HUD Visits New Faith Based Community Center in Greensboro

From left to Right - Nakia Boyle, James Gormley and Solomon Radcliffe HUD Greensboro Office and the WD Islamic Center Board of Directors.

Recently, the North Carolina Field Office's James Gormley, Solomon Radcliffe and Nakia Boyle, from the Office of Field Policy and Management (FPM), met with the WD Mohammed Islamic Center's Board of Directors at their newly acquired building in Northeast Greensboro, NC to discuss the various programs they are developing to benefit their community. The primary function of the nonprofit organization is workforce development and economic opportunity for low-income members of their community, especially those who have been previously incarcerated. They have created training programs that include landscaping, carpentry, property maintenance, and contracting.

"This is an excellent opportunity to discuss how HUD and non-profits can align their objectives and work together to uplift underrepresented communities and assist HUD residents to become more self-sufficient" said Gormley.

The organization also teaches courses on financial literacy and mental wellness, as well as a day-care and after school program so children have a place to go while their parents are still at work or school. Gormley discussed registering the businesses associated with the organization as Section 3 businesses, he also explained that community members can upload their resumes into the Section 3 Opportunity Portal to apply for work. The Center also has a real estate development component and plans on developing at least 50 units of affordable housing on land that they currently own.

Because of the organization's connectivity with the community, and the various programs they provide, FPM was able to discuss several different HUD initiative's with the board including: Community Planning and Development grant opportunities available through the City of Greensboro, The EnVision Center Demonstration, Opportunity Zones, as well as making referrals to the City's Neighborhood Development Department, who as an Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes grantee, has the ability to make homes lead safe in neighborhoods such as Northeast Greensboro. Greensboro FPM is looking forward to working with them in the future by holding a Section 3 training event on site at their office.

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