I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to be involved with BAR since the launch. It’s been a very meaningful experience for both Urban Impact and the communities we serve. BAR provides direct access and interaction to financial institutions from the city, state, and region; a direct result has been several strategic investment collaborations!

Building Alabama’s Reinvestment provides our network of twenty community action agencies across the state with credible information, resources, and training opportunities directed toward improving the economic status of low-wealth individuals and families. BAR’s affiliation with the National Community Reinvestment Corporation allows our organizations to have a voice in national issues impacting the people we serve each day. An investment in BAR is an investment in improving the quality of life for our neighbors, our communities, and our state.

On behalf of Stream Innovations, I am thankful for the opportunity I received to present at a recent Building Alabama Reinvestment Community Council meeting. Making the seven banks and other community stakeholders aware of what we do at Stream Innovations is important, and I trust will benefit our students.

Being new to the market and Board, Valley Bank and I both received a warm, hospitable welcome from Building Alabama Reinvestment and all of its members. Their Executive Director, Bob Dickerson, shared a depth of knowledge of Alabama’s unique culture landscape and historically significant communities. BAR and Bob truly embody our collective mission of empowering the next generation of advocates and overcoming the obstacles to creating affordable housing, economic empowerment, and community development.

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening communities and being new to the area, we had a listening session in 2017 with various BAR members in Birmingham, Alabama. The event was hosted by BAR and the Birmingham Resource Center. Through collaborative efforts and input from non-profit agencies in attendance, we implemented and enhanced products and services that will benefit the needs of the people we serve and address critical issues in the local community.

We rolled-out residential mortgage community products such as USDA, VA, FHA, and Community Advantage products, to better address affordable housing. We also increased staffing with Home Loan Consultants and will continue to grow this department across the region. Like the other regions where we have a footprint, we assembled a Community Advisory Board with experienced local leadership to provide feedback and assessment about the needs of the community.

Additionally, with the input and collaboration from the BAR Leadership and members, we acted on the recommendation to onboard an Alabama based Community Development Officer along with expanding our footprint by opening a branch and lending group in downtown Birmingham. The new location is in a moderate-income census tract, thus sensitizing our bank to serve local consumers and businesses while supporting the needs of the community.