The Community Effect: A NeighborWorks America Podcast

NeighborWorks America
  • 5.0 (8)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Tune in to The Community Effect, the podcast where we explore the power of people and place. Join host Marietta Rodriguez, President & CEO of NeighborWorks America, as she sits down with changemakers, innovators, and community leaders who are building a brighter future for all. From affordable housing and economic opportunity to resident leadership and environmental sustainability, we’ll uncover the inspiring stories and innovative solutions that are transforming communities across the country. Subscribe now and be part of the movement!

  1. DEC 10

    Episode 17: Building the Future: How Innovation is Expanding What's Possible in Affordable Housing (Season 2 - Episode 7)

    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.

    49 min

  2. NOV 5

    Episode 16: After the Storm: Resilience and Rebuilding in Los Angeles

    When disaster strikes, rebuilding takes more than repairing homes — it takes time, trust and community. In this episode of The Community Effect, NeighborWorks America President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez talks with Lori R. Gay, President and CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County. Together they explore how preparation, partnership and perseverance help neighborhoods recover after wildfires, floods and economic shocks. Hear stories of resilience from Los Angeles and learn what it truly means to rebuild stronger, safer communities. Learn more: neighborworks.org/podcast

    31 min

  3. OCT 22

    Episode 15: Before the Bricks - Building Financial Readiness for Homeownership

    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.

    30 min

  4. OCT 8

    Episode 14: The Neighbor Project - Renting with a Purpose (Part 2 - Season 2 Episode 4)

    In this episode of The Community Effect we are back with Rick Guzman, Executive Director of The Neighbor Project, to continue the conversation about how the Neighbor Project’s Breakthrough Rental program has reshaped lives, multiplied the reach of affordable housing, and created generational wealth for families once locked out of ownership opportunities. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on breaking the cycle of poverty and building stronger, more resilient communities.

    24 min

  5. SEP 24

    Episode 13: The Neighbor Project - Renting with a Purpose (Part 1 - Season 2 Episode 3)

    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.

    28 min

  6. SEP 10

    Episode 12: Reimagining Affordable Housing: Manufactured Homes & New Possibilities (Season 2 - Episode 2)

    What role can manufactured homes play in solving today’s housing challenges? In this episode of The Community Effect, Marietta Rodriguez, NeighborWorks America President & CEO, talks with Sarah Kackar (NeighborWorks America) and Ramsey Cohen (Clayton) about innovation, inclusive zoning and how partnerships are reshaping housing opportunities for rural communities.

    27 min

  7. AUG 27

    Episode 11: Rooted in Recovery: 20 Years Since Katrina (Season 2 - Episode 1)

    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.

    55 min

  8. MAR 26

    Episode 10: Beyond Housing: Holistic Approaches to Community Transformation & Investment

    In this episode of The Community Effect, Marietta Rodriguez talks with Chris Krehmeyer, president and CEO of Beyond Housing, about the power of community partnerships in revitalizing St. Louis and Pagedale, Missouri. From affordable housing and education to local banking and food access, they explore how trust, innovation and long-term investment can drive measurable and lasting change.

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Tune in to The Community Effect, the podcast where we explore the power of people and place. Join host Marietta Rodriguez, President & CEO of NeighborWorks America, as she sits down with changemakers, innovators, and community leaders who are building a brighter future for all. From affordable housing and economic opportunity to resident leadership and environmental sustainability, we’ll uncover the inspiring stories and innovative solutions that are transforming communities across the country. Subscribe now and be part of the movement!

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