On June 5, 2026 at Lincoln South Rotary Club we heard from Charlie Wesche, CEO of NeighborWorks Lincoln.
Charlie opened by sharing what NeighborWorks (NWL) is about - their mission and purpose. They have been serving Lincoln for 40 years.
Who is NeighborWorks Lincoln?
NeighborWorks Lincoln (NWL) is a nonprofit community housing development organization that actively partners with residents, businesses, and public officials to increase the supply of affordable housing and strengthen neighborhoods.
NeighborWorks Lincoln (NWL) is a nonprofit community housing development organization that actively partners with residents, businesses, and public officials to increase the supply of affordable housing and strengthen neighborhoods.
Our Mission
NeighborWorks Lincoln improves lives by expanding affordable housing opportunities and strengthening neighborhoods.
NeighborWorks Lincoln improves lives by expanding affordable housing opportunities and strengthening neighborhoods.
Who We Serve
NeighborWorks Lincoln serves clients looking to purchase a home within Lincoln’s city limits who are between 60% and 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).
NeighborWorks Lincoln serves clients looking to purchase a home within Lincoln’s city limits who are between 60% and 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Charlie shared that, through their Real Estate Program, they are increasing the supply of safe, quality, affordable housing and advances neighborhoods through strengthened housing stock. Real estate activities include new construction, owner-occupied rehabilitation, and a workforce acquisition-rehabilitation program.
There is a deficit of affordable housing in Lincoln and NeighborWorks Lincoln is focused on improving access to housing options. With housing needs met, the families can focus on other aspects of their lives such as their children, debts and maybe building savings for further education. Helping with housing is one way to reduce the cycle of poverty.
NeighborWorks Lincoln cultivates neighborhood capacity to help improve quality of life for Lincoln residents through an asset-based community development methodology. They engage residents in environmental improvement projects, neighborhood events, advocacy, and leadership development.
They help with home ownership in a variety of ways, primarily:
Homebuyer Education Course (monthly free of charge, available to anyone in Lincoln)
Down payment assistance
Rehabilitation Assistance - assist with repairs and upgrades
Charlie talked about the South of Downtown Community Development Organization (SDCDO) with a focus on collaborating with residents to enrich the quality of life, build vibrant neighborhoods, and provide equitable opportunities for people to thrive primarily in the Near South and Everett neighborhoods:
NeighborWorks Lincoln is driven by disparity - where someone lives affects their life expectancy. Also Racial gaps impact wealth and homeownership. Market fluctuations impact nearly half of the renters and 18% of home owners. Charlie stated that 85% of the extremely low-income households spend ore than 1/3 of their income on rent.
What is NWL doing about it?
• Prairie Roots Community Land Trust
• Expanding partnerships to increase scale of production
• Moderately aggressive land-use policy (addition by subtraction)
• Expansion of down payment assistance to higher-income households
• Increased production through Middle Income Workforce Housing Fund
• Rental Line of Business
• Prairie Roots Community Land Trust
• Expanding partnerships to increase scale of production
• Moderately aggressive land-use policy (addition by subtraction)
• Expansion of down payment assistance to higher-income households
• Increased production through Middle Income Workforce Housing Fund
• Rental Line of Business
One of the current large-scale projects is Promenade at Pioneers at 46th & Pioneers with 12 units - 7 subsidized for Low to Middle Income first-time homebuyers.
Another project they purchased the former Azalealand site at 3701 Prescott Ave in September 2024. Since then, NWL has been working alongside neighbors to develop the 2.9 acres to include affordable housing opportunities and neighborhood amenities.
NeighborWorks Lincoln was also a partner in developing Foxtail Meadows in Southwest Lincoln described as "income restricted" units up to 4 bedrooms.
NeighborWorks Lincoln is holding a Construction Olympics for the first time this year. It is designed to be a fun, community-driven competition to bring family and friends together to raise funds and awareness for NeighborWorks Lincoln.
nwlincoln.org
BIO
Charles Wesche joined NeighborWorks Lincoln in 2018 and is currently the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. Prior to being named CEO in August of 2024, Charles held positions at NeighborWorks Lincoln as a Construction Manager, Director of Real Estate Development, and Chief of Staff. NeighborWorks Lincoln is a Community Development Housing Organization that assists low-to-moderate income residents with the purchase of their first home, builds 15-25 new homes each year, and strengthens neighborhoods through community building and engagement efforts.
Charles has over 15 years of experience in residential construction & affordable housing development, having built or rehabilitated hundreds of homes for Lincoln’s low to moderate-income residents. Charles created the Prairie Roots Community Land Trust, currently oversees the trust’s portfolio, and continually advocates both locally and nationally for innovative approaches to providing affordable housing opportunities. Charles also currently serves as the Manager for the South of Downtown Community Development Organization.
Prior to his time at NeighborWorks, Charles owned and operated a residential remodeling company that operated in Lincoln and the surrounding areas.
Originally from Laramie, Wyoming, Charles has lived in Lincoln for the past 20 years with his wife, Megan, and their three children.