Since 1991, Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek has been providing homeownership opportunities for lowincome individuals and families throughout Battle Creek, Michigan. Its primary mission is to return older distressed neighborhoods to a healthy condition through encouraging: home purchase and improvement; improved property maintenance standards that reflect neighborhood pride; and patterns of neighborhood management through which neighbors manage day-to-day neighborhood issues. Since inception, Neighborhoods Inc. reports that it has lent approximately $17 million in direct loans, assisted 518 families to purchase a home, and financed 582 home improvement loans.