Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) is a Greensboro-based nonprofit that assists individuals and families in need throughout Greene and Putnam counties.
The organization has been actively serving the area for five years and recently became a member of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce (GCCOC).
With their work, NHN is responsible for three projects, including vehicle repairs, home repairs, and building beds for children in need through its “Beds for Kidz” program.
With a background in nonprofit work, Allyn Rippin recently became the organization's first part-time hire. She joined the GCCOC in June as its new executive director, given her experience in its 'Leadership Greene' program.
Rippin said she “personally and professionally” appreciates the opportunity to be involved and “meet great fellow business owners, entrepreneurs, leaders.” She said she believes joining the Chamber is a crucial step in forming partnerships between NHN and other GCCOC members.
“There's just so much talent in this community and so many great people with a big heart, and the chamber does a great job of promoting us, this community, and offers resources and opportunities to get together,” Rippin said. “We couldn't do without the excellent opportunity to meet more business owners, and other charitable people in the community who want to work together to serve those in need.”
According to Rippin, NHN assists qualifying individuals, including those with physical or developmental disabilities, senior citizens, veterans, single mothers, and lower-income families.
Currently, the nonprofit is focused on providing resources through the “Beds For Kidz” program, as the school year begins. Ripken noted that “Beds For Kidz” is operated through a partnership with Greensboro’s First Methodist Church.
“So, with the First Methodist Church, we purchase the materials, find the recipients, and the church builds the beds and delivers them,” Rippin said.
Rippin said she believes NHN memberships are a good way to help support the organization’s cause and sustain its work. Memberships and monetary donations enable NHN to afford the materials necessary to provide its resources to the qualifying individuals, she added.
“That steady support is really helpful for what we do, because we always have a wait list of people who could use our services,” Rippin said. “So, to have those funds there consistently is really helpful to keep us moving forward as well.”
NHN also accepts knitted blankets made by a local group for the 'Beds for Kidz' program,” Rippin added.
“So, there are different ways you can give, and volunteering is a great way,” she said. “And if someone wants to donate a car, we accept car donations. There are lots of ways to get involved.”
Overall, with her new position and partnership with the Greene County Chamber, Rippin said she’s looking forward to making more connections in the community.
“There are so many people here who do want to do good for the community and contribute,” Rippin said. “I see my role as helping bring us together even more, and just hope to expand that network.”
Neighbors Helping Neighbors will host its first “A Night at The Tables” casino party on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Lake Oconee Church.
For details on the fundraising event, visit NHN online at nhnga.org.