Author

Melinda Clynes

Melinda Clynes is a freelance writer and editor for Model D and other IMG publications. She is project editor of Resilient Neighborhoods, a series of stories on community-building in Detroit Neighborhoods, and project manager and editor of the Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative. View her online portfolio here.

Melinda Clynes's Latest Articles

Mark Covington, Georgia Street Community Collective
Cluck. Quack. Buzz. The making of Detroit’s new Animal Keeping Ordinance

It’s not easy getting an ordinance passed through Detroit City Council. In this story, we’ll walk you through an ordinance that was 10+ years in the making – how it passed and what it means to Detroit neighborhoods.  

Jeffrey Jones, Executive Director of HOPE Village Revitalization, hopes to acquire and renovate this empty apartment building with energy-efficient improvements
The ‘tough slog’ of turning long-vacant apartment buildings into affordable, green housing

Patience and perseverance are crucial when purchasing long-neglected Detroit real estate. Jeff Jones at HOPE Village Revitalization has both – and a dream to renovate two apartment buildings to be highly energy efficient, contributing to long-term affordability for tenants.

D21 celebration at Newlab
Detroit 21 celebrates five years of neighborhood revitalization at gala

Nonprofit leaders at the heart of Detroit’s community development efforts rarely slow down to rest on their laurels. The exception was a recent gathering to celebrate their achievements.

Left to Right in the future E. Warren Commercial Kitchen: Brie’Ann Bell, Markets and Activation Coordinator; Joe Rashid, Executive Director; Nate Kepinski, Market Associate; Diana Gomez, Commercial Kitchen Manager and Chef and Owner of Taco Hernandez
E. Warren Farmers Market provides a pathway to growth for small businesses

A lively farmers market in the E. Warren commercial corridor is intentionally a launch pad for small, neighborhood businesses hoping to grow

Jimmie Smith, 16, works at LifeBUILDERS
Northeast Detroit teens essential to summer day camp success

A positive work environment brings out the best in summer youth employees who help deliver a fun day camp experience to more than 100 children on Detroit’s northeast side.

Healthy Tuesdays at the Parkman Branch of Detroit Public Libraries
Resilient Neighborhoods: Can putting health at the forefront help bring a neighborhood back?

Health consciousness can be contagious, especially with a little nudge from friends and neighbors – and nearby places to go for healthy food, exercise and healthcare services. Read about how the Hope Village neighborhood in Detroit is embracing and uplifting health and wellness for community members.  

Megan and Micah Williams and their daughter Maliyah
Resilient Neighborhoods: ‘It’s a privilege to be able to live here.’

Meeting the challenges and complexity of affordable housing one unit at a time takes patience, financial support and commitment from community development organizations. Read about one young family’s opportunity to enter Detroit’s housing market in a neighborhood they love.  

Antoine Jackson, Executive Director, MACC Development
Resilient Neighborhoods: Learnings from Montgomery, Alabama, the mecca of the Civil Rights Movement

Inspired by the Freedom Riders, Antoine Jackson takes learnings from a Montgomery, Alabama, retreat and reflects on how Detroit can use lessons from the Civil Rights Movement to engage the faith-based community and spark interest among the city’s young people.  

Kirk Mayes
A smarter food security system

Kirk Mayes is the outgoing CEO of Forgotten Harvest. We talked with him about changes the organization has experienced and new models for combatting food security. 

Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan host "Camp CEO" each September.
Camp CEO: Forging connections between industry leaders and Girl Scouts

Our Partners

The Kresge Foundation logo
Ford Foundaiton

Solutions journalism takes time, trust, and your support.

Close
Psst. We could use your help today!

Don't miss out!

Everything Detroit, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.