Vision
We envision an America where every neighborhood is a pathway to opportunity and prosperity for the people who call it home.
Mission
Purpose Built Communities combines the best of practice, policy, and research in housing, education, community wellness, and economic vitality to help neighbors and local leaders deliver transformation to create pathways to prosperity for all residents. This approach makes it possible for residents to experience greater racial equity, improved health outcomes, and increased upward mobility in their neighborhoods.
Values
Possibility: Our purpose is proving the possible, not settling for the probable.
Impact: We take action and build bridges to create lasting impact.
Community: We cultivate connected, mutually contributing communities.
Equity: We ground our work in the foundational beliefs that race and place matter.
Accelerating Equity, Health, and Prosperity
Purpose Built partners with local leaders to design, direct, and accelerate neighborhood transformation initiatives across the United States with the shared goal to ensure every resident experiences increased upward mobility, improved health outcomes, and greater racial equity. The Purpose Built model of holistic revitalization includes affordable, mixed-income housing, a cradle-to-college education pathway, community wellness programs and facilities, and a thriving commercial core that creates economic vitality, all within a defined neighborhood, coordinated by a dedicated, nonprofit community quarterback organization.
Incubating Change and Catalyzing Neighborhood Transformation
Purpose Built is an incubator, convener, and catalyst for social change. We provide pro-bono guidance, coaching, and support to these local leaders, their staff, and stakeholders in implementing and growing a holistic model of revitalization in their neighborhoods.
Embedding Racial Equity in Our Core Philosophy
Purpose Built actively and purposefully directs resources to neighborhoods most impacted by the compounding effects of decades—if not centuries—of racial injustice. The Purpose Built model of transformative change at the neighborhood level offers an effective solution to help overcome inequities and injustices generated by systemic racism. Acknowledging the history of the community, we focus on legacy residents, racial equity, community partnerships, and providing a healthy environment built around education, housing, community wellness, and economic vitality.
Leading Change in Community Development and Economic Mobility
We understand that to meet the needs of communities around the country, we must be both practitioners and influencers of policy and systems change. Our model has proven successful in improving outcomes for the people who live in the neighborhoods where we are invited to work, setting a new standard for community-focused initiatives. Through collaborations with partners—each a leader in their field—we develop tested strategies and best practices, further strengthening our impact.
