corporation,” Bowser explains. “We go into communities that are in need of revitalization. We assist in bringing homeownership opportunities, but we’re not just building single family housing and multifamily housing.” Her organization operates from the transformed Independent Messenger building, offering pre-purchase counseling, post-purchase counseling, and foreclosure prevention services to residents across the region. The bilingual financial opportunity center addresses barriers beyond language. “We provide resources to help people manage their financial wellbeing, improve their credit, help them with benefit support and workforce development,” Bowser says.“We help them create resumes, build skills, find jobs, and provide digital support. Most people now have to apply online, so digital training is one of the things we also do.” Southside’s first four modular homes in Emporia sold to first-time buyers, though Bowser discovered the cost savings weren’t as significant as anticipated. “Modular was a very good experience, but it’s just as 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 EMPORIA, VA
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