The Initiative for Affordable Housing has been part of NDPC lore for three decades, but do you know what it’s all about? Read more to explore the organization’s mission, enduring partnership with NDPC, and ways to get involved.
History
In 1990, IAH’s board of directors committed to create an organization with a holistic approach to homelessness. Their brainchild, IAH, would offer affordable housing to struggling families and seniors while wrapping each tenant in a supportive web of social services, such as case management, parenting help, budgeting guidance, and access to employment. Two years later, the Board hired NDPC member and dedicated social worker Lisa Wise as its executive director.
Under Lisa’s leadership, IAH thrived and developed re:loom, an innovative work program for participants with job barriers or experience gaps. Re:loom participants master transferable skills while learning to weave one-of-a-kind creations out of donated fabrics, old uniforms, and other textiles diverted from landfills.
IAH’s customized support model is molded to suit each client’s unique situation, with a goal of building confidence and increasing self-sufficiency.
NDPC Collaboration
NDPC has partnered with IAH for years – providing enthusiastic volunteers and resources to enhance participants’ experiences in the program. Last summer, NDPC served as a stable partner while IAH suffered a devastating loss, the death of its long-time executive director, Lisa Wise. As IAH charts its next chapter, NDPC continues to help build the nonprofit’s capacity to change lives.
Volunteer Opportunities
You can get involved in 2024 by joining one of the following teams:
Welcoming Baskets: New participants have few belongings when they move into IAH apartments. Fill a laundry basket with cleaning essentials plus basic first-aid supplies – just what everyone needs for a new home. (Basket teams are needed throughout the year.)
Back to School Supplies: This summer, help collect church contributions toward school supplies, order goods on a reimbursable basis, and/or assist with stuffing backpacks. (Co-Leads: Laura Eby, Fran Mohr)
School Uniforms: Help collect sizes and order children’s school uniforms on a reimbursable basis. (Lead: Mary Nevil)
Angel Tree: Prepare angel ornaments featuring wish-lists, recruit donors from NDPC, and/or make sure that gifts are labeled and returned on time. (Lead: Annie Godfrey)
Holiday Party: Assist with decorations, refreshments, party activities, a room featuring gifts for kids to give to parents, or transportation coordination for this beloved tradition that’s back by popular demand. (Co-Leads: Vacant)
Little Free Library: Help gather books for all ages — especially kids and teens — and visit IAH’s Little Free Library regularly to replenish supplies. (Lead: Mary Nevil)
Calendar Collection: Starting in November, gather donated calendars for the upcoming year. They will be distributed to participants who are learning time-management skills. (Lead: Cynthia Dunn)
Re:loom: You can also volunteer individually with IAH’s hands-on job program as a cutter and sorter, fabric collector, trunk-show sponsor, or marketing helper.
Intrigued? See how you can help bring stability and hope to homeless neighbors through the Initiative for Affordable Housing. For more information, contact NDPC’s IAH liaison, Cynthia Dunn (contact in Realm)