Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP Many of the local community and business leaders who attended Thursday's reception hosted by NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire gather in front of the organization's banner following the program

NASHUA – Building new housing and rehabilitating deteriorating homes is what NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire does, but what goes on behind the scenes with each project is as much a part of the equation as the physical work, a NeighborWorks leader said Thursday.

“It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s community building and engagement,” NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire Executive Director Robert Tourigny told roughly 60 community and business leaders gathered at Crossway Christian Church for an event billed as a reception to recognize NeighborWorks’ “real estate development focus” in the city’s Tree Streets neighborhood.

“It’s been about seven years since we expanded into Nashua, and we’re here today to celebrate our focus on this neighborhood,” Tourigny added, referring to the Tree Streets neighborhood, a thickly-settled residential area of mostly renters bordered roughly by Elm Street to the east, Eaton Street to the west, West Pearl Street to the north and Lake Street to the south.

The neighborhood has been the prime focus for NeighborWorks since it expanded what it calls its “geographic footprint” into Nashua in 2013, according to Tourigny.

Right away, he said, NeighborWorks representatives began developing partnerships with local and regional businesses and community leaders, while also seeking input from current residents and businesses to form relationships.

Discussed Thursday were two ongoing projects NeighborWorks launched recently:

• 40 Pine St., currently a vacant lot at the corner of Pine and Central streets, and

• 38-40 W. Hollis St., an unoccupied, multi-unit apartment building gutted by fire in April.

Mayor Jim Donchess said Thursday that NeighborWorks has been “a wonderful community partner” since it came to Nashua. “We’re hoping to expand (its projects) as far as we can,” he added.

The organization’s work also helps address Nashua’s affordable housing shortage, Donchess said.

Meanwhile, site work and the start of construction at the West Hollis Street and Pine Street properties is expected to begin once weather permits.

The 40 Pine St. home is expected to become a two-family residence, while the one on West Hollis Street, which has a considerably larger lot, will have four units.

Tourigny and other speakers on Thursday cited the welcome they receive from faith-based organizations, and members’ willingness to support NeighborWorks projects.

Such is the case with Thursday’s host, the Crossway Christian Church’s downtown campus at 33 Pine St. There, the Rev. Dave Smith welcomed visitors and thanked NeighborWorks for their work improving the neighborhood.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256, or at dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.