MHN Executive Council: How Multifamily Can Work With the Local Community (And Why)
Tips for volunteering, getting involved with local businesses and more.
There are many ways how multifamily team members and residents can get involved with the local community. The MHN Executive Council shares how, and why it should be something you consider.
Community Outreach
With more than 125 properties in 14 states plus the District of Columbia, we develop and manage affordable housing communities in dozens of cities and neighborhoods. At each community, we strive to make connections with local leaders, businesses and organizations through community engagement. We establish partnerships for special events and educational sessions for our residents, including health and wellness programming. Evergreen has invested millions of dollars in buildings and improvements in many of the neighborhoods in which we operate.
One example is this past June, a number of Evergreen team members volunteered their time to clean up a beach in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. And, for many years, our firm has participated in the Reach Teach Play Music Education Program through the Ravinia Festival, which brings music education to underserved schools and students in the Chicagoland area. We also encourage employees to volunteer in their local communities through our Evergreen Cares Program, in which employees can take one paid volunteer day off each year to give time to a local organization. During back-to-school season, many of our property managers coordinate backpacks filled with supplies for students living in our communities. Finally, many of our new developments feature a mural, which is designed with community input and the neighborhood culture in mind. —Mary Herrold, Vice President of Marketing, Evergreen Real Estate Group
Positive Presence
At Pillar Properties, we deeply value our connection with local neighborhoods and strive to be a positive presence in the communities where we develop and operate. As a local, family-owned company with deep roots in the region, we build with a long-term investment mindset and feel a profound responsibility to be good neighbors.
We actively engage with local neighborhoods in several ways. We encourage our property teams to join local chambers of commerce, business organizations and associations to stay informed about local efforts, issues, and events. This involvement helps us make a positive impact and allows us to pass along valuable information to our residents. For instance, the city partnered with one of our communities to host a “Bubbles and Bouquet” event at the property, providing a fun opportunity to directly share events and resources with our residents while creating beautiful flower arrangements to take back to their apartment home.
We believe that connecting our residents to the local community enriches their living experience. Through various initiatives and events, we encourage our residents to engage with their surroundings, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit. Our Pillar Passions service initiatives provide opportunities for residents and team members to give back to local neighborhoods. These initiatives have included food drives and volunteer shifts at the local food bank, as an extremely pet-friendly company, we participate in fundraising events for local animal welfare organizations, and collect needed items for and volunteer at a local nonprofit that supports foster families.
We prioritize highlighting local businesses and nearby events on our social media platforms to bring awareness to our residents. For example, we did a “Where’s Waldo” series and regularly posted photos of one of our team members dressed as Waldo at a local spot or business for residents to guess and win prizes! Additionally, we partner with local businesses whenever possible for resident events, creating mutually beneficial relationships that enhance our residents’ experiences, provide exposure for neighboring businesses and support the local economy. We’ve partnered with local eateries to supply specialty food and treats, as well as nearby wellness providers to support a more convenient lifestyle for our residents.
Our approach to development is grounded in a commitment to the long-term well-being of the neighborhoods where we operate. This means not only building and maintaining high-quality properties but also actively contributing to the social and economic fabric of the area. We aim to be an integral part of the communities we serve, building strong, lasting relationships with local businesses and residents alike. —Diana Norbury, Senior Vice President, Pillar Properties
Ripple Effect
I have found that the most beneficial way to work with your local community is through volunteerism. Community service or support is the principle of donating time and energy towards a greater cause, which not only feels good but expands your property boundaries into the neighborhood. Creating purposeful events through volunteerism increases the visibility and understanding of local issues and empowers properties and residents to have their say over decisions that affect their lives, their local neighborhoods, and cities. Whether it’s helping at a local dog shelter, food bank, keeping roadways clean, or maintaining community gardens, volunteer actions create a positive ripple effect, contributing to a stronger and more vibrant community. Residents and property team members help change the lives of those in their community as a social responsibility. —Maria Pietroforte, President, Maria Pietroforte Consulting
Interested in joining the MHN Executive Council and sharing your insights? Email Jessica Fiur.
