Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Community Development Through Affordable Housing
South Bend Heritage Foundation (SBH) has been a dedicated force for community transformation since 1974. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Development Corporation, we specialize in neighborhood revitalization through affordable housing, youth programs, and strategic partnerships. Our team combines decades of local expertise with a data-driven approach to address systemic challenges in housing stability and economic equity. With a board representing diverse stakeholders and a staff deeply rooted in the community, we leverage collaborations with government, nonprofits, and residents to create lasting change. Our work spans property development, literacy initiatives, and permanent supportive housing solutions. Recognized for our transparent governance and community-led planning, we maintain rigorous compliance with federal tax standards while prioritizing resident empowerment.Through initiatives like Indiana's first Community Land Trust, we ensure long-term housing affordability. Our strategic focus areasaffordable housing, community engagement, real estate development, and property managementreflect a holistic commitment to neighborhood stabilization. By integrating harm reduction principles in supportive housing and maintaining rigorous financial accountability, we build trust with donors and residents alike. This combination of experience, specialized programming, and community partnership positions us as a trusted leader in equitable urban development.
Services
Affordable Housing
Community Building
Real Estate Development
Property Management
Youth Programs
Literacy Centers
Homeownership Education
Financial Capabilities
Community Events
Supportive Housing
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of neighborhood revitalization experience in South Bend
- Holistic approach combining housing with resident support programs
- Community-led strategic planning process with stakeholder involvement
- Pioneers of Indiana's first Community Land Trust initiative
- Proven success in permanent supportive housing implementation
Services
Affordable Housing
We develop and rehabilitate quality affordable housing units across South Bend. Our approach combines modern design with community needs, ensuring long-term affordability through strategic partnerships and funding mechanisms. This work creates stable living environments that improve residents' quality of life while enhancing neighborhood value.
Community Building
Our community engagement programs foster neighborhood cohesion through events, education, and resident-led initiatives. We implement strategic plans that address local priorities while maintaining federal compliance standards. This comprehensive approach strengthens social networks and economic opportunities in target areas.
Youth Programs
We operate youth centers offering educational support, leadership training, and literacy programs. Our Augustus F. Hawkins Literacy Center provides targeted reading assistance for students below grade level. These initiatives create safe spaces for youth development and academic advancement in underserved communities.
Supportive Housing
Our permanent supportive housing solutions serve chronically homeless individuals with wraparound services. Using the Housing First model, we provide stable living conditions combined with case management and health services. This evidence-based approach reduces public service costs while improving residents' health and independence.
Property Management
We maintain residential properties with dedicated staff oversight. Our management approach emphasizes tenant satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and property preservation. This ensures long-term viability of housing units while maintaining neighborhood standards through regular maintenance and community engagement.
People
Tim Mehall
Board Chair
Tim Mehall leads the SBH board with extensive real estate development experience. He represents Grubb & Ellis/Cressy & Everett while guiding strategic decisions that align with community needs and organizational goals.
Rosie Leyva
Director of Property Management
Rosie Leyva oversees housing operations with a focus on resident satisfaction. Her leadership ensures quality maintenance across properties while maintaining compliance with federal housing regulations and community standards.
Kristin Neeley-Givens
Director of Marketing & Strategy
Kristin Neeley-Givens directs fundraising and strategic communications. She manages donor relations and public outreach while coordinating the organization's marketing initiatives and community engagement efforts.
Questions
What community services does South Bend Heritage offer?
We provide affordable housing, youth programs, literacy centers, neighborhood revitalization projects, and permanent supportive housing solutions across South Bend's target neighborhoods.
How can I donate to South Bend Heritage?
Donate through our website, participate in the Neighborhood Assistance Program for tax credits, shop via Amazon Smile, or contribute materials/services in-kind to support our initiatives.
What is permanent supportive housing?
Permanent supportive housing combines affordable housing with wraparound services for chronically homeless individuals, using a Housing First approach to improve stability and independence.
How does SBH involve the community?
We engage residents through strategic planning workshops, neighborhood councils, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative projects that prioritize local input and leadership.
What housing programs are available?
Our programs include affordable housing development, homeownership education, property management services, and specialized initiatives like Indiana's first Community Land Trust.
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