News Release

September 30, 2010

Contact:Omar Velarde-Wong, , 202-220-2461, overlardewong@nw.org

NeighborWorks Passes One Million Volunteer Hours Mark

Washington, D.C. – NeighborWorks organizations around the country helped generate more than one million volunteer hours in the last five years, building stronger, vibrant, and more connected communities. Combined through the five years, ending with September 30, 2010, volunteers partnering with NeighborWorks organizations put in more than
1.14 million hours, including more than 322,000 hours this year, the largest number reported by member organizations of the Community Building and Organizing Program (CB&O) at NeighborWorks America.

“This is the fifth year since the CB&O membership program was launched in 2006 and this select network of organizations has fully embraced the goals of the program,” said Susan Naimark, director, National CB&O Programs. “These organizations understand the value and impact of volunteer engagement, community building and organizing, particularly during tough economic times. Every year we have seen an increase in volunteer hours and overall participation that positively affect their local communities.”

Below are three examples that illustrate the success of community building and organizing

• In Utah, NeighborWorks Salt Lake organized a group of more than 400 residents to propose a realignment of the Trax Light Rail, which would have adversely affected their community by creating a barrier dividing homes and businesses from one another and from their neighbors. At least 15 local residents actively participated in planning education fairs and organizing; their efforts included creating a website, making posters, identifying and attending meetings of local schools, council meetings and state transportation agencies. Their participation redirected the investment valued at more than $50 million.

• In Missouri, Beyond Housing partnered with the School of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, city officials, and local residents in the City of Pagedale, hosted “STREETSCAPE,” a youth-driven beautification project, in May 2009. Students from the School of Architecture worked with local residents to enhance the “curb appeal” of their front yards. Beyond Housing, a member of the NeighborWorks CB&O program, provided tools, materials and equipment as well as administrative and logistical support for more than 118 volunteers and sponsors.

• In Pennsylvania, NeighborWorks organization New Kensington Community Development Corporation teamed up with more than 50 neighbors and city-wide organizations to launch a collaborative effort to make the 19125 zip code, “the greenest neighborhood in Philadelphia.” This effort was a continuation of a previous greening and recycling effort lead by local residents, businesses, nonprofits, and city agencies. In June 2009, neighbors from Norris Street block and the surrounding community came out to install 18 solar-powered motion sensor security lights in their homes and utility poles.

The CB&O program was launched in 2006 as way to support, document and assess the results member organizations were achieving through the application of community building and organizing strategies, which includes volunteering.

Total Volunteer Hours FY06-FY10*

*FY10 numbers only reflect the first three quarters.

About NeighborWorks America

NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. Since 1991, we have assisted nearly 1.2 million low- to moderate-income families with their housing needs.  NeighborWorks America supports more than 3,600 organizations and municipalities around the country with resources, tools, technical assistance and training. Much of our success is achieved through our support of the NeighborWorks network ― more than 230 community development organizations working in more than 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $15 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.