Be A Helphing Hand Foundation

Results: Be a Helping Hand (BHH) was founded in 2001 originally as a nonprofit training program designed to provide education in the building trades for Nashville’s underrepresented communities. We trained over 500 students in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry. Our students were given the skills to become certified journeymen/women and were able to find opportunity and gainful employment in their communities as a result. In 2006, as a response to the looming deficit of high-quality affordable housing in Nashville, BHH turned its attention from being a training program to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to empower families and build strong communities by providing safe, affordable housing, person-centered support, and green initiatives. We have provide individuals and families in North Nashville and the surrounding Metro areas with access to affordable housing that is sustainable, well-built, safe, comfortable, and clean. Our affordable housing program, person-centered support, and green initiatives have provided the strong foundation needed for underrepresented families to sustain a life of health, opportunity, and pride. Our program has empowered Nashvillians at risk of displacement by gentrification to afford to stay and live in their own community, in a home that provides the foundation to build generational wealth, ensuring opportunity for all of our neighbors. Who we serve: female heads of household, large families, survivors and victims of domestic violence, families enrolled in the strong babies project, elderly, people with disabilities, and Veterans. We have strengthened our local communities through affordable housing and have built or restored more than 45 affordable homes in North Nashville and the surrounding Metro areas.

Target demographics: Underrepresented, low-income communities in North Nashville and the surrounding Metro areas.

Direct beneficiaries per year: We provided affordable housing for 35 families and planted trees, rain gardens, and native gardens for our residents last year.

Geographic areas served: Nashville, TN

Programs: Affordable Housing, Person Centered Support, and Green Initiatives.