April 21-25, 2025, marks National Community Development Week — a time to recognize the vital role community development plays in building vibrant, resilient communities.
Community development initiatives enhance quality of life, promote economic stability, and foster stronger social connections. These efforts empower individuals, support local businesses, and contribute to the overall well-being of neighborhoods.
Investing in community development is an investment in the future, ensuring everyone has access to a secure, supportive environment where they can thrive.
Meet Helen Guzzo! As the City of Battle Creek’s Community Development Manager, Helen oversees the city's federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs. Her team administers Lead Hazard Remediation Programs, the Battle Creek Public Schools Housing Incentive Program, and supports the city’s Neighborhood Planning Councils.
Committed to preserving and creating affordable housing, Helen serves on the boards of the Battle Creek Housing Commission, the Village of Mill Creek, and the Housing Solutions Board.
Helen began her current role in September 2023, bringing extensive experience from her previous tenure with the city, where she worked from 2014 to 2017 as a community development specialist. Before returning to community development, she served for six years as manager of Calhoun County Senior Services, administering senior millage resources.
She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Michigan State University. Her career includes roles as executive director of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness in Lansing, program specialist in the Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., and shelter manager in Washington, D.C.
A Battle Creek resident since 1997, Helen is married to Ed Guzzo and has two grown daughters living in Iowa and Hawaii. Born in Flint and raised in Lapeer, she enjoys spending time with her family, hosting dinner parties, and traveling.
Under Helen's leadership, the community development team includes seven dedicated staff members. These include three construction specialists or lead inspectors who work with contractors for the Minor Home Repair and Lead Abatement programs; an intake specialist who documents eligibility for community development programs; a community development specialist who ensures compliance with federal programs and supports the Neighborhood Planning Councils; and a lead programs coordinator who manages compliance and eligibility for the Lead Safe programs.
Helen's dedication to community development and her efforts to improve the lives of Battle Creek residents exemplify the spirit of National Community Development Week.