Outcome
Residents of participating neighborhoods are involved in activities that strengthen the social fabric of the neighborhood
Strategy
Fragmented or non-existent relationships among residents contribute to most neighborhood issues. All neighborhoods, even healthy ones, face a variety of small and large problems. A neighborhood has the capacity to deal with those problems only if residents are able to work together collectively. Residents of neighborhoods perceived as stable and healthy share a community bond and know each other well enough to quickly mobilize against threats.
Community Impact's work on social revitalization focuses on helping residents build strong relationships at the block level. Community Impact identifies several block leaders in every neighborhood and conducts an annual block leader training to provide them with the tools to engage their neighbors in revitalization efforts in all four program areas. As the "familiar friendly faces" of the neighborhood, block leaders are well positioned to serve as the catalysts for convening social events throughout the year, thereby providing opportunities for residents to get to know each other better and form relationships that promote a strong sense of community. These relational ties are the foundation for successfully managing neighborhood issues and are essential to sustaining positive change.