HANDS - Building Together

HANDS and our communities are living through extraordinary times.  We are achieving our long-term goals for neighborhood revitalization and meeting the needs of the moment.  HANDS has evolved our long standing strategies overlaying a Social Determinants of Health framework. This recognizes the social, economic and environmental factors that lead to healthy, stable individuals and families and defines HANDS' brand of comprehensive high-impact community development.  HANDS has sharpened and affirmed our fight for equitable and resilient communities by reducing disparities through building community wealth and civic infrastructure and developing quality affordable places to live and work.

This year, we are responding to the urgent needs of the community as well as addressing the deep-rooted disparities that burden low and moderate income communities and people of color. HANDS is launching three new initiatives to build community wealth. 

• We are providing financial capabilities training to empower area residents to build a sustainable future and strengthen their resilience in tough times.  After holding our first two Manage Your Money workshops in November 2020 and February 2021, we are planning additional group workshops and to collaborate with experts to provide individuals with one-on-one coaching to reach a financial goal like purchasing a home or saving for college or retirement. 
• HANDS is piloting a Home Improvement Program providing small grants to homeowners to invest in their biggest asset and strengthen their finances to assure their stability.  Grants can pay for building system upgrades like a new furnace or roof, energy efficient improvements like new windows or remediate hazards like asbestos and lead. 
• HANDS continues to support our small business tenants with affordable rents and assistance in applying for resources available during COVID-19. We will soon launch a small business support program to provide training, grants for technology, equipment and facade improvements and connections to resources for a group of businesses in the Heart of Orange neighborhood in the center of Orange.

Manage Your Money Workshop 3: Financial Goal Setting - May 2021

Manage Your Money Workshops - future workshops on preparing for homeownership and reaching other major goals like paying for college, preparing for retirement and investing.  These will be followed with a referral to one-on-one coaching to reach a personal goal.

HANDS Home Improvement Grant Program - inaugural application period opened March 2021

HANDS Small Business Support Program - launching June 2021

HANDS will continue to help residents and other stakeholders build and sustain healthy neighborhoods that provide economic, educational and cultural opportunities and outcomes rivaling those found in more affluent towns and cities. We grow programs and support partners that revitalize neighborhoods, grow the local economy and empower people.

The initiatives you support will:

• Remove economic barriers by providing knowledge, opportunities and support
• Create long-term sustainability and resilience for families, small businesses and communities as a whole
• Grow a thriving economy
• Grow stakeholder empowerment and civic participation and leadership - the more invested you are, the greater the motivation to participate