When people tell the story of America, they often talk about national leaders, historical events and major milestones. 

But America's story has always been written closer to home. 

After years of conversations and planning, the Fort Hall Housing Authority, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and NeighborWorks Pocatello recently developed a down payment assistance program that expands access to homeownership both on and off Tribal land. The Tribal Council approved the agreement this month, marking an important milestone in a partnership built on trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to addressing housing needs. 

For more than 20 years, Marie Shelton rented the same three-bedroom house in Charleston, West Virginia. Today, she owns it.

“I raised my kids in this house. Grandkids too,” she said. It’s just blocks from her office at the West Virginia Department of Transportation, with a big backyard and multiple fireplaces that she decorates for Christmas and in the fall.

Shelton’s path to homeownership started with an ultimatum: Her landlord had decided to sell the place that she called home. If she didn’t buy it, the landlord said, she would have to move. 

At first glance, it looks like a modest apartment building tucked into downtown Anchorage. 

But inside The Adelaide, operated by NeighborWorks Alaska, the work happening every day is much bigger than housing alone. 

During a recent site visit to Alaska, leaders from NeighborWorks® America toured the single-room occupancy property, known as an SRO, to better understand how supportive housing models are helping residents experiencing homelessness and housing instability find safety, stability and community. 

Nearly 200 NeighborWorks® network organizations celebrated NeighborWorks Weeks this year with activities, groundbreakings, block parties and more. Below, please find stories and snapshots from some of the gatherings, with more to come.

Building a community for seniors in Las Vegas

Nevada HAND, a NeighborWorks network organization in Las Vegas, Nevada, broke ground last week – NeighborWorks Week – on its largest development for older Americans to date. 

As part of NeighborWorks Weeks, NeighborWorks® America staff members joined organizations across the country to speak, volunteer and celebrate. This visit to a network organization in Arlington, Virginia, gave staff a chance to participate together.

At the Housing Our Relatives Summit last month in Anchorage, Alaska, participants did more than attend panels and presentations. They rolled up their sleeves, shared lived experiences and worked together to develop practical strategies for advancing Native-led housing and economic development solutions. 

There was a moment during the Spenard Walking Tour in Anchorage, Alaska, when the entire purpose of the Housing Our Relatives Summit clicked for me. 

It was not during a housing finance discussion. Or even while we were talking about development during the first-of-its-kind event, which was hosted by NeighborWorks® America, Oweesta Corporation and the National American Indian Housing Council.