Holistic community development is better understood as ideal-concept rather than organizational practice. A holistic perspective recognizes the interdependence of factors—such as social, economic, environmental, and cultural needs—and seeks to create synergies among them, fostering a more resilient, vibrant, and thriving community for all. As practiced, development programs (with a holistic perspective) are effective by focusing on specific issues—collectively, different programs will affect holistic development.
Shelterforce
Shelterforce is a 49-year-old news organization centered around the fight for healthy communities. In partnership with our readers and other newsrooms, we serve housing justice and community development leaders by delivering content that delves into the intricacies of housing organizing, community planning, and affordable housing development, offering insights into their current state and the potential for positive transformation. Shelterforce brings together evidence, reporting, storytelling, and on-the-ground practitioner and organizer experience to build momentum toward the day when every person has a place to call home. Shelterforce began in 1975 as a “how-to” publication for tenant activists. Over the years our focus expanded and we began to examine a wider range of place-based community-building issues. But we’ve always kept the goal of empowering people to make real change in their communities.