EXPERIENCE SMART DEVELOPMENT INC
Hope is Where Home is.
Smart Development Inc strives to continuously spread our message of equity and opportunity. When communities struggle, it is our duty to focus on long-term recovery and the needs of the residents. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly transform lives.
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We are committed to seizing each and every opportunity to build sustainable communities with vibrant economies filled with beautiful housing options, employment opportunities, and supporting all the residents to live in a neighborhood they desire. Restoring homes, revitalizing local neighborhoods, and investing in our neighbor’s quest to become a homeowners is our main focus. We believe equity is truly achieved when each socioeconomic class has options and opportunities in where they live, work, and play. With collaboration and partnership true change can occur, and we believe we are the leading advocates for collaboration within the community development sector. Smart Development Inc ensures to reduce the amount of vacant homes, turn them into beautiful housing options, and residents all have equal opportunity to achieve homeownership.
ABOUT US
Smart Development Inc is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization committed to community development and revitalization through the affordable housing, commercial development, and connecting those in need to the social services available to them. Our housing portfolio ranges from single family homes, road-homes, to multi-family units and apartments for low-income individuals and families, to market-rate housing for moderate and middle-income families. The way in which society views 'affordable housing' has deemed it to be seemingly negative. The reality is- affordable housing is for everyone, in all income classes regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, and background. It is our true desire to bring a more holistic approach to community revitalization and building strong neighborhoods with options.
We take pride in being an nontraditional community developer, as we are a leading nonprofit deeply rooted in rehabilitation as our main method of work when uplifting the communities we serve. by not allowing community lines hold us back from aiding all neighborhoods in need, we zone in on areas that have been left out of community development to offer housing options, business development, and beautification efforts to all the differing economic classes and neighborhoods. We ensure communities are given the proper attention and time they deserve, as partnership and collaboration are key to true transformation. Our goal is to ensure we create communities of choice across Northeast Ohio and reducing the gap of available affordable housing units. While we do not only focus our efforts on housing, we believe by providing affordable housing is a valuable strategy to support and improve well-being. It is important for policymakers to understand that safe, adequate, and affordable housing is not just shelter but also an investment in good health for low-income households.
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Many of the communities we serve are seeking assistance in multiple ways, which drives us to ensure no community is without the proper resources to thrive and reach their full potential. One cannot lead a life with opportunities if they do not feel secure with the ability to afford housing and have enough resources to afford life's other expenses. Providing quality and better affordable housing options not only positively affects ones health status, but ultimately is the first step to securing stability in an individuals life to then focus on their physical and mental health and future sustainability.
Smart Development Inc is a proud member of Ohio CDC Association.
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WHAT WE DO
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Our community development solutions in the areas of: residential housing, commercial development, and social services adapt to meet the needs and concerns of the communities we serve. Diversity is key- for we focus our efforts on serving diverse minority groups who voice to us they do not feel represented or heard. We help individuals and families by providing the most suitable and affordable housing, aid in achieving home ownership and or seeking affordable rent to their budget, prevent homelessness, and connect them to various employment, educational, and development opportunities to keep them engaged and aid in their future sustainability. Redeveloping abandoned businesses in blighted communities and educating current business owners what resources are available to them to thrive and grow is key- to which many small businesses suffer from. Hope begins at home- and with housing, one can feel confident to maintain their life for their families and loved ones. We connect our residents to the proper social services they need based on their unique situations. One on one mentoring services is key to ensuring we create the communities of choice as they desire.
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We focus on neighborhoods that have been seemingly forgotten and seen much disinvestment and blight. Every community deserves to thrive, to which we provide comprehensive neighborhood planning and development to achieve our goals. Strong community involvement ensures residents are apart of the redevelopment of their neighborhoods. we partner with other not-for-profit organizations whom are similar to our own to ensure we cover all grounds. What makes Smart Development Inc unique is that there is no singular neighborhood in which we focus our efforts. Neighborhoods in need exist across the Cleveland region, in which we intend to improve each and every community at risk. We currently serve Cuyahoga County.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STAFF
Committed to the Cause
Our dedicated team of experienced professionals are always on the ball, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of our Non-Profit Organization forward. We’re always pushing ourselves to stay ahead of the curve and striving to perfect our programs and services.
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MUSTAFA ABED
Executive Director and President
Mustafa has over 13Â years experience within the real estate industry, enriching communities through real estate development in communities seeking market stability. As a Cleveland resident for majority of his life, understanding the needs of the communities in which he serves is critical to his success. Mustafa has owned a for-profit business for multiple years, thriving and adding to the greater Cleveland community through his successes. Alongside his business, he launched a community giving program in which he would hire individuals in need of job placement and training; offering integrated social services to ensure his employees have a chance to reach their highest potential was and still is a consistent occurrence for him. Throughout his life Mustafa has lead multiple philanthropic events and platforms to give back to the community. Now, he plans to lead Smart Development Inc to ensure all communities seemingly forgotten are no longer left behind.
NAIEM ELKHATIB
Treasurer and Secretary
Naiem Elkhatib is the treasurer and secretary. He leads our Property Management and Asset Department with years of leadership experience. He has over 6 years within the health and pharmaceutical field, and his wish is to help bring insight into how to create and sustain healthy communities within homes. In the last few years, Naiem has been engaged in the real estate development world himself, working as a project manager on small projects alongside contractor teams. Coming into the nonprofit industry is not new to him, for working within the health industry enables him to focus on ensuring the safety and security for all in the communities they serve.
NAEL ABUSHATARA
Planning and Housing
Nael brings over 15 years of real estate development and business management expertise to the organization. As a director, he leads the planning and housing department as the leading specialist. With having multiple successful for-profit businesses throughout his life-time, Nael intends to bring forth his expertise in ensuring the stakeholders in the communities Smart Development Inc serves are apart of the shift toward. Nael was first exposed to the nonprofit world through his consistent philanthropic giving and volunteer hours to various mosques and refugee organizations seeking to help those in need.
MELAAK RASHID
Development and Community Outreach
Melaak holds a masters in Public Administration with a Nonprofit Management Certificate from the Cleveland State Levin College of Urban Affairs. As a Doctoral candidate, her focus is to present collaboration models for the nonprofit, public, and private sector in over to bring more inter-sectional and inclusive practices to service residents better. Bringing her expertise to Smart Development Inc, Melaak engages in community outreach, connects our residents to services they desire, and ensures Smart Development Inc. is seen for the quality of work we produce. With 5 years experience in portfolio development for leading Cleveland nonprofit organizations, and grant and fundraising experience, she intends to insure the mission and passions of our team are heard throughout the Cleveland community.
STATEMENT FROM THE BOARD
Our duties
"As we've launched our strategic plan for 2018-2022, we look forward to continuously working with and hearing feedback from our friends, funders, partners, and volunteers on how we plan for the future, serve the communities we plan to transform, and do right by the neighborhoods of greater Cleveland."
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We are currently in the process of adding additional board members in the 2019 year within the first quarter.
SMART DEVELOPMENT INC AT A GLANCE
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create, nourish, and build sustainable and vibrant communities through Housing and community-based services ensuring all individuals and families can thrive while maintaining and celebrating diverse cultures, values and people.
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OUR VISION
We look to transform neighborhoods into more safe, clean, healthy, diverse, and engaged places residents can call their own. By partnering with residents, public officials, and those invested in ensuring future sustainability for all, shaping neighborhoods of choice is key. Enhancing housing options, helping businesses grow, and engaging residents is the pathway to success.
OUR FOCUS
Collaboration and Innovation
CHALLENGES FACING RESIDENTS:
Little to no affordable housing availability across all income classes
Low home-ownership rates
Low financial literacy
No bank account
Lack of businesses coming into the city, and or current businesses invested in their neighborhoods.
Limited access to healthy food
Limited access to preventative care or ways to stay healthy
OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED IN COMMUNITIES WE SERVE:
Affordable housing options
Financial literacy courses
Individual support related to budgeting and money management
Job readiness support with provided transportation services
Supporting local businesses in the areas we work in- majority small and minority owned.
Connecting residents to other human and social service providers
Connecting to other housing services suited to their needs
Community building activities and events
Volunteer opportunities both at the property and within the community
Join us in making a real difference.
ACTIVITIES
Making A Difference
REAL ESTATE AND COMMERCIAL EXPANSION
We offer apartments and homes to low wage-earning families, seniors, refugees, individuals with disabilities, working class individuals, and all disenfranchised groups across all income classes in need better options to lead a healthy life. Our housing undergoes full rehabilitation services to ensure the best options are available for the communities we serve. Futher, with a network of over 700 businesses across Cleveland, we are changing the way our businesses engage and give back to their communities.
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Rehabbing homes and working with our current business stakeholders not only enriches a community by providing safe housing and growing economies, but ensures that each community holds on to their rich history and ensures our residents have the community of choice they desire with individuals who care about its future.
COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE
We provide out residents a chance at securing their own future success. Our resident and neighborhood services are tailored to meet varied needs. We ensure we connect our residents to the proper food services, educational services, available utility assistance programs, health and wellness events, and proper case management suited to their unique needs. Community clean-up and regularly involving residents with volunteer opportunities to be apart of giving back is key to ultimate community growth.
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Community development is not singular, for housing and social service alone cannot ensure any individual or family has all they need. Through our combined efforts and various services, resilient communities will be build to last.
GET INVOLVED
You Can Make a Difference
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
Want to join our efforts but not sure where to start? Volunteer Your Time and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to lend your support. It’s a great way to contribute to our cause, and every little bit counts towards paving the path for a better tomorrow. Get in touch with us today for more details about how you can help.
MAKE A DONATION
This is one of the simplest ways to help out our cause. We believe the best way for our initiatives to be successful is for the community to actively get involved. This is an easy and efficient way of contributing to the great work we doat Smart Development Inc. Get in touch with any questions about how you can Make a Donation today.
PARTNER WITH US
Want to join our efforts but not sure where to start? Partner with Us and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to lend your support. It’s a great way to contribute to our cause, and every little bit counts towards paving the path for a better tomorrow. Get in touch with us today for more details about how you can help.
DONATE YOUR WAY
Help us make safe, decent, and affordable housing more accessible for all.
According to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, families who pay more than 30% of their income for housing are considered cost burdened, to which over 40% on average of Cleveland residents are. This impacts their ability to afford necessities Âsuch as food, clothing, transportation and medical care. There are many ways you can give to help us achieve our goal of closing the gap of available affordable housing units to help more individuals and families in need reach home-ownership and ehance the city of Cleveland.
INDIVIDUAL GIVING
Each donation supports our home-rehabilitation program. Whether it be $1 to $100, it will go directly to the costs related to housing such as: paint, door knobs, smoke alarms, bathroom necessities, and beyond.
CORPORATE GIVING
Smart Development Inc. has multiple ways for corporate groups or entire entities to give back and partner with us. Not only does it benefit the community at large, but offer a way for corporations to engage their employees in community based activities and learn more about the important work Smart Development Inc. provides across the region.
ADOPT A HOME
The adopt a home program is a way in which an individual can selectively chose which home in our organizational inventory they would like to donate to rehabilitate. As some Cleveland is so diverse and we rehabilitate homes across the region, some individuals may be more invested in a specific neighborhood and can donate specifically for a given home.
COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP
We regularly engage in community clean up days in which we minimize loitering across the city of Cleveland. Volunteer with us in our clean up efforts or donate for the supplies needed to complete our beautification projects.
We work diligently to continually enrich the lives of those we serve. Providing the housing and connecting our communities to the services we do would not be possible without dedicated volunteers and generous partners. Together everything is possible.
CONTACT SMART DEVELOPMENT INC
Get in touch with Smart Development Inc to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
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Our office is currently under renovation, work with us in planning meetings until we have completed our remodel!
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All organizational documents will be posted and downloaded on the website soon. Please contact us if you would like any documentation.
Cleveland, OH, USA
