Small Housing’s Post

How might you rewrite the mission and the vision of your organization in a way that will resonate with the original purpose, will be embraced by your organization’s employees, and will be reflected in changes in actions in the field? Read more to find out how we did this: In times of crisis, meaningful change sometimes begins by remembering our roots. Faced with an internal disconnect from its founding mission—"From a building to a home, from a group of houses to a neighborhood, from a crowd to a community"—this organization sought to fulfill its original mission. 🛠 Key Actions Taken: Defining Success: Introducing the “Community Index” to measure real impact on local communities. Empowering Roles: Establishing new roles like the Community Building Facilitator to create a sustainable impact across districts. Building a Shared Language: Fostering a culture of community building that resonates from the boardroom to each community center. ⚙️ Overcoming Challenges: Change is rarely easy, and resistance occurred. But ultimately, this organization was able to reshape its vision, structure, and impact on local communities. Read more at https://lnkd.in/duMEq-b7 #TheVardaInstitute #communitybuilding #maketogethermatter #overcomingchallenges #rewriteyourmission #mission #vision

What do community foundation leaders value most as they work to build stronger, more resilient communities? We asked Ben Davis, President of the Madison County Community Foundation; Mary Gibble, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Hancock County; and Julie Reagan, CEO of the Community Foundation of Boone County, to share their reflections. A common theme emerged: the power of collaboration. From building trust to sparking new connections, their insights reveal what it takes to drive meaningful change. 📖 Explore their perspectives and see how they’re shaping the future: https://lnkd.in/gar6zteB #CommunityFoundations #CollaborationInAction #BuildingStrongerCommunities

Getting Started with Welcoming: Resources for Community Foundations 📚⬇️ Alongside our partner CFLeads, we hosted a community of practice for #CommunityFoundations in 2024. Fifteen participants spent months deepening their #welcoming and #belonging work. What did they learn? 🤝 As local leaders, community foundations can play multiple roles to advance belonging in their communities, such as funder, convener, champion, or partner. 📖 Community foundations can lean on existing frameworks and resources, like the Welcoming Standard and SDGs, to effectively respond to demographic changes and migration. 💡 Having time to reflect and interact with peers is invaluable for community leaders who want to connect what’s happening in their communities with the bigger picture. Dive into more insights from leaders including Jessica Wurtz at Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, Jonathan Cohen at Greater Worcester Community Foundation, and Brandi Yee at ACT for Alexandria: https://lnkd.in/eKxvsTDU

“You’ve got a person with an idea, and a person bringing people together: combining these two is the key to creating successful communities.” Today, Lenz talks about the often overlooked role played by Community Builders - those that bring people and ideas together to foster thriving, impactful communities. He explains how the community fabric is made up of threads, and how the more they’re interwoven, the stronger the fabric is, and the stronger the fabric, the more can grow out of it. And the weaver at the heart of it all? That’s the community builder! Check it out! #CommunityBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment

🚨Metro IAF Afilliate United Power featured on the cover of Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago's South and West Side neighborhoods are undergoing a remarkable transformation, one home at a time. By the end of 2024, 155 homes will be under construction, bringing stability and hope to our working families. Amy Totsch, lead organizer, highlights the importance of this initiative: “This is really a strategy that is led, shaped, and driven by local institutions, seeking out solutions for vacant land and addressing decades of population loss and disinvestment in many neighborhoods.” With the support of local, state, and private partners, this collaborative effort is reclaiming and revitalizing Chicago, lot by lot. 🔗 Read more about this transformative project and the families it’s impacting: https://lnkd.in/gaWRvqcM #CommunityDevelopment #NeighborhoodRevitalization #HousingForAll #ChicagoTransformation #LocalLeadership #SocialImpact #BuildingHope #WorkingFamilies #PartnershipsForChange

Leadership in Affordable Housing: A Commitment to Community and Impact “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou In the business of affordable housing, leadership isn’t just about managing projects or meeting deadlines—it’s about uplifting communities and creating spaces where people feel valued, secure, and empowered. Every unit built, every tenant interaction, and every compliance decision reflects our mission to make an impact that extends far beyond the walls of a building. True leadership in this field demands empathy, resilience, and accountability. It’s about navigating challenges with grace while maintaining integrity—ensuring that individuals and families have access to a safe place to call home. This work isn’t just about housing; it’s about building hope, nurturing stability, and fostering lasting connections within the communities we serve. As we move forward, let us lead with purpose, always remembering that the impact we make today will shape the stories people carry with them tomorrow. How we make others feel along the way will define our legacy. #Leadership #AffordableHousing #CommunityImpact #Inspiration #MayaAngelou #HousingMatters #Empowerment

What Insights Can We Gain to Revolutionize Housing in the Triangle from the Caitlin Clark phenomenon? As we ponder this Thursday, let’s consider the dynamic evolution of housing in the Triangle. This lively area, celebrated for its rich heritage and thriving economy, has experienced significant transformations over the years. From charming farms, textile and furniture industries, to contemporary living spaces, the Triangle consistently adapts to the needs of its residents, reflecting the spirit of versatility and mastery. Our businesses, recreational areas, sports, and so much more have embraced this growth. Athletes like Caitlin Clark, who have excelled on the basketball court and are now making strides in golf, exemplify how influence extends beyond a specific trait. Her journey underscores the increasing impact of female influence in the business world, contributing to a diverse, multicultural environment. In addition to inspiring narratives like Caitlin's, North Carolina stands out as an ideal destination for relocation. With world-renowned golf courses, ranging from Pinehurst to the Dormie Club, residents can enjoy premier golfing experiences against picturesque backdrops, making it a golfer's paradise. The Caitlin Effect: - Embrace Transformation: Just as housing in the Triangle has evolved, we too should be open to new perspectives and innovative methods in our lives. - Cultivate Diverse Skills: The adaptability demonstrated by women like Caitlin highlights the importance of recognizing diverse market demands and creative solutions in housing. - Foster Community Engagement: The focus on community support reflects the heart of the Triangle, where diversity and connection among residents truly make it thrive. As we honor these accomplishments and the progression of our neighborhoods, let’s reflect: How can we drive change in our communities, particularly in housing? Are we cultivating environments that encourage growth and innovation for all? Join the discussion! 🏡✨ What changes do you anticipate for housing in the Triangle, and how can we take inspiration from these experiences to turn those visions into reality? #Golf ⛳ #Basketball 🏀 #WMBA #NewHomes #Housing 🏘️ #Evolution #RRAR #Doorify #MLS #ThrowbackThursday #Buying #Selling #Community #WomenInBusiness #Leaders #CaitlinClark #NorthCarolina

🎯 'The goal is to create projects that keep going even after you're no longer involved.' - Benjamin Lamb, Ph.D shares key insights on sustainable community development and effective leadership in rural economies. In week #43 of The Community Positive Project, we learn more about his impactful work at https://lnkd.in/gsHZzm-M #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityLeadership #RuralDevelopment

Who are you empowering today?

Who are you empowering today? In today's dynamic social environment, community empowerment plays a critical role in shaping our collective future.It serves as the cornerstone for fostering resilience, driving sustainable development, and unlocking the full potential of individuals within their collective environments. As stewards of societal progress, we must actively engage in initiatives that elevate community voices, nurture local leadership, and catalyze the formation of robust, self-sufficient communities. By empowering one another, we don't just stimulate individual growth; we sow the seeds of collective prosperity that can blossom for generations to come. #communityempowerement