The Community Effect: A NeighborWorks America Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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 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.

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.

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.