Over the past 20 years, HANDS, Inc. has carried out and refined a neighborhood revitalization effort in the neighboring cities of Orange and East Orange, NJ bordering Newark. Incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in 1986, Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Inc. is tax exempt under IRS 501(c)(3).

The HANDS’ strategy is built upon a working philosophy that believes that neighborhoods are revitalized by the actions of hundreds of individuals investing their time, their funds, their energy, and their hopes in the future of that neighborhood. HANDS believes the role of the CDC is to leverage those investment decisions, to bolster public sector action, and to generate more private sector investment.

The centerpiece of this strategy is to revitalize neighborhoods through the High-Impact Development of vacant, troubled properties. There are five inter-related core elements of the strategy:

Redevelopment of pivotal properties in target neighborhoods.

Increasing homeownership: Investing in first time homebuyers.

Strengthening neighborhood organizations and developing leadership.

Increasing effective citizen engagement and planning for the future.

Forging strategic partnerships and shaping public policy and private sector initiatives.

HANDS’ practice over the years has resulted in:

The development or rehabilitation of 97 pivotal properties (126 units).

The sale of those properties to first time homebuyers.

The creation of a HomeBuyers Club that prepares first time buyers for successful homeownership.

The creation of three comprehensive neighborhood plans for the Valley.

The delivery of leadership training techniques to 41 community leaders.

Strong working partnerships with City Hall, hospitals, other non-profits and business groups.

Systemic reform of housing subsidy programs at the state level.

Development of new banking services delivered to urban areas.

A city policy to speed up title clearance of abandoned properties.