Download Printable Version

GOALS AND ACTIVITIES

This project aimed to improve the physical and mental health of residents by making home improvements and building social connectivity.

Activities included a community discussion on health and housing, financial education and counseling, housing assessments, weatherization, and home rehab.

POPULATIONS SERVED

Low-income residents who are part of the Buena Vista manufactured home park community in Missoula, Montana. Several of the residents are elderly and/or living with a disability.

MAJOR PARTNERS AND FUNDERS

NeighborWorks Montana, Missoula Human Resources Council, Climate Smart Missoula, Home Resources, Buena Vista Community, Partnership Health Center, Missoula City-County Health Department, Homeword, NeighborWorks America, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, Missoula County Grants and Planning Office, Resident Owned Communities USA

MAJOR OUTCOMES

  • Coordination of existing housing education and counseling, weatherization, and health outreach dollars toward shared goals.
  • Improved financial skills for some households, including the ability to budget and save toward housing goals.
  • Increased social cohesion through strong resident engagement in the initiative.
  • Improved housing quality through weatherization and rehab.

INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS

Strong relationships with housing residents that Neighbor Works Montana had built over the past four years opened the door for successful resident engagement and the development of shared goals.

Partners’ willingness to fully engage, embrace the unknowns, and re-evaluate and adjust course when hurdles arose.

Used data from a previously conducted survey to inform the focus of this initiative and worked with a County Health Rankings and Roadmaps community coach.

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

“Make sure that each participant has some self-interest in the shared goals so that the effort is worth their time and builds on their existing interests and skills, both as individuals and in terms of the organization they represent. Meet on a regular basis, and constantly evaluate your work, so that adjustments can be made as needed.” —Kaia Peterson, Assistant Director, NeighborWorks Montana