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The Village
Real Estate Investment Cooperative

Empowering Generations & Building Communities

We envision vibrant Black communities where residents enjoy financial security across generations and actively participate as co-owners in shaping the places they live, work, and grow. Through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose, we aim to create sustainable, community-driven real estate investments that make a difference.

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Get Involved

Be Part of the Learning Journey

We are excited to introduce this innovative idea to Louisiana by launching a transformative Learning Journey from May to October 2025. This initiative will bring together 10-15 Black residents from diverse economic backgrounds to build the foundation for our cooperative.

What to Expect:

  • Collaborative Learning: Explore real estate investment concepts together.
  • Shared Purpose: Define a common mission and vision for our cooperative.
  • Actionable Plans: Develop clear processes to guide our first investment project.

This is more than just education; it’s an opportunity to become part of a movement that puts collective ownership and community benefit at the forefront.

Contact Us
About Us

We are passionate about cooperative economics, building Black community wealth and ownership through collective real estate investment.

We are pioneering Louisiana's first real estate investment cooperative with the aim of providing a low-barrier opportunity to collectively own real estate, share profits, and shape their environment for future generations. Together, we can build thriving neighborhoods and lasting legacies.

The Cooperative Model

7 Cooperative Principles

  • Voluntary Membership
  • Democratic Member Control
  • Member's Economic Participation
  • Autonomy and Independence
  • Education, Training and Information
  • Cooperation Among Cooperatives
  • Concern for Community
Founding Members

Meet Our Stewardship Team

A New Orleans native, Jenga has been engaged in community land development since 2009. With a Master’s in Sustainable Real Estate Development from Tulane University (2016), she now serves as a Project Manager for a regional affordable housing developer.

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Jenga Mwendo

A New Orleans native, Lydia is a real estate agent and consultant helping clients build wealth through real estate. With expertise in affordable housing financing, mortgage programs, and commercial real estate investments, Lydia brings a wealth of knowledge to her clients and community.

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Lydia Cutrer

A 25-year New Orleans resident, Tamara is a Loan Steward with Cooperation New Orleans, supporting cooperative businesses. She owns Sheaux Fresh Sustainable Foods and Legacy Tours, promoting sustainability and local heritage, and is dedicated to fostering equity and resilience in her community.

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Tamara Prosper
Our Background
Learn more about the real estate investment cooperative concept in this 8-minute pitch produced during our 2023 Start.Coop Business Accelerator.
Learn More
Contact Us

We love to hear from you

Get In Touch

Join us in creating a future where Black communities lead in ownership and wealth-building.

New Orleans, LA, USA
Resources
Community of Practice

Black Cooperative Agenda

NEIC

The Guild

7 cooperative principles

Video Pitch

Ujamaa Principles of Cooperative Economics