It’s ironic that the James Rushton Early Learning and Family Success Center in Birmingham, Alabama’s Woodlawn neighborhood is inside of a bank building that has been vacant for more than 20 years – because the children who crawl, toddle and walk down these bright hallways are now on a path designed to guide them from here to college, and to build wealth and fulfillment throughout their lifetimes. … Continue Reading →
Woodlawn Homeowners Benefit from Revitalization Through Assistance Program
By Melanie Lasoff Levs One of the pillars of the Purpose Built Communities model for revitalization is mixed-income housing. In most cases, that means new rental housing, but some Purpose Built Communities have found ways to help homeowners in their neighborhoods as well. Over the past two years, the Woodlawn Foundation in Birmingham has run … Continue Reading →
2014: A Year of Progress for Purpose Built Communities
Our impact is tangible. Across the network of 10 Purpose Built Communities we now have 4,200 people living in high quality mixed-income housing; nearly 6,500 students are enrolled in our schools; 650 children attend early learning academies; and 175 program partners are engaged in the work. We added 2 new Network Members: Houston, TX and … Continue Reading →
Woodlawn reaps rewards of Purpose Built revitalization model
Opinion Column By Mike Goodrich. Originally published in AL.com on November 12, 2014. Real change in Birmingham’s poorest neighborhoods is possible. In fact, it is happening. In the Woodlawn community, students are learning in a new STEAM curriculum (science, technology, engineering, arts, math); new mixed-income homes are under construction; long-time homeowners have received new roofs … Continue Reading →