The Community Effect: A NeighborWorks America Podcast

In Part 2 of this conversation on The Community Effect, Marietta Rodriguez, president & CEO of NeighborWorks America, continues her discussion with Kathy Flanagan Payton, president & CEO of Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corp., on how Houston’s historic Fifth Ward responds to natural disasters, economic shocks and rapid neighborhood change. Legacy, Inheritance and Resilience in Houston’s Fifth Ward (Part 2) explores how mixed-income development, disaster recovery and cross-sector partnerships strengthen housing supply and protect long-term community stability. From the award-winning redevelopment of St. Elizabeth Place to strategies that prioritize accountability and collaboration, this episode highlights what it means to rebuild with intention.

In this episode of The Community Effect, host Marietta Rodriguez, president and CEO of NeighborWorks America, explores how housing inheritance and tangled titles shape stability for families and communities. She is joined by Kathy Flanagan Payton, president and CEO of Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corp., to discuss the real challenges families face when legacy homes are passed down without clear ownership. Drawing on decades of place-based leadership in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, Payton explains how tangled titles can turn homes into “dead capital,” limiting access to repairs, insurance and disaster recovery resources. The conversation highlights why estate planning and clear title are essential tools for wealth building, housing stability and long-term community resilience. This is Part 1 of a two-part series examining how trusted community organizations help families protect what generations worked to build.

In this episode of The Community Effect, Marietta Rodriguez, president & CEO of NeighborWorks America, is joined by Brandee McHale, head of Community Investing and Development at Citi and president of the Citi Foundation. They discuss how philanthropy, finance and community development intersect to create lasting impact. The conversation explores first-mover partnerships, the role of philanthropic capital in seeding innovation and the importance of investing in people and places to support long-term economic opportunity and community resilience.

Innovation is redefining what’s possible in affordable housing. In this episode, NeighborWorks America President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez talks with Ernest Coney Jr., CEO of the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, and Nick Mitchell-Bennett, Executive Director of Come Dream Come Build in Brownsville, Texas. Together, they explore how modular construction and 3D-printed homes are helping communities build quality housing faster and at lower cost. The conversation dives into the role of technology, workforce opportunity and community insight in shaping the future of housing. From DreamBuild’s flexible modular designs to Florida’s first 3D-printed homes, Ernest and Nick show how local innovation can create a lasting impact for families. Listen to learn how NeighborWorks network organizations are charting a new path for affordability, resilience and opportunity.

When disaster strikes, rebuilding takes more than repairing homes — it takes time, trust and community. In this episode of The Community Effect, NeighborWorks America President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez talks with Lori R. Gay, President and CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County. Together they explore how preparation, partnership and perseverance help neighborhoods recover after wildfires, floods and economic shocks. Hear stories of resilience from Los Angeles and learn what it truly means to rebuild stronger, safer communities. Learn more: neighborworks.org/podcast

Before a home is built, the foundation for success starts long before the first brick is laid. In this episode of The Community Effect, NeighborWorks® America president & CEO Marietta Rodriguez talks with Amy Schaftlein, Executive Director of United Housing in Memphis, about what it really takes to prepare families for homeownership. Together, they discuss how financial education, credit building, and down payment assistance programs help families move from renting to owning and how organizations like United Housing are using innovative tools to make homeownership more attainable and sustainable. 🎧 Listen now to learn how financial readiness creates lasting impact for homeowners and communities alike.

In this episode of The Community Effect we are back with Rick Guzman, Executive Director of The Neighbor Project, to continue the conversation about how the Neighbor Project’s Breakthrough Rental program has reshaped lives, multiplied the reach of affordable housing, and created generational wealth for families once locked out of ownership opportunities. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on breaking the cycle of poverty and building stronger, more resilient communities. 

Not everyone is ready to buy...and that’s okay. In this episode of The Community Effect, we sit down with Rick Guzman, Executive Director of The Neighbor Project, to explore how rental housing can become a pathway to financial empowerment. The Neighbor Project’s Breakthrough Rental program challenges the idea that renting is a dead end. Instead, it helps families build credit, reduce debt, and save for a down payment; transforming affordable units into stepping stones toward long-term stability and homeownership.   This is a two-part episode, so be sure to tune in for episode 4 as the conversation continues.

What role can manufactured homes play in solving today’s housing challenges? In this episode of The Community Effect, Marietta Rodriguez, NeighborWorks America President & CEO, talks with Sarah Kackar (NeighborWorks America) and Ramsey Cohen (Clayton) about innovation, inclusive zoning and how partnerships are reshaping housing opportunities for rural communities.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Community Effect Podcast! Two decades after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we speak with three leaders who helped rebuild the Gulf Coast: Terri North (Providence Community Housing), Bill Bynum (HOPE Credit Union) and Kathy Laborde (Gulf Coast Housing Partnership). They share what it took to lead through crisis, what has changed since 2005 and how they are still building strong communities today. Brought to you by The Community Effect, a NeighborWorks® America podcast.

In this episode of The Community Effect, Marietta Rodriguez talks with Chris Krehmeyer, president and CEO of Beyond Housing, about the power of community partnerships in revitalizing St. Louis and Pagedale, Missouri. From affordable housing and education to local banking and food access, they explore how trust, innovation and long-term investment can drive measurable and lasting change.

"Innovating for Impact" explores how corporate-nonprofit partnerships fuel economic growth and housing equity. Guest Courtney Howard Hodapp of JPMorgan Chase joins host Marietta Rodriguez to discuss the trust, innovation and collaboration that define this 20-year partnership. Learn how intentional partnerships can drive meaningful change.  

The need for affordable rental housing is greater than ever. How do we ensure a roof over every head? In this episode of The Community Effect, NeighborWorks America President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez speaks with Linda Mandolini, President of Eden Housing, about the challenges and solutions shaping the future of rental housing. From rising costs to zoning changes to financing strategies, they discuss how communities can expand access to safe, stable and affordable housing. Listen now to learn how we can build a more inclusive housing future together.

How does an actor-turned-community developer transform housing access in Seattle? Join Marietta Rodriguez as she sits down with Darryl Smith, CEO of HomeSight, to explore his unique journey and the creative ways HomeSight is breaking down barriers to homeownership. From innovative lending models to anti-displacement policies, hear how HomeSight is making an impact in one of the country’s most expensive housing markets.

In the second installment of “The Future Now,” Marietta Rodriguez continues her conversation with Chris Herbert of the Harvard Joint Center on Housing and Michael Butchko of NeighborWorks America. They discuss NeighborWorks’ new strategic plan, the pressing need for affordable housing, and emerging innovations in supply, financing, and cross-sector partnerships. From social housing to modular construction and shared equity, the episode explores what’s next for housing and community development in 2025 and beyond.

In this insightful episode of The Community Effect, host Marietta Rodriguez, President and CEO of NeighborWorks America, is joined by Chris Herbert from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies and Michael Butchko of NeighborWorks America to explore the trends and challenges shaping the future of housing and community development. Reflecting on 2024’s milestones, they discuss the growing affordability crisis, innovative policy responses, and NeighborWorks’ impactful initiatives, including partnerships and training programs. Tune in to gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of 2025, and don’t miss Part 2 for a deeper dive into NeighborWorks' strategic vision for lasting change.

Homeownership can transform lives and communities. In this episode of "The Community Effect," explore the challenges and opportunities surrounding homeownership and learn how organizations like Housing Resources Inc. provide vital support and advocacy to make this dream a reality for more people.

Navigating the path to homeownership can be challenging, especially in today's market. In this episode of The Community Effect, Marietta Rodriguez and Jason Peterson delve into the hurdles first-time homebuyers face, including rising costs and racial disparities.  Discover how NeighborWorks provides vital resources like down payment assistance programs and financial counseling to empower individuals and families on their journey to homeownership.

Discover how this resident-driven approach fosters collaboration, builds strong partnerships, and promotes equity to create lasting change.  Hear inspiring success stories and gain valuable insights into the future of community development. Join Marietta Rodriguez and Elizabeth Druback Celaya as they delve into the power of Comprehensive Community Development (CCD). Don't forget to check out the Case Studies Elizabeth mentioned during the episode! 

Journey back to the origins of NeighborWorks America and discover how a resident-led movement in 1970s Pittsburgh sparked a nationwide revolution in community development. Hear from pioneering leaders Joan Straussman Brandon and Steve Tuminaro as they share inspiring stories of transformation reflect on the organization's evolution and offer invaluable advice for those passionate about creating thriving communities. This is the Community Effect, hosted by Marietta Rodriguez.

Join us as we showcase the strategies and solutions shaping a brighter tomorrow.   This is The Community Effect, brought to you by Neighbor Works, America.