It starts with a porch light flickering on, a garden planted, a family settling in — and slowly, an entire neighborhood begins to thrive.

In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the vision of homeownership is no longer just an aspiration. It’s become a tangible reality. A partnership between Communities Unlimited (CU) and We Center / We Build has brought to life the first completed home in a growing initiative that delivers affordable, modular housing to the Pine Bluff community while equipping local youth with vocational skills and a sense of purpose.

The milestone was marked by the completion of a beautifully designed, 1,156-square-foot modular home on 13th Street. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the home reflects more than architectural planning — it’s a symbol of hope, renewal, and opportunity. Built over five months, the home stands as a testament to what’s possible when community vision, grassroots collaboration, and youth empowerment intersect.

The homes are modular in design, constructed using a box format that allows for future expansion — an intentional feature to accommodate growing families. But while the design offers flexibility, it’s the human hands that built it that give this project its heartbeat. Youth apprentices, ages 15 to 21 — many with no prior construction experience — were guided by mentors through every phase of the build, from framing to final assembly.

“Those young men had no experience in building whatsoever,” Washington said. “That home stands as an example of what we can do in the community with our youth.”

Indeed, the home embodies multiple forms of investment — personal, vocational, and communal. For the apprentices, it’s a foundation for skill-building and future employment. For the neighborhood, it’s a catalyst for revitalization. And for one woman in particular, it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

For Verna Perry, the project has been both transformational and deeply personal. A longtime advocate and Chief Executive Officer of the Carpenter’s Daughter Apprenticeship Programs, Perry purchased We Center / We Build’s first home from out of pocket — a milestone that represents far more than property ownership.

“I’ve been working with We Center / We Build since their inception,” she said. “And while Pine Bluff wasn’t originally my home, after 12 years here, I decided this is where I want to stay — especially into my retirement years.”

After selling her home in Little Rock in 2006, Perry rented there for seven years before relocating to Pine Bluff, where she has rented since 2013. Now, after 19 years without owning a home, she is returning to the stability of homeownership — and doing so in a community she has helped build, quite literally. She will move into her new home following a ribbon-cutting celebration scheduled for March 28 in Pine Bluff.

Her pride and passion for Pine Bluff are evident.

“When you see eight, 10, 12 new homes come up around you and you become a part of what that community is going to be, it gives you another level of appreciation and pride,” she said.

Perry’s journey has come full circle. Not only did she purchase the home — she also helped train the apprentices who built it, offering mentorship and leaving an enduring legacy.

“Along with my excitement to be in a new home again, I really want to be an integral part of seeing the next generation understand how important this is to this community,” she said.

Behind the scenes, CU played a pivotal role in making homeownership accessible and sustainable. Led by Area Director of Rural Housing Audra Butler, CU’s Housing Team provides a comprehensive array of services, including pre-purchase counseling, financial assistance, and post-purchase education — ensuring that new homeowners like Perry are set up for long-term success.

This project is also part of a broader revitalization strategy supported by CU and partners such as come dream. come build. (cdcb) and bc Workshop. Together, they are advancing a model called Dream Build, which combines housing initiatives with economic development strategies to strengthen rural communities holistically.

Washington echoed the importance of the collaboration:

“I’ve been working with CU for several years. Having Audra on board makes the process much easier, especially when our focus is the build process. We depend on CU to provide all those other services — bringing the buyers to the table, helping with our marketing, and assisting with owner financing. I don’t think it’s possible for us to do what we do without CU’s involvement.”

The momentum doesn’t stop here. We Center / We Build is already preparing to break ground on eight additional modular homes adjacent to the first — with a goal to complete them in just three months. These homes will not only provide more affordable housing but also serve as dynamic classrooms for young apprentices learning vital construction, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC skills.

As the initiative grows, so does its impact: We Center / We Build plans to integrate more components of the build process into the apprentices’ hands-on training, further deepening their skills. At the same time, they aim to reduce reliance on subcontractors — a move that not only enhances workforce development but also cuts costs. The ultimate goal? To pass those savings on to homeowners, making high-quality housing even more attainable for the community.

This multi-dimensional project encapsulates a powerful synergy: affordable housing development, youth workforce training, and community revitalization — all interwoven into a single initiative.

“This project covers all three,” Washington affirmed.

And now with a porch light turned on, garden tended, and a young apprentice gaining skills, Pine Bluff isn’t just building houses — it’s nurturing roots, illuminating pathways, and helping an entire neighborhood come to life.