Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Navigate: Housing Unlocked

Education EN ↓ 8 episodes

So you want to build affordable housing in your community — to create opportunity, close the housing gap, and make lasting change. But is your organization ready to do that? Navigate: Housing Unlocked explores what it really takes to turn community vision into action. Each episode focuses on local, community-based housing outcomes in Alabama and neighboring regions. We’re sharing practical field insights, not statewide or national policy guidance. Our goal is to help nonprofits, community development corporations (CDCs), and mission-driven leaders understand the how behind building capacity, s...

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Navigate Affordable Housing Partners

Episodes

Architecture as a Tool for Community Development (with Marshall Anderson) Video 18.02.2026 42:16

What does architecture really mean in community development? In this episode, Navigate's Matt Churnock talks with architect Marshall Anderson of Design Initiative about why nonprofits should bring architects in early—not just to “draw,” but to help shape smarter site choices, stronger neighborhood fit, and long-term affordability. Marshall reframes “affordable” as more than first cost. He connects...

Planning That Works: Asset-Based Community Development (with Ben Wieseman) Video 17.02.2026 26:03

In this episode, Ben Wieseman shares his extensive expertise in community planning, emphasizing how nonprofits can effectively engage in the planning process to create impactful, sustainable communities. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, community advocate, or local official, you'll gain valuable insights into strategic planning, collaboration, and leveraging tools for community success.

Full Conversation: Building Capacity Before Capital 20.10.2025 24:55

Listen to the full conversation! Learn where to begin when starting a community development corporation. Archie Hill shares how to build organizational basics that attract funding and turn your housing mission into action.

Start Small: Build Trust, Then Grow Video 17.10.2025 3:48

Big change starts small. Learn why beginning with critical repair projects helps community developers and nonprofits build trust, prove capacity, and grow sustainable housing programs over time.

Planning for Impact: Building Partnerships and Realistic Goals Video 16.10.2025 4:14

Lasting community impact starts with a plan. In this episode, learn how to set realistic goals, align your mission with funders, and build strong partnerships that help your organization grow strategically.

Leveraging Federal Programs: Readiness Before Resources Video 15.10.2025 5:26

Before chasing federal dollars, make sure your organization is ready. This episode explores how community developers and nonprofits can prepare to leverage programs like CDBG and LIHTC through solid planning, compliance, and execution.

Finding Funders: Building Financial Readiness Video 14.10.2025 4:23

Learn where to find funding for your community development project. This episode breaks down how to approach banks, foundations, and community partners while strengthening your financial readiness to earn their trust.

Where Do You Start? | Building Capacity Before Capital Video 13.10.2025 4:10

Every strong community development organization begins with the basics. In this first episode of Building Capacity Before Capital, Matt Churnock and Archie Hill break down what every nonprofit or CDC needs to launch successfully — from defining your mission and forming a board to building credibility with funders.