About Us
Neighborhoods for a Sustainable Future (N4SF) acknowledges that we are in the Age of Sustainable Development. As a result, we have transitioned from a traditional community development corporation (CDC) into a Sustainable Development Corporation (SDC).
We have adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, giving us a robust framework within which we can deliver on addressing poverty; environmental and racial justice; human and civil rights; clean energy; and the right to affordable, green, healthy, and resilient housing. The core principle of “leaving no one behind” is founded on combating discrimination, inequalities, and the root causes of exclusion.
The pledge to reach the furthest behind first is especially relevant in the context of global warming and racial injustices since, in many neighborhoods, parts of the city, and the nation, people of color are among the furthest behind.
Sustainable Development is at the core of everything we do.
The change means that we ‘glocalink’ with other neighborhoods, cities, nations, and countries of the world to ensure that development meets the needs of the current world without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
We are committed to ‘leaving no one behind’ and focused on reaching the farthest first and securing sustainable futures for all.
Our Vision:
Equitable and sustainable neighborhoods connected to an equitable and sustainable world.
The vision of “equitable and sustainable neighborhoods connected to an equitable and sustainable world” encompasses several key concepts and goals.
Equitable: This refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits.
An equitable society ensures that everyone has access to what they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life, regardless of their background or circumstances.
In the context of neighborhoods, this means creating communities that are inclusive and provide equal access to housing, education, employment, transportation, and other essential services.
Sustainable: This refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
A sustainable neighborhood is designed and managed in a way that preserves the natural environment and resources for future generations, and supports the health and well-being of its residents.
This includes reducing waste, conserving energy and water, promoting environmentally friendly transportation options, and ensuring access to healthy food and green spaces.
Connected: This refers to the idea that neighborhoods are not isolated entities, but rather they are connected to the broader community and the world at large.
A connected neighborhood fosters a sense of community and belonging, and provides residents with access to a range of services and opportunities beyond the boundaries of their neighborhood.
This also means recognizing and addressing the interdependence of local, national, and global issues, and working towards solutions that benefit everyone.
When all these elements are brought together, the vision of “equitable and sustainable neighborhoods connected to an equitable and sustainable world” represents a future where everyone has access to a high quality of life in healthy and vibrant communities, while preserving the planet for future generations.
Mission:
N4SF is a Sustainable Development Corporation working to secure sustainable futures for all.
Our mission is to secure sustainable futures through affordable housing development, clean and renewable energy, and education for sustainability.
Our Principles for Securing Sustainable Futures:
We work through the Five Pillars to help families and communities secure sustainable futures.
The Five Pillars
1. PEOPLE: Starting with individuals and families in neighborhoods, we work to improve the lives of people by working to end poverty and hunger; allowing individuals to have good health and well-being; the provision of quality education; and striving for racial justice and gender equality (SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5)
2. PLANET: Neighborhood action is needed to help protect the planet. We work to prevent the disastrous effects of climate change on families and communities. (SDGs 6, 12, 13, 14, & 15)
3. PROSPERITY: We work to ensure prosperous and fulfilling lives in harmony with nature. We work to reduce inequality, improve quality housing and employment opportunities, increase the use of clean energy, and make our neighborhoods more sustainable. (SDGs 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
4. PEACE: N4SF works to influence progress in preventing violence and making neighborhoods more secure. We align with active advocacy and justice movements in communities where it is safe to do so, equipping ourselves to address neighborhood issues. (SDG 16)
5. PARTNERSHIP: Encourage and promote partnerships at the neighborhood level to create more significant opportunities to realize sustainable futures for all. We know that most challenges cannot be addressed by one entity alone – we need partnerships at the neighborhood, city, national, and international levels. (SDG 17)
