Northwest Arkansas is growing rapidly. With new inhabitants moving into Fayetteville every day, it can be a challenge to find a living situation for yourself or your family. Partners for Better Housing is a local nonprofit on a mission to create a mixed-income residential neighborhood in Fayetteville, working diligently to add more housing stock and plant seeds of hope for those looking for a place to call home.
“Our mission is driven by a commitment to fostering purpose filled collaborations that support housing opportunities for individuals and families alike” said Tenisha Gist, chief executive officer of Partners for Better Housing.
The nonprofit was founded in 2007 with the goal of developing affordable housing. Shortly after its genesis, the nonprofit purchased 9 acres in the Walker Park neighborhood utilizing grant funds from the Fayetteville Housing Authority and loan funds from Community Resource Group. The land would be used as the location of Partners for Better Housing’s first grand-scale project: Homes at Willow Bend.
Homes at Willow Bend is a residential neighborhood in Fayetteville designed as a case study for thoughtful infill, sustainable infrastructure, and community-oriented design.
“The premise of a mixed-income neighborhood is to cultivate a sense of belonging and shared purpose,” said Gist. “We promote people from diverse backgrounds and experiences living in close proximity to each other to create better communities.”
Homes at Willow Bend is conveniently located within biking distances to several popular Fayetteville areas and community resources. There are 15 single-family home designs featuring 1 to 3 bedrooms with front porches, street parking, a trail connection and sidewalks.
“Neighborhoods that are well-connected to amenities enhance quality of life,” said Gist. “Transportation costs can turn a home into a burden; true affordability includes the price of getting from point A to point B.”
Alongside the development of Homes at Willow Bend, Partners for Better Housing offers personalized guidance, resources, and educational workshops focused on equipping individuals with the knowledge, tools, and confidence necessary to navigate the complexities of homeownership whether the outcomes are financial stability or homebuyer preparedness. Aspects of services vary based on individual need.
“It is our goal to serve as a liaison between people, the resources and opportunities that they need to explore steps toward homeownership successfully”, said Gist. “We want people to be informed and grow their financial well-being and resilience.”
Although Homes at Willow Bend resides in Fayetteville, the nonprofit's impact extends to individuals and families across Northwest Arkansas.
“As we strive to create affordable housing in Fayetteville, we envision a future where the ripple effect of our efforts uplifts individuals and families and communities throughout the entire region,” said Gist.
There are several ways to help support Partners for Better Housing in their efforts to create more attainable homes in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. The nonprofit accepts in-kind and monetary donations. Both methods of support may be accessed at partnersforbetterhousing.org.