In August 2025, Angi Welch, Arlene Orme, Kelley Goldsmith, Larry Jones, and Lukas Ray represented Mountain Housing Opportunities at the NeighborWorks Training Institute in New Orleans, LA, a five-day “mobile university” that brings together affordable housing professionals from across the country to network and learn to learn and develop further skills related to the affordable housing sector!
With more than 80 courses ranging from affordable housing development to community engagement and leadership, the training offered our team valuable opportunities to deepen their skills, pursue professional certifications, and connect with peers tackling similar challenges and successes nationwide.
Kelley Goldsmith, the Office Manager at MHO, shared her reflection from the week, “The sessions on governance, group facilitation, and streamlining for sustainability were especially impactful. They didn’t just offer theory, but they delivered practical tools I am eager to bring back to MHO. I left with a deeper appreciation for the facilitator’s role as a bridge-builder and catalyst for collective wisdom.”
New Orleans was the perfect backdrop for this year’s NTI professional development. Much like Western North Carolina and Asheville, it’s a place steeped in culture, resilience, and community spirit. The timing coincided with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, adding a powerful layer of context. During the NOLA Resiliency Tour, we witnessed firsthand how some neighborhoods have been transformed, while others still bear visible scars or have become vacant reminders of what once was.
The lessons from New Orleans’ recovery offered invaluable insights. They showed us how to leverage lived experience to rebuild our own communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene and also highlighted the importance of avoiding common missteps and navigating hurdles with care and intention!
Lukas Ray, the Communications & Engagement Officer at MHO, shared his thoughts during the week, “The ability to come together with like-minded organizations and people better serves our work at MHO. It gave us a firsthand look at how affordable housing challenges are being addressed across the country, and we’re excited to bring those lessons back to guide our future efforts.”
The NeighborWorks Training Institute not only strengthened our professional skills but also reminded us of the power of shared learning and connection. The lessons we brought back will shape MHO’s work in expanding affordable housing, strengthening community resilience, and keeping hope and opportunity within reach for the people we serve.
NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their communities. As a congressionally chartered and funded nonpartisan nonprofit, NeighborWorks supports organizations that provide communities with affordable housing, financial counseling and coaching, training, and resident engagement and collaboration in the areas of health, employment, and education. Learn more by visiting https://www.neighborworks.org/