September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

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Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. It is a day forever embedded in the heart of this nation, not only because of the senseless loss of life, but also because of the spirit of unity and compassion that swept our nation that day and the months that followed.

More than 1 million people are expected to participate in the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, an effort originally launched in 2002 by family members who lost loved ones in the attacks and support groups, led by the nonprofit organization MyGoodDeed. In 2009, Congress designated September 11 as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with supporting this effort across the country.

At NeighborWorks America we firmly believe in the value and impact of volunteer engagement. In 2010, our Community Building and Organizing Programs generated 322,000 volunteer hours, building stronger, vibrant and more connected communities. We know the difference ordinary people working together can make in the lives of individuals and entire communities. That is why we are encouraging you to participate in this year’s National Day of Service and Remembrance.

There are so many ways to get involved, ranging from performing a simple act of kindness to helping with home repairs, neighborhood cleanups and disaster relief activities. Visit serve.gov to learn how you can help, or check your local NeighborWorks organization to see if any volunteer events are planned.

How a VISTA Kicked Off an After-School Program, and Took it Up a Notch with Volunteers from Boston U. and Support from TDBank

“So often we measure impact in numbers, but when I saw these pictures I thought they really conveyed the impact one VISTA volunteer can have on the lives of many children… No surprise that this is a really successful program.”

- Ann Houston, executive director
Chelsea Neighborhood Developers.

While talking with the residents of Spencer Green, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, AmeriCorps Vista volunteer Josh Strazanac made a discovery: there wasn't enough for the Spencer Green kids to do to keep busy.

Working with Chelsea Neighborhood Developers' (CND) Community Engagement Team, Strazanac created a three-day a week program for kids ages three to 12 so they would have a positive place to spend a few hours after school. Volunteers from Boston University's Community Service Center worked with kids for an hour on their homework and for the second hour, the kids had time for some fun. They play board games, socialize with friends and make arts and crafts.

"The after school program was a way for the community room to be used in a healthy, constructive way," Strazanac said.

After a few successful months CND partnered with TDBank to start a financial literacy program for the kids in the after school program. Also Chelsea Public Schools offered their gym and equipment for the children to use when it was cold out and the BNY Mellon Charitable Giving Program provided free passes for the Boston Children's Museum and New England Aquarium.

This program, which started with just 12 children in February when it launched, now has 24 students registered. Many of the nine volunteers from Boston University have been with the program since its launch. The model has been so successful that it is being used to start a program at Spencer Row, another CND affordable housing community.

"Pursuing a healthy environment with long term stability in neighbor relationships is the goal," Strazanac explains.

The time Strazanac put into the after school program has had a lasting impact on all the families who rely on after school care. Spencer Green has seen dramatically reduced damage to property, and the residents are happy with its result.

The Community Engagement Team encourages working with other organizations to improve communities. By forming the relationship between CND, Boston University, TD Bank and Chelsea Public Schools, it has strengthened the Chelsea community.

NeighborWorks Affiliate Receives International Recognition for Innovative Housing Solutions

NeighborWorks America is very excited to share that San Francisco affiliate Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation’s (TNDC) 990 Polk Street project has been selected as the U.S. Finalist for the 2011 World Habitat Award. This is an international award established in 1985 by the Building and Social Housing Foundation as part of its contribution to the United Nations International Year of Shelter for the Homeless.

The eight finalists and two winners were selected from more than 250 entries from 82 countries around the world. TNDC’s 990 Polk Street development was the only United States finalist and one of only two selected from all of North America.

990 Polk was selected for its innovative approach to housing a diverse mix of low-income and formerly homeless seniors, both in its social services model and its innovative and green design. The World Habitat Award rewards practical and innovative solutions to current housing needs and problems. 

“Being selected as an award finalist is exciting for TNDC because it highlights our innovative housing solutions in a global context,” said TNDC Executive Director Donald Falk. “We are particularly proud of this accomplishment because it was truly an ‘all hands on deck’ effort…to meet every standard for World Habitat Award’s strenuous three-stage entry process.”  

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan Hails Property Owned by Hawaii NeighborWorks Affiliate as Model for the Nation

(l-r): HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan; Hawaii Governor
Neil Abercrombie; Hawaii Mutual Housing Association
Executive Director Dave Nakamura; Mutual Housing
Board President Dee Dee Letts; Palolo Homes Resident
Services Manager Dahlia Asuega 

During a recent visit to the state of Hawaii, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan hailed Palolo Valley Homes, owned by NeighborWorks Affiliate Mutual Housing Association of Hawaii, as a national model for the successful privatization of public housing. Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie accompanied the secretary on a tour of the 300-unit property that houses low-income families. [View photos]

With a $1.7 million grant from HUD and additional funding from public and private sector partners, Palolo Valley Homes was renovated with new services and amenities such as a state-of-the-art learning center, children’s play area and a health examination room. With federal funds in short supply, partnerships like the one put to use in Palolo are being looked at for housing across the nation.

“We have a comprehensive housing policy in Hawaii that includes repairing and building public housing units where people feel safe in their community and proud of their home,” Governor Abercrombie said.

“I will go back to Washington D.C. inspired by your example,” Secretary Donovan said during his visit to Palolo Valley Homes. “We want innovative techniques in bringing nonprofit and private partners to the table to make a community truly a home to its residents.”

The governor and housing secretary also visited Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s Mayor Wright housing, where partnerships are being looked at to make much-needed renovations.
Learn more about the Secretary’s visit.

Mortgage Refinancing Challenges Banks and Consumers

Today’s story in the Wall Street Journal — “Mortgage Refinancing Wave Poses Challenge for Banks” — highlights another obstacle for consumers who want to take advantage of record low mortgage interest rates.

Al Yoon writes:

“The capacity of banks to handle refinancings is a key issue for investors in mortgage-backed securities, whose returns are now among the most sensitive-ever to refinancings. The higher the hurdles for consumers, the better for investors who want to avoid the early repayment of principal at face value that produces a loss to bonds priced well-above that level.”

Just last week NeighborWorks America pointed out three additional obstacles that consumers who are interested in refinancing their mortgages are currently facing: a much higher credit score is needed to qualify, lost home equity in the foreclosure crisis, and cash needed for closing costs.

If you are interested in refinancing and would like to find out whether you could qualify, visit any of the more than 100 NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Centers located across the country.