ActKnowledge's work in community development research has included a comprehensive community initiative in Harlem, a national study of homeownership counseling and foreclosure, a community organizing effort in Hawaii, and housing policy work.

Prior to founding ActKnowledge, Heléne Clark led several New York City housing studies.  Dr. Clark and Kira Krenichyn, now Director of Research, conducted feasibility studies for a community organizing center and a public housing technical assistance center.  Heléne was also the lead researcher in a multiple-year partnership between four U.S. non-profits and two Russian organizations to form the first community development non-profits in Moscow.