If you want to get input from community members on how to strengthen a neighborhood, the best place to start is with the residents. Often times, people feel that they know what’s best for a neighborhood, without fully understanding the needs and wants of those that live there.
That’s why LISC Western New York, in partnership with the Buffalo Center for Health, is launching a new initiative (part of the Pride In Place Project – an AARP Community Challenge Project), seeking community input on how to elevate the human experience for those living on the near East Side. Ultimately, this will be done by catering to the “hopes and dreams” of the residents, who are directly tied into their neighborhoods via landmarks, arts and culture events, health initiatives, etc. – all important aspects of life that are considered crucial rebuilding elements during the COVID-19 recovery.
A chance top work alongside local creatives and equity advocates, to plant seeds and rebuild, guided by neighborhood-owned community development visions.
A major facet of this project starts with the design and construction of “Idea Boxes” that are made possible thanks to an 2020 AARP Community Challenge grant that is “working to celebrate and reinvigorate Black and Brown culture, community, and pride throughout near East Side Buffalo neighborhoods.”
Currently, a Call to Artists has been issued (available through December 18), for artists and artisans to submit their design proposals for Idea Boxes (20 total), which will be placed on vacant lots and at vacant building sites. Once in place, the community will be invited to:
- Submit physical ideas in the idea boxes
- Email ideas to a designated email address
- Scan a QR code to submit input
The public can expect to see these idea boxes popping up on site mid to late February.
The digital hub for the project is now live at www.prideinplacebuffalo.com. Community members can:
Build Your Own Walking or Biking Tours
Tour locations take you to landmarks and a wide variety of public art and historic sites. Click the orange circle at the bottom of the map to build your own tour
Provide Neighborhood & Community Development Input
If you have ideas for future public art, bus stop designs, parks in your neighborhood, and redevelopment ideas of key neighborhood sites, visit the link to submit your thoughts
Share Family Stories & History
During this holiday season, we encourage families to share intergenerational stories of their lived experience with each other. Upload those stories, poems, or photographs to our storytelling page (see link above)
Get News of Virtual and Socially Distant Events
Find info about food education events, Wakanda Alliance youth programming, Virtual Tree Lightings, and Buffalo Kwanzaa
Update: Following is an example of one of the Idea Boxes that was created:
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If you have questions or wish to submit content from your organization or initiative to the website, please contact info@prideinplacebuffalo.com.
To see a full list of local partners participating in this project, visit www.prideinplacebuffalo.com/about-us.
Lead image: Photo by Tamarcus Brown