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.

Eliza Howell Park Advisory Committee

Neighbors drive development at Brightmoor’s Eliza Howell Park

A Detroit nonprofit invested in relationships before mapping out infrastructure improvements to Eliza Howell Park. The result? A transformed space which reflects the neighborhood’s vision.

Shanin Green-Flowers (left) is Director of Housing Services at U SNAP BAC on Detroit’s East Side and Jawana Jackson (right) is Director of Programs
East Side seniors better equipped to age in place with home repair grants and education

Grants of $2,000 helped 35 seniors living in East Side Detroit homes with replacement doors, repairs to porch steps or radiators, electrical work, and other home fixes to keep them safe and healthy.

Dr. Celia S.D. Thomas, Chief Operating Officer at Alternatives for Girls
Doors open, lights on at Dr. Maya Angelou Village

Amidst a shortage of affordable housing, a new project in Brightmoor welcomes its first residents.  

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

Joyce Daniel and Fr. Donald Archambault
O’Hair Park: From a ‘terrible waste of land’ to a neighborhood treasure

The revitalization of Detroit's O'Hair Park neighborhood is symbolic of what individuals and neighborhood drive and spirit can achieve.  

Jessica M. Ramirez
Detroiters Helping Each Other: ‘It’s just straight groundwork.’

Staying rooted in the community is vital for Jessica M. Ramirez, who runs an operation in Detroit’s Springwells neighborhood to connect people to items and resources they need that someone else has to give.

Active residents in Hubbard Richard
Protecting Hubbard Richard neighborhood amid ongoing development

Michigan Central Station and other commercial developments are exciting, but residents wants to make sure Detroit’s Hubbard Richard neighborhood remains racially and economically diverse.

Deborah Myles
More than seat fillers: seniors reentering the workplace add value, learn new skills

When reacclimating Detroit seniors to the workplace, everyone wins.

Evadney Clark, a Brightmoor senior, wanted a place to go and a space to belong
Seniors A Go-Go keeps Brightmoor seniors engaged

Led by seniors, Detroit's Brightmoor neighborhood Seniors A Go-Go program is keeping seniors safe, active and connected -- and, just as important, having fun.

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.

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