In 2017, Hamilton Community Health Network (HCHN) received a $1 million Community-Based Crime Reduction grant to help reduce crime and revitalize targeted areas in North Flint. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This is all in an effort to make the area safer for residents.
On a cold day in November 2018, the “Illuminating Community Change Project” (ICC), led by the NF NAC hosted a community cleanup event called “Love a Lot. Love a Life” on Sherman Avenue between M.L. King Boulevard and Verdun Street in the 1st Ward, and the Foss Avenue Neighborhood in the 3rd Ward. The cleanup involved boarding up abandoned homes, cutting and clearing vacant lots, removing debris, clearing sidewalks so they are traversable, and manicuring of residential lawns.
Residents, volunteers and community partners were on hand to help with the cleanup. Participating partners included HCHN, North Flint Neighborhood Action Council, WOW Outreach, North Flint Reinvestment Corporation, Kagle Leadership Initiative, Ruth Mott Foundation, Davison Free Methodist Church, Our Savior Lutheran Church, LISC and WT Stevens.
Photo provided by HCHN
