Neighborhood Revitalization

BUILD ON EXISTING ASSETS

Our asset-based approach to neighborhood revitalization includes housing renovation, vacant lot activation, infrastructure improvement, job creation, and leadership development. By building upon existing community assets and individual strengths, we will identify opportunities that manifest positive outcomes and progress. We want to develop indigenous leaders who are equipped to identify and address concerns facing their community.

Shifting Perception

We believe that neighborhood revitalization strengthens southeast Fort Wayne by not only changing the community’s physical appearance, but by shifting residents’ perceptions. As the community changes for the better, residents’ neighborhood pride will increase, creating a stronger attachment to Mount Vernon Park. Progress helps ensure the retainment of our residents and ignites community engagement.

Progress can be seen in overgrown lots that are now maintained and once blighted homes that are now restored and occupied.

Community Spaces

We’re committed to more than just homes; we’re crafting hubs that foster unity and engagement. By using low-cost, upcycled materials like tires and pallets, we’ve transformed 46 lots into vibrant areas for community use, including:

An obstacle course for youth at Gaywood and Fairfax, sparking creativity and ingenuity.
A cultural arts space on Smith Street for music and performances, boosting our cultural vitality.
A multi-generational gathering space on Mount Vernon Park Drive, which strengthens community bonds.

Progress can be seen in overgrown lots that are now maintained and once blighted homes that are now restored and occupied. Bridge of Grace continues to dream with the residents of Mount Vernon Park on how we continue to cultivate community engagement through renovation.

Replicable HOPE

Bridge of Grace is dedicated to expanding our revitalization efforts to other communities and neighborhoods in southeast Fort Wayne and beyond. In 2025, we will introduce our replicable model that will help bring HOPE to more deserving communities.