In 2019, Building Hope in the City (BHITC) made a purposeful move to Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton & Stockyards (CFSY) neighborhood, responding to God calling us to invest in this vibrant, diverse community on the near west side. Our mission transcends mere surface-level solutions or fleeting acts of charity. Rather, we’ve embedded ourselves as a fellow neighbor to spark mutual transformation.
CFSY represents the most culturally and racially diverse community in our city. It’s also one where 70.4% of residents live in or near poverty levels. In these densely populated neighborhoods the challenges are real: crime, deteriorating housing, low educational attainment, and the socioeconomic effects of industry decline and systematic disinvestment.
But amidst these hardships, BHITC also sees within the community its inherent beauty. The brokenness that exists here coexists amid the beauty and capacity of our neighbors.
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Christian Community Development (CCD), far from a handout, operates on the principle that the residents of CFSY hold the key to transformation. Our focus on CFSY centers on empowering residents and collaborating with community stakeholders. Through ongoing relationships, we are uncovering existing strengths and assets, aspirations for change, and areas where our leadership can make a lasting difference.
In the gospels, Jesus constantly cares for those on the margins while also calling His followers to disrupt broken systems that have burdened people for generations. When Jesus does transformative work, He cares for the whole person because His restoration is all-encompassing. Lasting change isn’t imposed from the outside; it emerges through genuine relationships and shared commitment. That’s why BHITC listens to residents, engages civic, faith and political leaders and cultivates partnerships with churches and Christ-centered nonprofits. Together, we envision a more sustainable future for CFSY!
“It is one thing to be on the outside looking in, coming to the neighborhood once a month or year, and it’s a whole ‘nother thing when you’re living in the middle of it.”
- Kim Wheatly, CFSY Community Leader
Community Development Focus Areas
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Below-Market Rate Housing & Tenant Care
Why It Matters?
• Lack of safe, below-market rate housing in CFSY; high rates of lead poisonings, foreclosures and evictions.
• Hundreds of abandoned homes and vacant lots.
• Families seeking supportive relationships and opportunities to live to their full potential.
2024 Investment Needed: $175,000
The Impact of Your Support:
• Safe, below-market housing for 20+ individuals across 8 formerly distressed housing units.
• Renovation of BHITC’s 10th foreclosed property acquisition on W. 54th Street.
• Ongoing coaching and spiritual care for tenants, providing them a network of support through our programs, employer networks, partnering churches and needed connections to services.
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Resident Leadership & Engagement
Why It Matters?
• Diminishing community engagement results in social isolation.
• Lack of community ownership leads to increased levels of disorder, crime and insecurity.
• Neglect of outdoor public spaces leads to deterioration of infrastructure such as parks, roads, and community facilities.
2024 Investment Needed: $130,000
The Impact of Your Support:
• RallyCLE provides small grants, project planning assistance, and volunteer and professional support to CFSY residents who want to see their neighborhood improve.
• A growing sense of community ownership, social networks and resiliency that’s key to creating lasting change in CFSY.
• New and renewed public spaces in CFSY such as pocket parks, community gardens, kids’ play areas, outdoor art murals and more provide a tangible sign of renewal! RallyCLE has funded and supported 35+ such projects over the last six years!
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Urban Agriculture
Why It Matters?
• Absence of farms in city neighborhoods deprives residents of access to affordable fresh produce and furthers food insecurity.
• Food deserts exacerbate health disparities, contributing to higher rates of diet-related illnesses.
• Neglecting mental health benefits of gardening can disconnect us from nature, raising stress, anxiety, and harming overall well-being.
2024 Investment Needed: $105,000
The Impact of Your Support:
• Sustained upkeep of BHITC’s urban agricultural properties ensure consistent fresh produce for the community.
• Hundreds of pounds of diverse produce distributed, addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating habits.
• Year-round community events at the micro farm foster neighbor connections.
• Empowering residents with food education, recipes, and cooking demonstrations improves culinary skills and nutrition awareness.
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Education Enrichment
Why It Matters?
• Below average high school graduation rates leading to limited career opportunities.
• Lack of adequate education is a setback for the individual and perpetuates cycles of poverty.
• Low test scores and passing rates resulting in diminished confidence, academic gaps and disinterest in education overall.
• Families seeking educational spaces for children outside school hours and during summer.
2024 Investment Needed: $75,000
The Impact of Your Support:
• 30+ youth in the CFSY receive tutoring, mentoring and biblical lessons three evenings a week.
• Summer camps for students with speakers, hands-on learning, trips, and two daily meals.
• Increased achievement rates and reduced academic gaps.
• Breaking poverty cycles by preparing students for success after high school.
