state to create the NeighborWorks Alliance of Wisconsin. The mission of the alliance is to improve housing opportunities and build strong communities for all Wisconsin residents.

In addition, Testolin is a 2007 graduate of NeighborWorks’ Achieving Excellence program, an organizational investment program for executive directors in community development. Due to that experience, NHSRC was able to collaborate with the Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency, and in 2010, the organizations won the Partnership Fair Housing Award from the Wisconsin Fair Housing Network for addressing the housing needs of Native Americans.

SMHA Promotes Prosperity for Rural Communities

NeighborWorks America is celebrating its 35 anniversary this year. This blog is part of our 35^th Anniversary Celebration series, highlighting NeighborWorks affiliates which are celebrating milestone years marking either their membership in the network or their incorporation as an organization. 

By Brittany Hutson, NeighborWorks
America Public Relations fellow

Since 1969, Southern Mutual Help Association (SMHA), based in New Iberia, Louisiana, has worked to build prosperous rural communities by addressing poverty and equality issues for individuals and families whose livelihoods are dependent on the land and water. This year SMHA celebrates its fifth year as a NeighborWorks charter member.

SMHA has changed a great deal over the years. In the beginning, SMHA tackled political and local issues that threatened the quality of life for sugar cane farm workers in southern Louisiana. The organization advocated for better wages and more access to homeownership. They also established community-based programs.

In the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Denise Galatas, special assistant to the president, says the organization is proud  to have been first responders, especially in isolated communities, where they helped individuals, families and business

SMHA's Assistant Executive Director/Life Quality Director, Helen Vinton, 
(right) with a fisher (left) who received assistance from SMHA
to repair his boat and stay in business

owners navigate through their recovery.

After Katrina, SMHA launched a Rural Recovery Response and raised approximately $10.5 million to rebuild communities across Louisiana. More than 1,500 individual homes, churches and businesses were aided by that effort. In response to the 2010 oil spill, SMHA raised funds to provide fishing business owners with grants and loans to help them stay in business. SMHA is currently working to create a Gulf Coast Fishers Loan Fund so shrimpers, fin fishers, oyster fishers and crabbers have access to affordable capital.

Intracoastal Seafood employees hard at work processing shrimp.
SMHA helped this Vermilion Parish seafood dock continue its
operations following storms in 2005 and 2008.

Galatas says SMHA will continue to create solutions while finding ways to remove barriers to equity. This strategy also includes working to increase knowledge and investment in rural communities. Galatas says NeighborWorks has been an excellent partner in assisting SMHA with its mission. “We have connected with strong and efficient organizations across the country that we may not have otherwise linked up with,” she says. “We have made new friends and partners because of our affiliation with NeighborWorks.”

Learn more about SMHA at www.southernmutualhelp.org.