GUIDING PRINCIPLES

“Residents understand that you cannot go through life by yourself, you have to have belonging and community. Through our work (New Communities), we've brought a sense of belonging and community, and I believe that we've played a role in the community for everyone.” –Patrick Williams, Property Manager, Columbus Property Management

“New Communities helps residents feel like they have some support system to get through difficult times and difficult decisions.” –LaShone Davis, Case Manager, HOU

“New Communities is a great idea that takes families that are entrenched in under-served communities and helps them. It provides a home for families that have been through cycles of poverty, and breaks those cycles.” –Anthony Wash, Founder, A. Wash & Associates

“The best part is to see the graduates walk across the stage, to hear the families scream 'you actually made it' and to see them be so successful.” –Aretha Lyles, Service Provider, Choices program

“In the summer of 2013, Pleasant would get two phone calls. First, a resumé that she gave to her case manager (Homes for Hope) led to a new job. Then, she learned she could move into a newly constructed development as part of the New Communities Initiative. Today, Pleasant takes advantage of Jazzercise classes in the F.H. Faunteroy Community Enrichment Center, located in the mixed-use complex. 'I moved two blocks, but it feels like I’m a thousand miles away,' Pleasant said.  ” –Adopted from the January 8th Washington Post article, Kimberly Pleasant, Lincoln Heights resident

“Living at Temple Courts has been a struggle and a success in itself, especially being a single mother of two. We lived there for eight years with broken elevators, dark hallways, drugs, and destruction in and around the dwellings.....I will never forget the help received while looking for my first home. We truly appreciate HOU and commend them highly on their dedication to our family and all of the Temple Courts residents.” –Angela James, former Temple Courts resident

“Bobbi has been an inspiration to her community, her classmates her family and the HOU Case Management Team. She never once allowed her circumstances to determine her destiny. We look forward to more success and continue to encourage her to reach for the stars. ” –Housing Opportunities Unlimited, case management team