Applications are now being accepted for the City’s new Healing Spaces Initiative which aims to build relaxing natural environments on available city-owned vacant lots while also eliminating blighted spaces and engaging residents. Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs sponsored the budget amendment and subsequent legislation establishing the program that formally kicked off last week.
“I am excited about the potential of this program to not only create new, vibrant public spaces but to also help utilize vacant city-owned lots while allowing residents the opportunity to play a key role in the process,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “Our neighborhoods are stronger when we collaborate on projects like this, and I encourage any Harambee resident or community based organization with an idea for a healing space to submit an application today.”
Harambee residents or community based organizations who work in the Harambee neighborhood are eligible to apply for the initiative. The City provides technical assistance, planning resources, and grant money to fully fund these opportunities for community members. Projects may include basic elements such as seating, flowers, walking paths or lighting, and relaxation elements like little free libraries, positive signage, bird baths and more. Interested applicants should visit the program website here to fill out an interest form and to review additional guidelines. Applications must be submitted by Monday, April 26th. Grants will be awarded on May 21st with projects slated to begin this summer.
Those interested must also attend a Healing Spaces Initiative orientation session. There are upcoming sessions on April 7th at noon, April 8th at 6 p.m., April 20th at noon and April 21st at 6 p.m.
The Healing Spaces Initiative is supported by the City of Milwaukee, Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation, Bader Philanthropies Inc., Eras Senior Network, Groundwork Milwaukee, Safe & Sound and True Skool, Inc.