The leadership of Community Reinvestment Group recognizes that affordable housing is so much more than a roof over one’s head. It’s a place of security and well being. It’s the stable foundation upon which to build a successful life. The following stories are true – and illustrate how decent, safe and affordable housing changes lives.

“I’m blessed with the opportunity to own a home.” – Karen

Karen owns a one-bedroom condo in Lauderdale Lakes thanks to a Broward County community development organization supported by CRG. Karen was a successful broadcast journalist before returning to college to work toward a graduate degree in communication. After receiving her master’s, she taught college classes. On the outside, by all accounts, Karen was a success. On the inside, however, Karen was suffering. She had been diagnosed with post natal psychosis and began having severe mood swings and dissociative disorder. In spite of her emotional trauma and mental health battles, Karen worked to stabilize her mental health issues and secure steady employment. She’s so happy to have found an affordable home, one that provides a strong foundation for her new life.

“I love it here.” – Joel

Depression hit Joel like a ton of bricks, literally. Joel said he was paralyzed. He couldn’t get out of bed, didn’t shave or shower. Suffering from deep depression, Joel lost a good job but fortunately was able to live off of savings for a time. When the savings ran out, he lived in a motel and then an assisted living facility. He got help through House of Hope and Broward Outreach where his mental health stabilized. He now lives in an efficiency apartment provided by a Community Development Organization with properties financed by CRG.

“I’m doing much better because of these folks,” he said. “They treat you with a lot of respect, and I love it here.”