Beyond Shelter: YES! Communities Builds Resilience One Home at a Time

Denver, CO – November 8, 2025 – In an era where affordable housing often focuses solely on providing shelter, YES! Communities is demonstrating a different approach. The company recently completed its 2025 ‘Hug-A-Home’ program, a charitable initiative that goes beyond basic repairs to actively improve the lives of residents across 15 communities in six states. This isn't simply about fixing leaky roofs; it’s about fostering resilience, building community, and redefining the role of a housing provider.

YES! Communities, a leading operator of manufactured home communities, has long emphasized a commitment to social responsibility through its ‘YES We Care’ umbrella. The ‘Hug-A-Home’ program, now in its ongoing iteration, embodies this commitment, providing vital home repairs, accessibility upgrades, and beautification projects to residents facing financial hardship or physical challenges.

More Than Just Repairs

The program's reach extended across Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Georgia, addressing a diverse range of needs. From restoring homes damaged by natural disasters to providing necessary modifications for residents with disabilities, the ‘Hug-A-Home’ program tackles immediate concerns while laying the groundwork for long-term stability. One resident in Seamist, Texas, highlighted in the company’s announcement, benefited from repairs following Hurricane Harvey and accessibility modifications to accommodate ongoing health concerns.

“Seeing the transformation and the resident’s reaction was unforgettable—everyone was in tears,” shared a team member involved in the Seamist project. This sentiment underscores a key element of the program: its focus on emotional well-being. A safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing home is more than just a structure; it’s a foundation for dignity, pride, and a sense of belonging.

Addressing a Critical Need

The program arrives at a pivotal moment. Affordable housing remains in critical shortage across the nation, and existing residents often face significant challenges maintaining their homes. According to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), millions of families struggle to afford safe and decent housing, and even more face deferred maintenance issues that can lead to health and safety risks.

“The reality is that many affordable housing residents are one unexpected expense away from a crisis,” explains an expert in affordable housing policy. “Programs like ‘Hug-A-Home’ provide a vital safety net, preventing small problems from escalating into larger, more costly issues.”

The impact extends beyond individual residents. By stabilizing housing, the program contributes to stronger communities, reduces strain on social services, and fosters a sense of collective responsibility.

The Power of Partnerships

YES! Communities didn't undertake this initiative alone. The ‘Hug-A-Home’ program relies heavily on collaborative partnerships with local businesses and volunteers. In Countryside Village, Indiana, Sherwin-Williams donated all exterior paint, while Carmichael Construction built and donated a new shed and deck. Similar partnerships flourished in other communities, demonstrating the power of collective action.

“Local businesses recognize that investing in the well-being of the community is not only the right thing to do, but also good for business,” commented a local economic development specialist. “By partnering with YES! Communities, they are demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility and building stronger relationships with residents.”

In Van Buren Estates, Michigan, 20 YES! team members joined forces with TPC, AMHS, Cox Law, Capitol Supply, and Meadows Landscaping for a major home makeover. These collaborative efforts reduced costs, expanded the program's reach, and fostered a sense of shared ownership.

A Shift in Perspective

The ‘Hug-A-Home’ program represents a growing trend in the affordable housing sector – a shift from simply providing shelter to actively investing in resident well-being. This approach recognizes that stable housing is only one piece of the puzzle. True affordability requires addressing the holistic needs of residents – their physical health, emotional well-being, and sense of community.

“We’re seeing a growing recognition that housing providers have a responsibility to be more than just landlords,” says an affordable housing advocate. “They need to be community partners, actively working to improve the lives of their residents.”

YES! Communities’ commitment to continuing the ‘Hug-A-Home’ program in 2026 signals a long-term commitment to this philosophy. By prioritizing resident well-being and fostering strong community partnerships, YES! Communities is setting a new standard for responsible housing provision – one that goes beyond bricks and mortar and embraces a more holistic vision of affordability and community resilience.

Learn more about YES! Communities and the ‘Hug-A-Home’ program at [www.yescommunities.com/About/About-YES](www.yescommunities.com/About/About-YES).