Check Out Teara Harris’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teara Harris

Teara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Communities of Tomorrow, led by Teara Harris, Founder and CEO, is a pioneering force committed to reshaping the landscape of community development. Our mission is to foster communities with diverse income levels and uses—challenging conventional norms to create vibrant, sustainable living spaces.

Driven by a deep-seated commitment to affordable housing solutions, Teara Harris founded Communities of Tomorrow to bridge the gap for middle-class families earning between 60% and 120% of the median household income—offering opportunities beyond luxury homes and government-subsidized programs.

Operating in Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina, we specialize in innovative homebuyer assistance programs, dedicated senior living solutions, and strategic community development. As a USDA-certified packager, we also assist families in securing USDA Rural Development loans, including the 502 Direct Loan and 504 Home Repair programs, making homeownership and home repairs more accessible in rural communities.

Our mission extends beyond housing—we cultivate dynamic, interconnected neighborhoods where residents can live, grow, and thrive.

If you’re ready to explore homeownership opportunities or learn more about our services, we invite you to connect with Communities of Tomorrow today.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“Not at all. My journey has been anything but smooth, but I wouldn’t trade the challenges because they’ve shaped my purpose. Growing up in my childhood neighborhood, I witnessed firsthand the barriers that many families faced—limited access to homeownership, financial resources, and opportunities for upward mobility. Seeing those struggles inspired me to work in community development and affordable housing.

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the complexities of housing policies, securing funding, and getting buy-in from stakeholders who don’t always see the value in investing in underserved communities. There have been moments of frustration—when deals fell through, when bureaucracy slowed progress, and when communities were resistant to change. But every challenge reinforced my commitment to making homeownership more accessible, especially for minority families.

Despite the struggles, the reward is in the impact—seeing families move into homes they never thought they could own, helping communities revitalize, and creating pathways for economic growth. My journey has been tough, but every obstacle has been a step toward breaking barriers and building a future where homeownership isn’t just a dream, but a reality for more people.”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in affordable housing, community development, and economic revitalization. My focus is on helping families, especially underserved communities, achieve homeownership through innovative financing solutions like USDA loan programs, public-private partnerships, and strategic development initiatives.

I’m known for bringing together key stakeholders—lenders, city officials, developers, and nonprofits—to create sustainable housing solutions that make homeownership more accessible. Whether it’s developing affordable housing communities, packaging 502 USDA Direct Loans, or structuring down payment assistance programs, I work to remove barriers that often prevent families from owning a home.”

“I’m most proud of the real impact my work has on families and communities. Helping someone move into their first home, secure funding for critical home repairs, or revitalize an entire neighborhood is incredibly rewarding. One of my biggest accomplishments is leading initiatives that not only provide housing but also create economic opportunities for small towns and rural areas.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between policy, finance, and community development. I don’t just focus on one aspect of housing—I take a holistic approach, combining funding strategies, credit education, and long-term sustainability planning. I’m also deeply invested in collaboration, ensuring that public and private partnerships work together to create lasting impact. Whether it’s structuring layered financing options for first-time buyers or developing innovative housing models, I bring a strategic and solutions-oriented perspective that moves projects from concept to reality.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
**”The most important quality to my success is adaptability. Working on community development at The Rail District, I’ve learned that creating sustainable, thriving neighborhoods requires flexibility in addressing housing affordability, economic development, and workforce needs. One key challenge has been ensuring that the missing middle class—those who earn too much to qualify for subsidies but still struggle with rising home prices—have access to homeownership opportunities.

To address this, I adapted my approach by collaborating with financial institutions, developers, and city officials to create a mixed-use, workforce housing plan that not only provides affordable homes but also stimulates local businesses. For instance, we integrated homeownership education, down payment assistance programs, and partnerships with local employers to help residents secure stable housing while supporting economic mobility. As a result, we are creating a model for sustainable growth that balances housing affordability with long-term community investment.

By staying adaptable and responsive to both market conditions and community needs, I ensure that The Rail District is not just a development project, but a transformative opportunity for individuals and families to build generational wealth through homeownership.”**

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.communities-tomorrow.org/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cot_30240
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coft2020
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teara-h-4176374b/

Image Credits

Photos Credit Ryan Harville Instagram: @ryanharville Website: www.ryanharville.com Email: ryan@ryanharville.com
Makeup Credit: Mikekeith Ward Instagram @mkdwpeace
Location Credit The Cresent Station https://crescentstation.events/