Holistic Neighborhood Revitalization
Holistic neighborhood revitalization focuses on Asset Based Development Outcomes in order to create the ultimate outcome of an improved quality of life for residents and the community as a whole.
Asset-based community development considers local strengths as the primary building blocks of sustainable, long-term community development. It's an innovative solution that reverses neighborhood, economic, and housing disparities that have followed decades of disinvestment and adversely impacted quality of life. Yet, neighborhoods can become stronger and more resilient through a neighborhood-driven plan when all pertinent parties are vested in and accountable to its success.
Iowa Heartland is focused on the following outcomes in our focus neighborhoods:
Housing
Promotion and protection of fair, decent, affordable, mixed-income residential development.
Historic Preservation
Building on the resident-identified asset of the neighborhood’s historic structures and stories.
Sense of Community
Unity and neighbor ties are strengthened within the neighborhood, increasing trust with each other.
Economic Opportunities
Job creation and financial resources.
Transportation
Safe, affordable, accessible to downtown and amenities.
Neighborhood Inspiration
Go to the people.
Live among them.
Learn from them.
Love them.
Start with what they know.
Build on what they have.
"But of the best leaders, when their task is done, the people will remark,
'We have done it ourselves.'"
- CCDA/Chinese Proverb
Our Neighborhood Revitalization Story
Link CCD formed by partnership with Orchard Hill Church and Harvest Vineyard Church, with support of Walnut Neighborhood Association.
Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity was invited to Listening Meetings with Walnut Neighborhood Association.
Walnut Neighborhood Housing Coalition formed and started acquiring land and critical home repairs.
John Deere Funding $2 million allocated to go towards housing projects in church Row and holistic neighborhood revitalization work. Consulting with Focused Community Strategies started and Iowa Heartland Habitat committed to the Flourishing Neighborhood Index (FNI) Process.
Church Row Neighborhood Alliance formed.
FNI assessments and alignment accomplished in Church Row and Walnut.
FNI Action Teams met and goals completed. Action Teams celebrate and recognize their accomplishments.
Two Neighborhood Listening Sessions will take place per neighborhood to listen to residents’ hopes dreams, and concerns. Partners will be updated on Year 1 progress.
Action Team commitment renewals and neighborhood engagement plans to be determined. Most teams are excited to commit to further development of their goals and continue to see progress.
Focus Neighborhood
Church Row
Iowa Heartland Habitat has been building in Church Row Neighborhood since 2004 and is now at the end of a 4-year grant cycle with John Deere to continue our efforts in the Church Row Neighborhood with the commitment of completing 20 homes sold through homeownership and 40 owner-occupied critical home repairs.
Focus Neighborhood
Walnut
Iowa Heartland Habitat has been building in this neighborhood since 2017. With the help of volunteers, we have worked on rehab projects and new construction, as well as owner-occupied critical home repairs.
StoRIES of Impact
Raquel
"I'm looking forward to walking into a home that I never thought I would have."
Story of Hope in the Church Row Neighborhood.
