Homeowner Education & Training
Empowerment Through Practical Education
The Homeowner Education and Training program is built on the belief that true housing stability requires more than just a physical structure. It requires a foundation of practical skills and cultural translation that are often missing from traditional resettlement systems. Many families in Syracuse's Northside occupy older rental units that may be under-resourced or in substandard condition. By offering education-based interventions, we equip our neighbors with the tools to address the root causes of housing instability rather than just the symptoms.
Community Workshop
From House to Home Workshop
Building the Bridge Foundation
Our signature series is a proactive, education-centered model that strengthens families, properties, and neighborhoods simultaneously. The program moves away from reactive crisis intervention and instead provides the practical knowledge and cultural context that empower participants to care for their homes with confidence.
Program Structure and Methodology
Each workshop is designed to be interactive and practical. We use a combination of presentations, open dialogue, and various activities to ensure the material is accessible to everyone.
- Hands-on Learning: Participants engage in diverse activities.
- Progress Tracking: Attendees are given assignments to track their learning over the six weeks, such as maintaining a daily home maintenance diary.
- Home Visits: [Optional] home visits allow facilitators to provide personalized guidance and record observations in a real-world setting.
Incentives and Certificates
We believe in respecting participants as capable learners and contributors. To encourage completion and reinforce the lessons, the program includes several tiers of support:
- Weekly Kits: Each session provides participants with "small gifts" that act as essential tools for the home, such as small toolkits, fire blankets, or all-purpose cleaners.
- Achievement Awards: Special awards are given for perfect attendance, utility bill improvements, and best home organization.
- Professional Certification: Graduates earn a formal certificate of completion. This certificate serves as a valuable credential for tenants when communicating with property owners or management companies, signaling their commitment to responsible tenancy.
Workshop Topics
Workshop 1: Cultural Differences, Building a Home
Workshop 2: Healthy Home
Workshop 3: Maintaining a Safe and Secure Home, Part 1
Workshop 4: Maintaining a Safe and Secure Home, Part 2
Workshop 5: Maintaining a Safe and Secure Home, Part 3
Workshop 6: Being a Good Neighbor & Community Member
What is Next?
The Future of "From House to Home"
Building the Bridge is exploring ways to expand the workshop series to reach a broader segment of the community. Potential future initiatives include a tiered certification system to recognize ongoing learning and a peer-to-peer recruitment model to establish the program as a permanent community resource.
Expansion to BTB3
The next phase of our mission focuses on 111 Pond Street (BTB3). By looking after the maintenance and structural needs of this multi-unit property, we aim to create a new point of stability on the block. Focusing on quality repairs and resident mentorship helps improve safety and curb appeal while working to keep the neighborhood strong and well-maintained.
Past Workshops
Workshop 2018: The Early Years (4 Photos: Row 1)
Workshop 2025: Empowering the Future Workshop (4 Photos: Row 2)