Upon reflection, it’s hard to believe that I’ve only been here for a little over a week! I’ve taken in so much information, met so many people, and learned so much about the city in such a short period of time. What a crazy thing to think that I moved in last Sunday!
The community organization that I am interning for, Nortown Community Development Corporation, continues to amaze me more and more as I become more acquainted with their projects, goals, and everyday dedication. Nortown CDC is a nonprofit organization located on the northeast side of Detroit with the motive to develop and foster safe and affordable housing, business retention and attraction, educational improvement and job opportunities. Quite a big task, eh? Combined with other nonprofits, Nortown CDC is out there as a community voice for the people of northeast Detroit. Since it is not one of the premier neighborhoods, like Midtown, they are up against quite the battle to beautify and improve business and housing in the area. Fighting against the trend of a neighborhood filled with liquor stores, auto collision shops, and strip clubs, Nortown CDC works to rally together the neighborhood to show the people of northeast Detroit that they have the power to speak for a healthier community. Nortown CDC has many programs and projects, ranging from two housing projects that provide need-based subsidized housing to the Milbank/Conner Creek Greenway which is a pedestrian trail. In collaboration with others, they also hold community events and try to organize block clubs. The list goes on!
Where do I come in?? Yet another piece to the puzzle is parks. Since green space is ESSENTIAL to a healthy community, my duty for this summer is to research them, from the past, in the present, and for the future. I am working in all of District 3 which means 35+ parks (we haven’t found them all yet)! I’ve already run into quite a few roadblocks for it being so early in the game, most detrimental being the lack of city record of the parks, but I know through talking with the people I am surrounded with, I will be sure to get the job done.
I’ve got my work cut out for me in the next weeks. Continuing to explore the city and hang out with my hall mates after the work day make it all seem a lot less tedious. Until next time!
You’re organization sounds awesome! It’s cool that you guys are trying to drive the initial change needed to turn that area around. Glad to hear things are going well, and keep up the good work!