Much of the work with Neighborhoods of Choice is based on concepts of “Healthy Neighborhoods”, developed by Fall Creek Consultants Healthy Neighborhood Group, a national consulting firm specializing in marketing and revitalization strategies to reposition neighborhoods, towns and cities.
The Foundation supports the efforts of New Haven residents to address issues that are unique to their neighborhoods. With Foundation support from 2006-2008, residents of the northeast section of Fair Haven have come together to reduce violence, eliminate blight, increase homeownership, identify opportunities for youth and brand their section of Fair Haven with the name Chatham Square Neighborhood. An overview of the results of the work can be seen here. Now that the initial grant period is completed, residents are applying for neighborhood Small Grants and they are attempting to meet a $5000 1:1 match by an anonymous Foundation donor to start the first neighborhood fund at The Foundation. If you would like to help with this match, contact afernandez@cfgnh.org or (203) 777-7072.
Residents of West River Neighborhood came together in 2008 to take advantage of this strategy\initiative. In a community meeting residents declared West River the “neighborhood of peace” and the “green” neighborhood of New Haven. Following up on these declarations, residents are implementing regular clean ups and tree plantings which they post on their community calendar, celebrate the International Day of Peace in their officially sanctioned United Nations Peace Garden and partner with Yale University’s Office of Sustainability to reduce the carbon footprint of the neighborhood by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes.
Following up on a recent Foundation funded initiative focused on youth involvement in the creation of solutions for the neighborhood, residents of The Hill Neighborhood have begun the planning process to identify the assets in their community as well as some of the issues that they will be tackling in efforts to create a better neighborhood.
Over 150 neighborhood resident groups and small non-profits
receive grants ranging from $100 to $3,000 to provide a service or create a project necessary for the development or fostering of community. Funding supports educational, environmental, intergenerational, arts and cultural activities. The Foundation provides funding in an effort to strengthen leadership and technical skills of committed local leaders. Projects range from monthly dinner outings for seniors to nursery school planting activities, neighborhood pride festivals to summer school and afterschool programs. The Foundation is proud to support this committed group of community leaders.
When you walk around New Haven, you’re bound to see one of the 100 community greenspaces and community gardens that have made the cityscape healthier and more aesthetically appealing. Through planting, restoring and reclaiming of vacant lots, parks, curb strips and some front yards residents demonstrate their commitment to place and to building community. The rewards are increased sense of safety, neighborhood pride and increased property values.
An estimated two tons of fresh produce is grown in New Haven’s Community Gardens annually; markets featuring City-grown food dot the landscape in the summer months. In spite of these benefits, some of New Haven's gardens and greenspaces are threatened by insufficient funds, land development and property sales. Each year, 4,000 citizens of all ages, income levels, genders and diverse backgrounds volunteer their time, talent or financial resources to the projects.
The Program depends on the collaboration of many organizations and the support of local people. Technical assistance, garden supplies and education are provided to neighborhood groups by The New Haven Land Trust. Hands-on support and training for greenspace projects is provided by The Urban Resources Initiative, in collaboration with The Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Landscape Designers and volunteers.
Both garden and greenspace projects are funded by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the City of New Haven's Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees.