Rural Neighborhoods' mission is providing shelter -- a simple decent place to live for working families especially migrant and seasonal farm workers -- and to eliminate substandard housing, overcrowding and make rents affordable. But our objectives are not just to build houses. We want to develop strong communities in which people can live and grow, be neighbors first, and then good neighbors, to be a place families pass through on route to the pride and hope that accompanies ownership. Rural Neighborhoods' challenge is to enrich lives — to celebrate culture, spark creativity, educate and engender personal strength and leadership. Our duty is to stand beside those we seek to serve and their communities in moments of adversity and natural disaster. Our aim is a two-way partnership between persons in need and persons concerned. Rural Neighborhoods offers tough love, not simply charity. Our staff and volunteers are called to work with the poor, to listen, to be their partner and not simply to do something we choose for them. Our task is to respect people, value the differences among them and deal with individuals the way we would like that individual to deal with us. Our tools include our collective talent, ardor, voice and committed partners.