Neighborhood Development Foundation

One cornerstone of a healthy, equitable housing sector is a steady supply of people ready to become homeowners. But making the leap from long-term renter to homeowner is not as easy as simply signing on the dotted line. That’s where the Neighborhood Development Foundation (NDF) comes in.

Founded in 1986, the NDF provides homeownership training and counseling to New Orleans residents of low to moderate income. Its programs are designed to ease clients’ anxieties and demystify the mortgage process, while also providing a straightforward idea about what to expect as a homeowner and offering step-by-step support along the way.

“We teach them that you’re not just buying a house, you’re buying into a neighborhood and that comes with responsibilities,” said Rosalind G. Washington, executive vice president of NDF. “You have to keep your property up, and you have to look out for what’s happening in your neighborhood to protect the area’s values. You should be engaged with your community and know the issues.”

With its Community Revitalization grant, NDF was able to increase its housing counseling services by 20 percent in 2009.

This counseling extends beyond the task of simply buying a house. The group is there to help clients throughout their experience as homeowners, from assistance with household budgeting to interventions to prevent foreclosure.

“We tell our clients that we’re not just counselors to get you into a house, we’re your housing counselors for life,” said Washington.