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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Salt Lake Neighborhood Housing Services or NHS set out on a mission 25 years ago to revitalize neighborhoods and create affordable housing. Over the years, it has continued that mission with help from residents, youth, businesses and government entities. Located in Salt Lake, the community-based non-profit has focused on the neighborhoods of Fairpark, Guadalupe, Rose Park, Glendale, Poplar Grove and West Capitol Hill.
NHS helps preserve existing housing stock, create affordable housing, provide skill-building experiences for youth and develop resident leadership. And each of those strategies has helped targeted neighborhoods move toward self-reliance, stability and vitality.
Through its Home Ownership Program, NHS has helped people who need a home for their family but couldn't afford to pay regular mortgage rates. NHS educates these first-time buyers about homeownership and financial responsibility by teaching them about debt, banking, setting financial goals, building wealth and reducing expenses.
NHS helps homeowners in target neighborhoods secure special financing for home repairs, rehabilitation and remodeling. NHS can also help them find a contractor and will work with contractors and homeowners to ensure the work is completed according to building code specifications, NHS requirements and the homeowner's satisfaction.
Through its YouthWorks program, NHS provides young people ages 14 to 18 with comprehensive skill building experiences in an employment-training environment. They also learn about drug and alcohol prevention, developing healthy family lifestyles and are encouraged to get involved in serving the community.
NHS, through the work of some 300 volunteers, also oversees a number of community beautification projects, including painting houses, organizing neighborhood activities and planting trees.
Salt Lake Neighborhood Housing Services has certainly been successful. But can they say, "Mission accomplished?" Well, let's hope they never do.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
