By Juli Metzger—
MUNCIE, IN—It could be happening in Philadelphia or Pittsburg or Portland. But it’s happening in Muncie.
The Habitat for Humanity International Neighborhood Revitalization Learning Cohort, a collection of 10 neighborhoods from across the country who’ve all focused on block-by-block revitalization efforts similar to that of the 8twelve Coalition, will be meeting in Muncie.
The 8twelve neighborhood renewal effort, years in the making, has emerged as a model for the rest of the country, has drawn national attention and acquired a new partner.
“Being selected for the Learning Cohort has given us a tremendous opportunity to connect as a community of learners, be guided by outstanding consultant support from Habitat International, and develop best practices, said Jena Ashby, Director of the 8twelve Coalition. “Perhaps most importantly, we have developed a deeper sense of community for ourselves while seeking to do the same for our neighborhoods.”
The conference will spotlight 8twelve, and its founding partner, Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity Sept. 19-22 at the Commonway in downtown Muncie.
Recently, 8twelve and Habitat determined the coalition’s scope had grown to a point that it was time for it to branch out. This summer, 8twelve emerged under the ownership of Open Door Health Services, who will provide essential administrative and fiscal management services, freeing up its small staff, led by Ashby to continue the work of rebuilding. In turn, Open Door says the 8twelve team supports its own mission to improve quality of life, and it will provide Open Door tangible ways to address needs within neighborhoods to improve community health outcomes.
“I’m thrilled that our working relationship has reached this point of collaboration,” said Bryan Ayars, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Open Door Health Services. “The 8twelve Coalition now becomes part of Open Door Health Services and as we join our energies and resources, it can only help to improve the lives of others in the most astounding ways.”
The 8twelve Coalition, which draws its name from an 80-block area with geographic boundaries – West Eighth Street to West 12th Street and the Thomas/Avondale and South-Central neighborhoods – and the other neighborhoods at the September convention – have been part of a five-year experiment.
Similar neighborhood renewal initiatives were launched at the same time in Charlottesville, Va., Dacono, Colorado, Lafayette, La., Long Beach, Ca., Moncks Corner, S.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Pittsfield, Mass., and Portland, Oregon. Each program has shown pockets of success.
But Muncie exceeded all expectations and so was chosen by Habitat to host this year’s gathering. The 8twelve Coalition is the only cohort to separate from Habitat, creating a standalone entity that will continue the work of resident-based neighborhood revitalization.
Using a technique they call collective impact, 8twelve gathered stakeholders throughout the community including several nonprofits who interacted with neighbors such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie, Open Door Health Services, the Ross Community Center and, of course, Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity. They asked questions, took surveys, and listened. There was much to overcome.
At the time, one in three homes in 8twelve’s target area were vacant. A fenced-off 60-acre brownfield – the former home to the Muncie Chevrolet plant that closed in the mid 2000s – sits in the 8twelve target area. Many of the houses that generations of factory workers had called home were in disrepair or were abandoned.
8twelve neighborhoods, and stakeholders got to work.
Residents, emboldened by community support, started building community gardens, and tending to pocket parks. A repair shop, operating out of a resident’s garage, opened and teaches neighborhood children how to fix their own bikes. Under development is a largely vacant corridor that soon will include a health clinic.
In the last five years, more than 160 parcels have seen some type of physical change – demolition of an abandoned home, new house construction, business improvement, home repair, community gathering spaces.
Today, the neighborhood has traction and momentum is building. Rosebud Coffeehouse opened in a former bank building and is now central to community conversations. The Common Market, a corner co-op selling an eclectic mix of items and community gathering place, is another piece of the puzzle.
“Open Door Health Services understands that for individuals to live healthy, meaningful lives, most of the effort and impact is outside the walls of an office visit.,” Ayars said. “The 8twelve Coalition has shown the rest of us how to engage individuals, neighbors and neighborhoods toward the creation of healthier, more engaged communities.”
