What South Bend Heritage does

South Bend Heritage Foundation, Inc. (SBH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development corporation established in July 1974 and headquartered at 803 Lincolnway West in South Bend, Indiana. Its mission is neighborhood stabilization and enhancement through affordable housing production, real estate development, and community programming in the South Bend metropolitan area. The organization owns and manages nearly 500 affordable rental units spanning apartments, duplexes, and multi-family developments (including Historic Rushton Senior Apartments, The Gemini, Washington-Dunbar Homes, Robertson's Senior Apartments, and Hoose Court), and operates more than 200,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Its core technology revolves around three structural mechanisms: the Community Land Trust (CLT) model, under which SBH formed Indiana's first CLT in 2021 and sold its first CLT home in 2023 to lock in long-term affordability; Certified Housing Development Organization (CHDO) certification granted by the City of South Bend and the IHCDA, which unlocks federal CDBG/HOME sub-recipient status; and non-profit general contracting capability — one of only a handful of such entities in Indiana — which couples construction management with the community development mission through partnerships such as with Intend Indiana.

SBH serves six distinct customer segments: low/moderate-income individuals and families in rental housing, income-qualified first-time homebuyers through the CLT and Homeownership Program, individuals experiencing chronic homelessness through Permanent Supportive Housing (Oliver Apartments, 32 units, opened 2017; Hope Avenue Homes, 22 units, opened 2022), seniors 55+ through senior-specific properties, minority and women entrepreneurs via the Co-Lab 119 coworking space, and small businesses and community organizations through leased commercial space. The organization also operates community facilities — the Charles Martin Youth Center, the Colfax Cultural Center (an 1898 Victorian school building), the Colfax Gallery (operating since 1983), the Augustus F. Hawkins Youth Literacy Center, and the Rebuilding Together home-repair program — which collectively serve as engagement infrastructure and source of intangible brand value.

The business model is diversified across five revenue streams: monthly rental income from ~500 units (rates range from $100-$925 depending on property and unit type), federal grants administered through HUD's CDBG and HOME programs (with the organization operating as a sub-recipient under Davis-Bacon, Uniform Relocation, and prevailing-wage compliance frameworks), philanthropic contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors (including designated funds such as the Audrey G. Ratner Housing Fund, the Charles Martin Youth Center Fund, and the Jeff Gibney Mission Fund) where Indiana Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits allow donors to recover 50% in state credits, project fees from real estate development and property management, and construction/development revenue captured through the non-profit general contracting license. The most consequential current project is SB Thrive, a $15.1 million development bringing 54 affordable units across duplexes, townhomes, and six-plexes plus a community center, which received a $15.3 million IHCDA tax credit award in 2023 and broke ground in 2024 — the largest single development in the organization's 50-year history. Operating budget is $7 million annually across four lines of business, with governance by a 19-member board of directors and executive leadership comprising Executive Director Marco Mariani, CFO Sara Stayback, Director of Property Management Rosie Leyva, and Director of Marketing & Strategic Initiatives Kristin Givens. The organization manages the Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Organization (NNRO) as an adjacent operating subsidiary since 2002 and maintains chartered membership in NeighborWorks America with the network's highest 'Exemplary' rating.

Name

South Bend Heritage

Legal name

South Bend Heritage Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://sbheritage.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

South Bend Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development corporation providing affordable rental housing, permanent supportive housing, community land trust homeownership, and non-profit general contracting services to low-income residents, first-time homebuyers, seniors, and small businesses in South Bend, Indiana.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Affordable Housing

NAICS

New Housing For-Sale Builders (236117), Historical Sites (71212), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520), General Bldg Contractors - Nonresidential Bldgs (1540), Lessors Of Real Property, Nec (6519), Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) (6552)

akta.pro primary industry

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Historic Preservation & Landmarks Conservation (BPAGAHAE), Independent Living Community Development & Construction (Senior Housing Developers) (HLADAAAH), Cultural Heritage Institutions (Archives, Historic Houses, Monuments Foundations) (THAJADAI)

Keywords

• Affordable housing
• Community development
• Permanent supportive housing
• Nonprofit general contracting
• Community land trust

Headquarters

HQ city

South Bend

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Rental Income: Income from managing nearly 500 affordable rental units across the city. Properties include apartments, duplexes, and multi-family housing.
2. Federal Grants: Federal funding through CDBG/HOME programs under HUD, and other government grants for affordable housing and community development.
3. Philanthropic Contributions: Donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Includes general fund, designated funds (Audrey G. Ratner Housing Fund, Charles Martin Youth Center, Jeff Gibney Mission Fund), and NAP Tax Credits.
4. Project Fees: Fees from real estate development projects, construction management, and property management services.
5. Construction and Development: Revenue from general contracting services and development fees as both developer and general contractor on affordable housing projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

South Bend Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit community development corporation that develops, owns, and manages affordable rental housing, permanent supportive housing, and senior housing properties across South Bend. It also operates an income-qualified homeownership program through Indiana's first Community Land Trust, provides general contracting and real estate development services as one of Indiana's few nonprofit general contractors, and runs community facilities including the Charles Martin Youth Center, Colfax Cultural Center, Colfax Gallery, and the Co-Lab 119 coworking space.

Product overview

South Bend Heritage Foundation (SBH) is a not-for-profit Community Development Corporation offering a portfolio of affordable housing, community development, and construction services. The organization operates across multiple lines of business: housing development (SB Thrive, Hoose Court, Turnock Street Properties), permanent supportive housing (Oliver Apartments, Hope Avenue Homes), property management (Historic Rushton, The Gemini, Washington-Dunbar, Robertson's), commercial real estate (Co-Lab 119 coworking space, retail spaces), community facilities (Charles Martin Youth Center, Colfax Cultural Center, Colfax Gallery), homeownership programs, and general contracting services. SBH also manages the Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Organization (NNRO) and operates Indiana's first Community Land Trust. The organization has an annual operating budget of $7 million across its 4 lines of business and manages nearly 500 affordable rental units and over 200,000 square feet of commercial space.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SB Thrive A $15.1 million affordable housing development delivering 54 income-qualified homes across duplexes, townhomes, and a six-plex, plus a new community center. South Bend Heritage's largest affordable housing development to date.
• Hoose Court Duplex rental development near Scott Street offering 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom units. Phase II adds two additional duplexes on Wayne Street. Built and owned by South Bend Heritage.
• Turnock Street Properties Two side-by-side duplex townhomes for sale through the Community Land Trust, a new single-family home, and a four-plex affordable rental on the 700 block of Turnock Street.
• Oliver Apartments South Bend's first permanent supportive housing community, featuring 32 one-bedroom, one-bath apartments for individuals experiencing homelessness, with on-site supportive services provided in partnership with Oaklawn.
• Hope Avenue Homes 22 apartment units exclusively for individuals who previously experienced homelessness or chronic homelessness, operating as the second Permanent Supportive Housing community in South Bend.
• Historic Rushton Senior Apartments 35-unit historic apartment building (built 1906) at 501 W. Washington Street, renovated by South Bend Heritage for residents 55 and older or disabled. Recognized with a Southold Preservation Award.
• The Gemini Beautifully rehabbed apartment complex at 617 W. Washington St with 1920s character and updated features. One-bedroom units ranging from $650 to $925.
• Washington-Dunbar Homes Renovated rental properties with over 80 rental units at two locations on West Washington Street and at the corner of LaSalle Ave and LaPorte Ave. Rental rates begin at $800.
• Robertson's Senior Apartments Senior housing community managed by South Bend Heritage for residents 55 and older, with on-site property management and supportive resident life programming.
• Co-Lab 119 A coworking space at 2015 W. Western Ave designed to support and empower minority women entrepreneurs in South Bend, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, a conference room, printing, and business address services through hourly, conference room, and full space rentals.
• Charles Martin Youth Center A community hub at 802 Lincolnway W dedicated to empowering youth and families, hosting youth programs, mentorship, after-school literacy activities, and community events, including the Jeff Gibney Mission Fund.
• Colfax Cultural Center Historic 1898 Victorian school building at 914 Lincolnway W, transformed into creative collaboration space for art, music, and wellness programs.
• Colfax Gallery Art galleries established in 1983 and owned and curated by South Bend Heritage and the Colfax Gallery Committee. Includes the Robert Seifert Gallery, Court Gallery, and Paper Room.
• Homeownership Program Affordable homeownership program helping income-qualified first-time homebuyers achieve homeownership through renovated historic homes and newly constructed homes sold via Indiana's first Community Land Trust.
• General Contracting Services One of Indiana's few nonprofit general contractors, offering construction management and real estate development services to affordable housing partners, including Intend Indiana and IHCDA-supported projects. CHDO-certified by the City of South Bend and IHCDA.
• Commercial & Retail Spaces Over 200,000 square feet of commercial and retail space across South Bend offered for lease, including Marycrest, Chapin West, Robertson's Retail Spaces, Lincolnway West offices, and other storefronts, art studios, and meeting rooms for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Organization (NNRO) A community development organization focused on revitalizing the Northeast Neighborhood of South Bend, staffed and operationally managed by South Bend Heritage, with NNRO 2.0 strengthening resident engagement.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50+ years of neighborhood stabilization and enhancement in South Bend
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NeighborWorks AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChartered member since 2006. South Bend Heritage maintains a NeighborWorks 'Exemplary' rating, the highest performance standard in the network of nearly 250 community-based organizations. Participates in NeighborWorks Training Institutes for professional development.
• City of South BendcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary municipal partner for affordable housing and community development. SBH is a sub-recipient of federal funds and applies for CDBG/HOME funding. City provides funding support for projects like Hoose Court Phase II and SB Thrive.
• Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Organization (NNRO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBH provides operational management for NNRO including administrative, development, programmatic, and technical support. Partnership began in 2002. NNRO board includes diverse organizations and residents. NNRO 2.0 initiated to strengthen resident engagement.
• Intend IndianacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to expand affordable homeownership opportunities. Started as construction management collaboration and evolved into SBH serving as general contractor building homes for long-term stability.
• OaklawncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner for Permanent Supportive Housing initiatives. Provides supportive services at Oliver Apartments and Hope Avenue Homes. Laurie Nafziger serves as President & CEO of Oaklawn on NNRO Board.
• Indiana Health CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNNRO funding partner. Ann Lundy and Amber Lupoi serve on NNRO Board representing Indiana Health Center.
• Rebuilding Together St. Joseph CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBH manages and operates the Rebuilding Together program, coordinating hundreds of volunteers annually. Partnership brings critical home repairs and accessibility improvements to local residents. Celebrated 35 years of service in 2024.
• National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBH joined NCRC in 2021 to strengthen community development efforts. Arden Shank serves as NCRC Board Representative.
• MLK Foundation of St. Joseph CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration. Partnership includes Project Impact and Civil Rights Heritage Center at IUSB.
• Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in PSH Institute, working alongside development teams before funding applications to create supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Habitat for Humanity International: National nonprofit that builds, rehabilitates, and sells affordable homes — the closest large-scale analog to SBH's affordable housing + homeownership development model, although Habitat is far larger and focused on for-sale housing rather than rental.
• Mercy Housing: Nonprofit that develops and manages affordable rental housing, including supportive housing, across the U.S. Closely comparable in product mix (affordable + supportive rental) and tenant population, though at national scale.
• Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH): National nonprofit focused on scaling supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. CSH is already an SBH partner (PSH Institute), and the two organizations overlap in the supportive-housing segment of SBH's portfolio (Oliver Apartments, Hope Avenue Homes).
• BRIDGE Housing Corporation: Mission-driven nonprofit developer of affordable and mixed-income rental housing on the West Coast. Directly comparable as an affordable-housing developer/owner with mixed rental and supportive housing products.
• Champlain Housing Trust: Burlington, VT-based nonprofit that operates the largest community land trust in the U.S. Highly comparable to SBH as a CLT-based affordable homeownership operator; useful benchmark for CLT scale and sustainability.
• The NHP Foundation: National nonprofit that acquires, develops, and manages affordable and supportive rental housing. Comparable in operating model and tenant population, especially the senior and supportive housing segments that overlap with SBH's Historic Rushton, Robertson's, Oliver, and Hope Avenue properties.
• Volunteers of America National Services: Nonprofit that develops and operates affordable and supportive housing (including for people experiencing homelessness, seniors, and those with disabilities). Directly comparable in the supportive-housing segment of SBH's portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Enterprise Community Partners: Major national nonprofit affordable-housing developer and CDFI with deep LIHTC expertise, program-related investments, and policy advocacy. Comparable to SBH as a CHDO-style developer but operating at a national scale with capital sources (PRIs) unavailable to a small local CDC.
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): National CDFI that funds and supports local CDCs and affordable-housing developers, with a similar neighborhood-revitalization model. Comparable to SBH in mission but LISC is a capital intermediary, not a direct developer/operator.

Regional players

• Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation: Indianapolis-based community development corporation focused on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, and quality-of-life programming. Closest in-state peer to SBH in scale, mission, and lines of business (housing + community + commercial).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sbheritage
• Facebookfacebook.com/southbendheritage
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/south-bend-heritage-foundation-inc

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about South Bend Heritage