Building Stronger Communities: The Mission of the National Housing Trust's Community Outreach and Impact Team

In today’s rapidly changing world, creating stronger, more inclusive communities has never been more essential. Through our Community Outreach and Impact (COI) team, we provide a vital service that goes beyond simply managing housing. Our team works tirelessly to engage residents, build connections, and promote a sense of belonging among individuals from all walks of life. A significant aspect of this mission is to ensure that every member of the community, regardless of background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.

Faruq Hussein-Bey, a Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) for the Savannah and Villages of East River communities in Washington, DC, is one of the key figures driving this mission. As part of the COI team, Faruq’s work highlights the profound impact that community engagement can have on residents’ lives. His efforts to increase the involvement of black male residents in community programs speak to the heart of the challenges faced in many underserved neighborhoods. Faruq's story provides a glimpse into the tireless work being done by NHT’s COI team to break down barriers and foster stronger connections between residents.

The Challenge: Engaging Men in Community Activities

Faruq's goal to engage more male residents, particularly those from black communities, stems from a long-standing observation. Growing up in neighborhoods like the ones he now serves, Faruq noticed that men often seemed less involved in community activities than women. He realized that this trend wasn’t just a matter of personal choice—it was shaped by deeper societal expectations and pressures placed on men.

A Pew Research Center study from 2017 provides insight into these challenges. According to the study, the American public often expects men to embody traits like financial success, ambition, and strength. The study revealed that 76% of men feel pressure to financially support their families, whereas only 49% of men feel the same pressure to be actively involved as parents. Meanwhile, 77% of women feel the need to be engaged parents, despite lower financial pressure. When the men of these communities feel obligated to prioritize the financial success of their families, it can be a challenge to find the time and space to explore their own personal needs and wellbeing—a challenge that Faruq encounters in his work.

This societal divide helps explain why, at Faruq’s work sites, less than 1% of male residents were involved in community activities. His goal became clear: to change this dynamic by creating more opportunities for black men to engage in meaningful dialogue and take an active role in the community.

The "Let’s Break Bread" Initiative

A recent initiative led by Faruq underscores the challenge of igniting engagement in young men. In October 2024, Faruq launched the first "Let’s Break Bread" event in Savannah, hoping to create a space for open dialogue among male residents. The goal was simple: to provide a comfortable, informal setting where men could connect, share their experiences, and discuss issues they face in their lives. However, despite his efforts, no one attended the event. “It was deflating,” Hussein-Bey said, “But in COI, we see challenges as opportunities to brainstorm and try new approaches.” 

As Faruq explained, community engagement is a marathon, not a sprint. While the first event did not meet expectations, the feedback and insights gathered from the experience proved invaluable. Faruq’s team brainstormed new strategies to foster engagement, understanding that building trust and encouraging participation takes time and persistence.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

While the road to increased male engagement in community programs is still a work in progress, Faruq remains steadfast in his commitment to the goal: “For me, every program is a learning experience. There’s always room to engage more people, which means endless opportunities to enhance our outreach and services.”

National Housing Trust’s COI team embodies a mission centered on equity, empowerment, and engagement. By prioritizing collaboration, open communication, and innovative problem-solving, they are working to transform the way communities interact and grow. Faruq’s story and the strategies employed by the COI team offer a powerful reminder that the work of community-building requires persistence, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to the people they serve.