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TheSouthShoreMagazine.com 19 seek to improve their earned income and financial empowerment through the strategic goal setting that the program provides. The FSS program works with families to achieve their own goals on education, savings and homeownership. This assistance with financial and housing stability helps families to achieve greater economic independence. Currently, the FSS program is working with 101 families, 25 of which are on track to purchase their first home within the next five years. In 2021, four families moved from their section-8 voucher and purchased homes of their own. The tremendous outcomes of this program have generational impacts on these families, who are now able to maintain housing and build personal wealth. Education is another primary focus of NHS. The organization has been offering first time homebuyer and financial stability classes for many years, ensuring future homebuyers have the tools they need to make thoughtful decisions about their home buying needs with a robust class that leverages the expertise of lenders, realtors, attorneys, inspectors and others. In March of 2020, the program pivoted to a virtual classroom, but will be adding back in-person learning in the near future. All classes are certified by the Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) and are offered in multiple languages. In 2021, NHS educated more than 460 people. TURNING NOTHING INTO SOMETHING NHS operates more than 900 units of housing throughout the region. In the coming years, NHS plans to add nearly 300 more. In 2021, NHS built and redeveloped properties in Marshfield and Brockton which created 56 units of workforce and veteran housing. After being approached by the town of Marshfield to assist with a historic rehabilitation of a former school near the town center, NHS spent the next two years working with the town and state and private funders to complete the project, creating eight units of efficiency housing for formerly homeless veterans and a new location for the Town of Marshfield Historical Commission. The home officially opened at the end of 2021 and tenants began moving in earlier this year. "If each town would follow the lead of Marshfield and establish a home like this, the problem of veteran homelessness would be solved," said Robert Corley, CEO of NeighborWorks Housing Solutions. "It is through strategic partnerships and visionary leaders, like those in Marshfield, that we are able to take the next step in solving the problem of veteran homelessness." NHS also looks to create partnerships between the housing and small business communities. In June of 2021, NHS celebrated the opening of Sycamore on Main in Brockton, a new construction that created 48 modern units of workforce housing, ranging from one-to-three-bedroom apartments within walking distance to retail shops, restaurants and public transportation. In addition, Sycamore on Main has first floor commercial space that is home to Brockton's first craft brewery, Brockton Brewery. This unique mix of business and residential space is promoting a thriving community in an opportunity rich environment. Through a partnership with the city of Brockton and Mayor Robert F. Sullivan, Sycamore on Main and Brockton Brewery are at the forefront of the city's renaissance. Earlier this year, NHS broke ground on a new 72-unit green- certified senior housing development in Holbrook town center. This new construction, a Passive House designed building, will provide homes for seniors that serve their needs and keep them close to services and resources that improve their - Robert Corley