20 Ways to Revitalize Your Neighborhood

The following ideas come from neighborhoods, organizations, and citizens across the country. As you can see, people are finding ways to help their neighborhoods by helping their neighbors, youth, and the physical environment.

While reading the following examples, think of how your neighborhood could benefit from a similar project. Could you gain recognition as a neighborhood? Could you help others? Would the project increase participation and cohesiveness in your neighborhood? Will the project indirectly or directly improve the quality of life in your community?

Even if you're afraid that your neighborhood association is not large enough to complete some of the following programs, use them as inspiration. You may be able to begin small and work toward something great! Find out if businesses, churches, schools, and other organizations are willing to participate.

Duarte, California is strengthening intergenerational bonds and improving the independence of senior citizens with People Helping People. In the past year, 34 teen volunteers were trained to perform services to 36 seniors, including light yard work and housekeeping, friendly visiting, and escorting.
In Kokomo, Indiana, a partnership between local churches and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center implemented a volunteer training program to provide respite care. In the first year, the program had 40 volunteers and served 100 people.
In Chino Hills, California, volunteers have united in the program Seniors Assisted by Visiting Volunteers and Youth (SAVVY). SAVVY helps seniors and homebound residents with errands, simple daily tasks, home safety, and companionship. Leaders plan for the next phase of the program to involve volunteers from youth groups and organizations to assist with yard work, home repair, and cleaning.
Duarte, California conducted a blood donor and bone marrow registry drive, obtaining 66 pints of blood and 25 registrations. Five businesses allowed paid time off for donations.
In 22 Louisiana communities, at-risk children and their parents listen to a local storyteller each week. After the story, a teacher or professor can lead a discussion of the issues.
In Monterey Park, California 100 volunteers taught 300 residents English as a second language.
In Palm Desert, California residents established a walking program. Over 160 people have participated in activities including a Mayor’s Walk. Two thirds of the participants say they exercise more and half of residents say they have more energy.
Rohnert Park, California developed and distributed a 1995 community calendar, Focus on Our Youth, to parents and students. The calendar provided information on a wide array of health topics, including exercise, immunization, bicycle safety, drugs and alcohol, nutrition, and pool safety.
Contact schools in your community and offer to hold an essay contest. Select a topic related to issues relevant to your neighborhood. Topics could be related to community development, housing, racial tensions, pollution, etc.
In San Carlos, California volunteers from high schools, businesses, the senior center and the community-at-large are providing academic tutoring and engaging K-3 students in recreation and social activities. Early intervention is expected to increase self-esteem and discourage participation in activities leading to gang involvement.
In Los Angeles, California, community members volunteer to train high school students for a marathon. They train after school and run trial races for 9 months before the marathon. 97% complete the marathon and 85% of participants graduate from high school (compared to 50-75% average for the city).
Toledo, Ohio has developed a popular judo program in which police officers work with youth to improve their outlook and behavior. The program emphasized self-esteem, respect for others, and community development.
In Los Angeles, students converted empty land next to their school into a garden business. The profits ($32,000 in 1996) go toward scholarships. The business donates about one quarter of their food to the homeless. Youth have the opportunity to focus on something positive and productive. Participants also learn about being self-sufficient and have a higher regard for the environment.
In Coachella, California, the Police Employee’s Association trained volunteers in bicycle repair. Then at-risk youth were provided with bicycles if they performed 10 hours of community service. 17 children performed 340 hours of community service and earned refurbished bicycles.
Three block leaders in Kansas City, Missouri offer homework help, field trips, cooking classes, parent education, and snacks to families that responded to recruitment flyers. Each leader is responsible for about 45 children in his or her neighborhood.
In East St. Louis, Illinois, local citizen partnered with university students and professor to clear away crack houses, build parks, paint old buildings, and build a farmers’ market. They also got officials to take action against code violations in buildings owned by absentee landlords.
Educational outreach programs can have a major impact on recycling behavior. In Harlem and New York City, the amount residents recycled increased by 30% in one year following an educational program.
Use billboards to promote community issues. At several sports stadiums, community groups have convinced the franchise to remove negative billboards.
In Boston, a coalition of businesses, civic organizations, and residents attended city and state meetings, got media attention, and succeeded in getting problem parks renovated.
In Indianapolis, a group of neighbors encourages the mayor to do something about building better neighborhoods. The Front Porch Alliance, a coalition between city government, churches, and local citizens, was created.

United Neighborhoods of Evansville

20 Ways to Revitalize Your Neighborhood