build, educate, empower communities

Neighborhood Revitalization ties together the work of our Homeownership Program and our Home Repair Program, and takes a holistic approach to improving quality of life for a community.

In partnership with existing coalitions in our focus neighborhood of Sharswood, we listen to neighborhood needs and work to connect, organize, and empower residents to be leaders in their community. We work collaboratively with residents and key cross-sector stakeholders to develop solutions that align with neighborhood aspirations.

Sharswood, the North Central Philadelphia neighborhood that sits just east of rapidly-developing Brewerytown, is Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s pilot neighborhood for NR work. Habitat is co-convener of a resident led coalition, and a partner in the broader Sharswood/Blumberg Neighborhood Transformation Plan, led by the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

In Philadelphia, Habitat works in three focus areas to positively impact Neighborhood Revitalization outcomes.

build

homes, community assets, streetscapes

Improve neighborhood livability through construction or improvement of physical spaces

educate

homeowners, residents

Develop knowledge and skills that support stability and upward mobility

empower

neighborhoods

Enhance competencies, resources, and capacity of residents and organizations to effect change and influence decisions being made about the neighborhood

In the Sharswood neighborhood, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia has completed 57 home repairs and built five new homes at 19th and Turner Streets (Hope Village).

Habitat also worked alongside residents to preserve community assets through repairs to the Athletic Recreation Center, Haven Peniel United Methodist Church, and rebuilding the North Philly Peace Park.

Habitat’s commitment to the neighborhood is ongoing. In 2019, we broke ground on Oxford Green, 20 new homes at 23rd and Oxford Streets, and will continue to partner with homeowners on critical repair projects.