So, what does this look like practically? Let’s take a look:

Two groups of youth were consistently fighting with each other. As the fighting escalated, neighbors were afraid of being pulled into the violence. Matthew 25 brought neighbors and the groups together to have a conversation about their concerns. The escalation of violence stopped when the youth realized their neighbors were going to take action if things didn’t change.

In this case and many others, from challenges of food security to neighborhood beautification and crime reduction, residents need to be in the driver’s seat if there is going to be long-lasting change.

The second component of community building is that of mutual support. Matthew 25 is working to develop ways that neighbors can help one another, both on a hyper-local level, such as helping those on their own block, and on a more regional level with people working throughout the community growing food and assisting with home repairs.

Here’s a summary of our efforts so far:

• Held movement classes, farmers markets, and other social events at our Urban Farm
• Advocated and supported walkable development projects
• Rehabilitated older homes for both homeowners and to create safer rental homes
• Partnered with design and development firms to plan construction of new healthy homes
• Opened the nonprofit Cultivate Hope Corner Store

Our investment in the Time Check neighborhood has helped to inspire other investors to do their own projects in the neighborhood. Already, more than $2 million in investments have happened and more is on its way. Our hope is that this is just the beginning of a continued rebuilding and revitalization effort from local developers and businesses.

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