Community land trusts: ‘We’re rising from the ashes, and this is our vehicle.’
GenesisHOPE plans to purchase 10 vacant lots across Detroit neighborhoods to provide affordable housing through a community land trust model.
Resilient Neighborhoods
Model D has teamed up with The Kresge Foundation for a reporting and engagement series looking at community-building in Detroit neighborhoods. The series seeks to raise awareness about the work of 21 Community Development Organizations (CDOs), known as Detroit 21, currently receiving support from Kresge, while also amplifying the voices of residents in their respective neighborhoods.
Deeply Rooted Gardens reduces barriers for farmers of color
Through classes, incubator kitchens and welcoming meals, nonprofit Deeply Rooted Gardens empowers farmers of color to reach their urban-farming potential.
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.
Detroit Repertory Theatre: A stage for voices often unheard since 1957
In Detroit’s Oakman Boulevard neighborhood, a nonprofit theater offers a place to experience “storytelling, live, together with our fellow human beings.”
The evolution of Detroit’s Springwells neighborhood: Nonprofit leader shares her perspective
Christine Bell of Urban Neighborhood Initiatives reflects on the highs and lows of a vibrant area of Southwest Detroit during her 18 years working in the Springwells neighborhood.
One step forward, two back: Housing, employment challenges create barriers to self-sufficiency
In Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood, a transformative program is helping residents take charge of their futures by tackling financial instability and housing insecurity head-on.
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.
Reducing violent crime by 52 percent in one Detroit neighborhood is no small feat
FORCE Detroit is helping neighbors living in areas of high violence by building trust. A team working in Cody Rouge identifies and intercepts problems early on, before violence breaks out.
Center offers language, community support for adult learners
With a growing population of students from West Africa, Siena Literacy Center provides language help and community support for adult learners
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.
