Storytelling as a Catalyst for Community Development

Every successful community project starts with a powerful story. In Episode 2 of The Comms Exchange, 30|90 Marketing’s Rachel Ledet and Christianne Brunini sit down with Oji Alexander, CEO of People’s Housing Plus, to talk about how storytelling fuels momentum for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization in New Orleans. From transforming a long-abandoned firehouse to creating early learning opportunities for local families, this conversation explores how communications strategies can bring people and ideas together to make lasting change.

Productive community development requires trust, connection, and shared purpose. Storytelling helps organizations:

• Engage community members who see themselves reflected in the mission

• Build credibility with funders, policymakers, and partners

• Celebrate milestones that sustain energy and visibility over time

“Storytelling is so important for organizations like ours. We have to celebrate the wins and lift up community voices.” — Oji Alexander

For the Louisiana Firehouse Project, 30|90 partnered with People’s Housing Plus to turn moments into movements, planning and promoting events that doubled as storytelling opportunities.

From the merger announcement to the press conference supporting the city’s new Housing Trust Fund and the groundbreaking celebration, each milestone helped show the public what’s possible when communications and community goals align.

“It’s not enough to have a news article. You need to bring people into the story.” — Christianne Brunini

When residents, funders, and policymakers can see tangible results, like affordable housing units paired with early childhood classrooms, stories become proof points. In this case, storytelling documented progress, inspired public support, attracted partners, and amplified the cause of equitable development in New Orleans. As the project nears completion, that same narrative will continue to drive awareness, funding, and future collaborations.

The principles behind this project apply beyond housing:

• Lead with values: People rally behind purpose, not just programs.

• Make it human: Real voices and lived experiences resonate more than data alone.

• Use moments strategically: Events, visuals, and milestones are storytelling opportunities.

These are the same storytelling strategies 30|90 uses to help clients elevate their missions, whether they’re building homes, businesses, or brands.

Hear the whole conversation with Oji Alexander on The Comms Exchange to learn how strategic communications can turn local stories into lasting change.

Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6IEvJ2Rcjza6hMxL3QfGu9?si=7043467dc5184b3d 

Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-comms-exchange-a-podcast-by-30-90-marketing/id1842404323