In 1968, the collective efforts of Northside Pittsburgh residents led to the creation of the first Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) organization in 1968. Dorothy Mae Richardson was among the many who knew her community was valuable and she was ready to protect it. To achieve her goal, Dorothy brought together neighbors, local government officials, and city banks to find a solution. They persuaded the banks to extend loans to “unbankable” residents so they could improve their homes or buy them from slumlords. She created a new model of community development, centering the rights of tenants to safe, healthy and affordable housing options. After 40 years, NeighborWorks America is still humbled by the transformations catalyzed by local resident change-makers. This symposium will be an opportunity to reconnect to our organization’s origins, recommit to community, and bring the focus back to those like Dorothy Richardson, who continue to fight tirelessly for underserved and under resourced neighborhoods across the country. Throughout the day, we’ll discuss: