Commonbond Communities

Programs: Advantage services: commonbond is dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing for community members in need. However, as important as safe housing is for residents, commonbond's communities are more than shelter -- they are places for residents to gain stability and build community. On-site advantage centers offer programs to address resident needs, with the overall goal of keeping residents stably housed. Transportation and financial barriers are eliminated as these services are offered free of charge. See schedule o for more info on advantage services' accomplishments. Advantage services are focused on the areas of: stability and independence; education and advancement; health and wellness; and community building and engagement. Stability and independence: staff provide support to help residents maintain housing, including working with property management if rent will be late and other assistance to prevent eviction. (during 2017, 381 evictions were prevented, or 93% of housing risks; 75% of seniors screened as at-risk on the live well at home assessment maintained their housing for at least one year after their assessment date). Education and advancement: staff work with adults to help them maintain stable housing through: on-site employment services; financial coaching and counseling; and maximizing income support. During 2017 the program assisted with 295 adult job placements, and 70% retained employement for more than one year. Additionally, children and youth have access to academic mentoring through study buddies, homework centers, and enrichment/leadership programs. During 2017, 164 youth participated in study buddies; 150 teens participated in enrichiment and leadership programming; "100% of high school seniors that participated in advantage services programming graduated from high school or completed their specialized education program. "health and wellness: seniors and residents with disabilities benefit from evidence-based health and wellness promotion programs including: a matter of balance (fall prevention), chronic disease self-management classes, tai ji quan: moving for better balance, live well at home screenings/plans, and exercise classes such as enhance fitness and silver sneakers flex. The goal is to keep residents active and in their own homes. (during 2017, 354 seniors and residents with disabilities participated in evidence-based exercise programs of those, 56% maintained or improved their strength and coordination). Community building and engagement: we provide opportunities for community building, including resident associations, community gardens, and intergenerational events. The goal is to empower residents to develop activities that are meaningful in their own communities, both within housing and with surrounding neighbors. (during 2017, 3,011 residents participated in cbe events, and 884 residents had active leadership roles in their communities).

housing development, property management and asset management: commonbond is the clear leader in affordable housing with services in the upper midwest; one that city, county, state and other leaders come to when they want a property owned, managed or developed into top-quality affordable rental housing. During 2017, commonbond owned and managed more than 6,450 units of affordable housing that provided over 9,000 people (families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities and other barriers) a place to call home. More than 2,400 of these individuals were children.

community engagement: integral to our work are the relationships that are formed to benefit our resident community and our housing communities in general. Community members work hand in hand with staff and residents at our housing communities. Hundreds of residents, critical service providers, local business owners, municipalities, community groups, faith communities and other neighborhood organizations serve on boards and committees to help foster understanding and support the housing communities and the people who live there. This model promoted resident leadership and helps break down barriers that sometimes arise between a low-income housing site and its surrounding neighborhood.