Mixed-Income Housing

Mixed-income housing helps attract more demographic and socio-economic diversity to a neighborhood. This is important because it can build the social capital necessary to improve economic mobility for lower-income residents and attract critical investments to the neighborhood such as new businesses, sources of fresh food, banks, and other amenities that are taken for granted in affluent neighborhoods.

Community Wellness

Healthy neighborhoods must include a community-specific mix of facilities, programs and services that represent the vision, needs and priorities of residents, as well as the history and character of the neighborhood.

Cradle-to-College Education Pipeline

Countless studies link early quality educational opportunities with long-term social development, academic proficiency, employment opportunities, and overall health outcomes. An effective educational pipeline that starts in early childhood and continues through college is imperative for successful community revitalization.

Community Quarterback Organization

A single-purpose, local non-profit lead organization is the most critical component of a successful revitalization initiative. This group engages personally with residents to be understanding and responsive to their needs and concerns, while also building effective partnerships with public and private stakeholders and investors that can help deliver the vision.

Prosperity starts with place.

We have learned, both from research and in practice, is that to ensure the health and prosperity of neighborhoods and the people who live there, we must strategically prioritize and strive for greater racial equity, improved health outcomes, and upward mobility. The Purpose Built Communities model for impact provides the roadmap to get there.

Our holistic approach grew from the knowledge that siloed approaches to poverty do not strengthen the collective neighborhood environment. All fundamental needs of children and families must be addressed—a safe place to live; access to quality jobs; fresh, healthy food; recreation; and high-quality education.

Defined Neighborhood

Neighborhoods are the unit of change that can have the greatest impact on people’s lives, changing life trajectories for the lowest-income residents, creating greater racial equity, economic mobility and health outcomes.

Community Quarterback

Independent non-profit organization solely dedicated to the ongoing revitalization of the neighborhood. Aligns partners and resources from all sectors—including neighborhood residents—and sets strategy for the overall effort based on the community’s vision. Watch this video to learn the importance of the community quarterback.

Mixed-Income Housing

Safe, high-quality housing serving residents at all income levels with a high percentage designated to preserve long-term, permanent affordability in the neighborhood. Watch video to explore the importance of mixed-income housing.

Cradle-to-College Education Pipeline

High-quality, neighborhood-serving continuum for student growth, learning, and achievement at every level starting at birth and through college and beyond.

Community Wellness

Community-specific mix of facilities, programs, and services that honor local history, reflect the priorities of residents, promote healthy lifestyles, create jobs, and reduce crime.


Purpose Built Communities is supported by:

Cousins Foundations
Warren Buffett
Ballmer Group
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Blue Meridian Partners
GA Power
RWJF