HousingWire: What can you tell us about Hope Through Housing’s mission? How will the MLK grant enhance this mission?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Greg Bradbard: The Hope Through Housing Foundation (HOPE) is dedicated to breaking the generational cycle of poverty by providing quality services within affordable housing communities that empower individuals and families. Hope offers a range of programs, activities and resources for children, adults and seniors within 100 apartment communities throughout California, Texas and Florida. The key to creating generational change is preparing children and adolescents for a future of self-reliance through our Building Bright Futures initiative. The MLK grant we received last year is helping to grow our youth development initiatives in the Houston area. Specifically, the grant has helped create a reading corner in our Angleton, Texas, community to increase access to books while supporting our development of additional community partners to support after-school programming for children . This grant aligns directly with our goal of providing young people with the tools, guidance and resources they need to realize their full potential.
HW: What hope are you most proud of through Housing’s achievements this past year?
GB: Over the past year, Hope added several new after-school program sites serving children and teens in both California and Texas. Students now have a safe space – right inside the community room within their apartment complexes – where they have access to positive role models, homework help, a nutritious breakfast, and other enrichment activities. From science and technology experiments to the arts to career interactions with local entrepreneurs, these programs introduce youth to new possibilities for their future. We routinely see students become the first in their families to attend college as a result of our work.
Additionally, in 2022 we launched the CORE Academy, a workforce training program designed to introduce non-traditional candidates to the property management industry. The purpose of the program is to recruit residents of affordable housing to become employees who help operate affordable housing communities. Core Academy provides the basic skills to enter the property management or property maintenance industry.
HW: Looking to 2023, what are the biggest initiatives you’re focused on?
GB: As we transition from the COVID-19 pandemic to a period of record inflation, meeting the financial needs of our residents is critical. Therefore, we are providing both basic needs support to help families pay for food, schooling, transportation and maintenance of their housing, as well as expanding our support employment and job search resources.
We have hired a new Director of Workforce Development who is increasing resources and partnerships to connect our residents with job training and new career opportunities.
HW: How can other housing industry professionals get involved with Hope Through Housing?
GB: Locally, we rely on volunteers and donors to help with special events, volunteer in our after-school programs and serve as ambassadors for the community. There is a great need for strong advocates to help increase funding for resident services at the national level, particularly within affordable housing. Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Congress just authorized $2.5 million in funding to demonstrate the importance of community services within affordable housing. This is a great starting point, but we must continue to advocate for increased funding in the future to enhance these services, which have the power to transform lives in affordable housing communities.
HW: Is there any other information you’d like to include about winning the MLK grant or about Housing for Hope?
GB: As we celebrate MLK Day this time of year, we are reminded of the importance of empowering residents of all backgrounds to reach for dreams they never thought possible. Hope serves a diverse population of children and adults including people of many ethnicities, veterans, the formerly homeless, and individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to provide our residents with the necessary resources to help them overcome obstacles and build a bright future. We are grateful to our many partners who help make this work possible.
This conversation was originally published in the February/March 2023 issue of HousingWire magazine, Click here to read the full case.
