The Project
The East Savannah United community will include the following new community facilities: 1) a SPLOST-funded Early Learning Center for young children; 2) a SPLOST-funded children’s library; 3) YMCA fitness and community center; 4) Goodwill Adult Education Center conferring high school degrees and job certificates. Additionally, the Housing Authority of Savannah (HAS) will provide up to 600 new and newly-renovated neighborhood apartments. These buildings will join a robust education pipeline of pre-K through high school neighborhood schools, which will create a seamless network of educational excellence. $8.25 million in SPLOST and governmental funding has been committed to the Learning Center, while Goodwill has secured $2 million to support its Adult Center. More than $70 million has already been expended on the HAS apartments.
Our Purpose
East Savannah United has one shared goal – community revitalization. Consistent with the efforts of other communities participating in the nationally acclaimed Purpose Built Communities network (www.purposebuiltcommunities.org), we are joining with a wide variety of community partners to improve outcomes for area children and families. In an effort to create transformational change in these historically high poverty neighborhoods, we will bring together capable allies, ample financial resources and shared performance metrics, and will ensure that our work benefits these and adjacent Eastside neighborhoods.
With clearly defined neighborhood boundaries, local leaders and community partners will develop quality mixed-income housing, a cradle-to-college education pipeline and community health/wellness programs. Working with best in-class partners from the public and private sectors, we will secure necessary resources to bring excellence to these and future programs and activities. East Savannah United is a single purpose “Community Quarterback” nonprofit which will hold partners accountable to high standards of execution.
With clearly defined neighborhood boundaries, local leaders and community partners will develop quality mixed-income housing, a cradle-to-college education pipeline and community health/wellness programs. Working with best in-class partners from the public and private sectors, we will secure necessary resources to bring excellence to these and future programs and activities. East Savannah United is a single purpose “Community Quarterback” nonprofit which will hold partners accountable to high standards of execution.
The need
East Savannah United has an immediate need to fully realize and fund its Community Quarterback role, which is the critical leadership “glue” for realizing this complex and long-term cross-sector initiative. We are seeking to raise $250,000 a year for three years to fund the organization and begin implementing the project.
Location
Demographic Profile
- Population: 7,500
- Persons Under 18: 26.4%
- Persons 65 or older: 8.7%
- White: 28.8%
- African American: 69%
- Hispanic Latino: 2.6%
- Persons below poverty level: 40.27%
- The overall median income of the area is only $21,785 compared to $43,065 in Chatham County
- The median income of renter households is even lower at less than $15,000.
"This program can change lives for young people live when I would go to community centers for activities. This collaborative approach will allow us to serve families and kids from all over."
- Sen. Derek Mallow, Georgia State Senate District 2
"This model is not about making small progress. It takes a long time, but it's about making transformative progress. That's what we're after."
- Jeff Kole
- Sen. Derek Mallow, Georgia State Senate District 2
"This model is not about making small progress. It takes a long time, but it's about making transformative progress. That's what we're after."
- Jeff Kole
Our MOdel
East Savannah United will strengthen the relationship with Purpose Built Communities (purposebuiltcommunities.org), which started with acclaimed East Lake community in Atlanta and now comprises 30 comprehensive community revitalization projects across the United States. A model for our city. East Savannah united will serve as a catalyst to address additional community need and a model for neighborhood support and revitalization.
1If a Neighborhood... Creates high quality mixed income housing develops cradle-to-college education with local control, delivers workforce development and other social services, offers infrastructure & services that enhance quality of life, and is directed by a community-based organization. |
2Then the neighborhood becomes.. A community that is safe and economically sustainable with rising incomes and property values that can attract middles income families to its high performing schools. Community facilities and services not only support low-income families, but also tie the neighborhood together and create a sense of community. |
3Creating a pathway out of poverty The zip codes people are born in are the single biggest predictor of their life outcomes. If people are in poverty, the overwhelming odds are that they will live in poverty for the rest of their lives. Our model disrupts this cycle by transforming neighborhoods so people can reach their full potential. |
Board of Directors
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Advisory Council Members
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Community Partners
