Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, MO names Woodland Heights as its first targeted community for Neighborhood Revitalization, a block by block approach to building stronger neighborhoods. Woodland Heights is located in Springfield’s Zone 1, an area of the city identified as needing community improvements. The neighborhood was selected as Habitat’s focused community after months of research from Habitat’s staff, board of directors, and involvement from Woodland Heights community leaders.
Neighborhood Revitalization will serve more families in Springfield’s Zone 1 by using a holistic approach to improving the quality of life within Woodland Heights. It starts with residents who are ready to think beyond problems in their neighborhood and set goals based on assets they already have. HFHS will respond to community priorities and work hand-in-hand with residents to revive their neighborhood and enhance their quality of life by joining residents, area nonprofits, businesses, churches and the local government to discover what is most needed in a neighborhood and to help implement a shared vision of revitalization.
“When we build or repair a home, it benefits one family,” said Larry Peterson, executive director. “One decent home in a blighted neighborhood, while a good start, is not the only help a community needs. Neighborhood Revitalization will make a greater impact on a neighborhood because it involves residents and partners working together to make decisions that lift up an entire community. We’re just one partner among many that are invested in Woodland Heights and its success.”
Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, MO will launch its Neighborhood Revitalization program in Woodland Heights with a Rally in the Alley on Saturday, July 16, 2016. During the Rally in the Alley volunteers from The Courageous Church will work alongside Habitat’s construction team and residents of Woodland Heights to remove debris and yard waste from pre-determined alleys in the neighborhood.
You can help transform Woodland Heights into a neighborhood where people want to live, work and play. Contact Melissa Adler or Chris Houghton to find out more about Neighborhood Revitalization.