By Michelle L. Matthews Senior Vice President, Purpose Built Communities “White boys who grow up rich are likely to remain that way,” summarized a recent New York Times article about an Equality of Opportunity Project study. “Black boys raised at the top, however, are more likely to become poor than to stay wealthy in their … Continue Reading →
From PACT in Columbus, Ohio: A Transferable Approach to Community Engagement
The local history, the dynamics of culture and the members of a community define a place at a moment in time. Yet, no matter the variables that make each neighborhood special, people everywhere want access to quality education, good jobs and a safe, healthy life for their families. Realizing that vision for neighborhoods in transition … Continue Reading →
Partners Achieving Community Transformation (PACT) in Columbus, OH
PACT, a Purpose Built Communities Network Member in Columbus, Ohio, is the community quarterback organization focused on the Near East Side neighborhood where they are working with partners to implement a cradle-to-college education pipeline, mixed-income housing and community wellness programs and facilities to break the cycle of inter-generational poverty. This short film tells the story of their progress to date and their plans for the future. The Ohio State University, the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, the City of Columbus and Columbus City Schools are all partners in this effort. Watch
Don’t Leave the Community out of Community Revitalization
An African adage says “What you do FOR me but WITHOUT me, you do TO me.” Hear from Purpose Built Network Members how they have authentically engaged the community throughout the planning and implementation phases. Panelists share their overarching philosophy of community engagement, but also specific advice based on what has worked well and not so well. Moderator: John Majors, Vice President, Purpose Built Communities. Panelists: Trudy Bartley, Executive Director, PACT, Curt McPhail, Program Director, Northside Development Group, Eddy Moratin, Executive Director, LIFT Orlando Watch
PACT, Housing Authority Collaborate to Serve Former Public Housing Residents in Columbus
By Melanie Lasoff Levs Almost two years ago, demolishing Columbus’s Poindexter Village, a public housing development on the Near East Side, was not just about doing away with run-down buildings as neighborhood revitalization began. It was about giving the 365 resident families of said buildings a second chance. More than half the residents of the … Continue Reading →
Unique Health Sciences Academies Set to Open This Fall in Columbus, OH
By Melanie Lasoff Levs Columbus, Ohio — From the windows of the Ohio State University Hospital East, one can see East High School, which — with a capacity of 1,200 students — resides in the transitioning community of the Near East Side of Columbus. But currently, fewer than 500 students attend the high school, one … Continue Reading →
Strong Partnerships, Plan Deliver Choice Neighborhood Grant for Columbus, OH
By Melanie Lasoff Levs Since being awarded last June an implementation grant of almost $30 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods initiative, leaders working on the revitalization of the Near East Side of Columbus, Ohio have been busy. “The majority of the last 10 months have been focused … Continue Reading →