This Habitat leader works toward 'front porch culture,' building new homes, saving older ones

Melinda Taylor began her Habitat for Humanity career in 1993 as executive director of the Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity in Mississippi. Since 2000, she has been the executive director of Lafayette Habitat for Humanity.

Under her leadership, Lafayette Habitat has built or rehabilitated more than 150 homes in partnership with local first-time homebuyers who would otherwise have been unable to purchase a home of their own. The organization is dedicated to creating vibrant neighborhoods and supporting resident-led revitalization initiatives in Lafayette’s urban core.

Taylor believes that the long-term solutions for poverty, health disparities and economic inequality are rooted in healthy and resilient communities.

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

Beyond building ho