Our Approach

Mission

Healthy Neighborhoods partners to drive investment and to strengthen engaged communities in Baltimore City middle neighborhoods.

Vision

Residents of Baltimore City neighborhoods build generational wealth and enjoy a high quality of life in thriving communities.

Principles

• Build homeowners' assets
• Focus on neighborhood markets
• Target measurable outcomes
• Value neighborhoods as partners
• Forge partnerships among lenders, philanthropies and neighborhoods

What We've Learned

• Strategies are based upon the strengths and assets of neighborhoods.
• Neighborhoods compete for new residents.
• Appreciation of property (building assets) is a good thing.
• Encourage and support visible positive neighborhood action.
• Neighbors must be engaged in positive marketing and action (if you complain too much, no one will come).
• Healthy Neighborhoods programs are not income restricted.
• Value is built by over improving property.
• Seek private capital which meets program goals and offers modest subsidy.
• Build a community-oriented system to mitigate risk.
• Start on strongest blocks first.
• Demand measurable results.
• An active “leadership board.”
• Use capacity for other community development activities.
• CRA enforcement and local empowered management matter.

How Does Healthy Neighborhoods Help?

• Capital for purchase and rehab by homeowners
• Professional advice for rehabbers
• Community projects which support positive images
• Neighborhood marketing
• Performance measures
• Partnerships
• Advocates for the Healthy Neighborhoods philosophy

Partnership with Baltimore City

• Capital to acquire and rehabilitate homes
• A positive vision for city neighborhoods
• Delivery of key city services
• Acquisition of vacant properties
• Support for community partners

How Do We Know It's Working?

• • Increased home values
  • Rising tax base
  • Decreased time on market
  • Increased equity investments
  • Neighborhood organization and activity