A couple of weeks ago, Sherry and I spent an afternoon house hunting in some of Richmond’s most economically challenged neighborhoods. We weren’t searching for a second showhouse or a renovation project for ourselves; we were looking for examples of work by Richmond’s Better Housing Coalition. Once we started paying attention, it wasn’t hard to spot their efforts across the city.

The Better Housing Coalition has spent more than two decades creating high-quality, affordable housing in Richmond. They first caught our attention two years ago when we decided to share some prize winnings with a local housing charity. We asked several friends who were familiar with nonprofits which organizations were most deserving, and the same name came up from everyone we asked. It felt like a clear choice to support their work, and doing so was deeply rewarding.

Recently, the coalition invited us on a guided tour to see some of their completed properties and ongoing projects. T.K. and Jane from the Better Housing Coalition drove us through neighborhoods such as Church Hill, Union Hill, and Manchester, pointing out streets full of houses that needed attention alongside homes that had been thoughtfully restored. Whether the organization is renovating historic structures, building new homes from the ground up, or planning entire mixed-income communities, their focus is the same: creating attractive, durable housing that people who work for modest wages—teachers, firefighters, nurses—can realistically afford.

What impressed us most was the commitment to preserving neighborhood character. These aren’t cookie-cutter developments that erase a neighborhood’s personality. Instead, the homes are designed and restored to fit the local architectural context, maintaining the historic look and feel that gives each area its identity. Increasingly, the coalition is also building to sustainable standards. Many recent homes carry EarthCraft certification, which means they meet high benchmarks for energy efficiency and environmental performance. That translates to lower utility bills for homeowners and a smaller environmental footprint for the community.

On the tour we learned a lot about the scale and complexity of neighborhood revitalization. We saw beautiful before-and-after transformations and also encountered blocks where there is still meaningful work to be done. The experience was a reminder that owning a safe, comfortable home is a significant blessing—and that groups like the Better Housing Coalition play a critical role in making that blessing available to more families. Their work helps stabilize neighborhoods, supports long-term residents, and creates opportunities for new homeowners to invest in their communities.

We’re proud to continue supporting the Better Housing Coalition and the practical, sustained approach they take to affordable housing in Richmond. Supporting local nonprofits can take many forms—financial gifts, volunteering, or simply spreading the word—and every contribution helps. We’d love to hear about organizations in your area that you trust and support. Who receives your time, money, or volunteer hours? Which groups are doing work that makes you proud? Share the names of the nonprofits that deserve recognition so others can learn about and support them too.