Since inception of the organization, the dire need for affordable housing was identified and prioritized by the Nicetown CDC. Strategic planning, securing adequate funding sources and acquiring property for site control are among the challenges faced in order to establish affordable housing. Beginning with a partnership with Youthbuild, the organization began producing affordable housing for homeownership. Youthbuild teaches the construction trades to high school students under the guidance of experienced teachers and counselors. This was the start of our focus on preservation of existing housing stock.