Corners Community Housing Initiative

Preserving History, Empowering the Future

At Corners Community, we are deeply committed to addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Stamford while preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of our neighborhoods.

Why This Matters

Stamford is evolving rapidly. While progress is necessary, it has also displaced many long-time residents. Families who have contributed to this city for generations are now facing:

• Rising housing costs

• Long waitlists for home repairs

• Barriers to maintaining generational properties

These challenges disproportionately impact Black families, particularly single mothers striving to remain in their communities. At Corners Community, we’ve witnessed these struggles firsthand, and we’re stepping up to make a difference.

The Problem

Generational properties—homes passed down from parents or grandparents—are integral to Stamford’s identity. Unfortunately, a lack of resources and guidance for maintaining these properties has led to neglect, forced displacement, and the erasure of rich community legacies.

Our Solution

The Corners Community Housing Initiative is designed to:

• Preserve generational homes by connecting homeowners with trusted partners, financial resources, and restoration tools.

• Create sustainable, affordable housing while addressing Stamford’s housing shortage.

• Empower the community by prioritizing restoration over excessive new construction, ensuring families can remain rooted where they belong.

• Case Study: A Personal Legacy

• Our pilot project is more than just a renovation—it’s deeply personal.

• The property, a six-family railroad-style home owned by my family for generations, is a stark reminder of the housing struggles faced by many in Stamford. Once a vibrant home, it’s now uninhabitable.

• This project represents both the challenges and the opportunities our community faces. Growing up, I witnessed the systemic barriers that make affordable housing and homeownership difficult. These experiences shaped my understanding of the urgent need for action.

• Through this initiative, in partnership with a local developer who shares our values, we will transform this home into a model for sustainable restoration. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about preserving the past while creating future opportunities.

• Community Impact

• Our initiative is already creating ripples of change. During our pilot phase, we’ve identified five additional families eager to restore their homes. By fostering trust and providing clear pathways, we are:

• Strengthening community pride and stability

• Addressing housing shortages

• Building a scalable model for Stamford and beyond

• Transparency and Trust

• We believe in ethical, inclusive community empowerment. By blending nonprofit and public partnerships, we prioritize:

• Affordable, livable housing

• Preserving neighborhood character

• Transparent communication with our community

• A Vision for Stamford

• Stamford stands at a crossroads. We can either let progress erase history or invest in initiatives that celebrate and sustain our city’s soul. By preserving generational homes and creating affordable housing, we are strengthening Stamford’s social fabric and ensuring it remains a place for everyone.