Neighborhoods

The Raymond John Wean Foundation hosted the Mahoning Valley Community Development learning visit earlier this month, offering its Akron peers the opportunity to learn more about the strategic partnership between the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, Wean Foundation and Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership.

The Akron group included representatives from Akron Community Foundation, the City of Akron, GAR Foundation and Huntington Bank, which are consulting with Joel Ratner, former Wean president, to build their community development organizations. During the daylong visit, the group toured TNP, visited the Wean Foundation for a panel discussion and wrapped up the day with a tour of YNDC.

During a panel discussion, Ian Beniston, YNDC executive director, Jennifer Roller, Wean Foundation president, and Matt Martin, TNP executive director, shared with the group how the strategic partner relationship has developed over the past decade and the efforts to ensure the work in communities persists.

“Resident-centered neighborhood revitalization — that’s our collective vision,” Roller said.

“We are incredibly impressed by the resourcefulness and partnership among the Wean Foundation, TNP and YNDC,” Bronlynn Thurman, program officer at GAR Foundation, said.

To see the full story from The Vindicator, click here.

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

On May 18, YNDC participated in a learning exchange with a small group representing multiple institutions in the City of Akron including: Akron Community Foundation, City of Akron, GAR Foundation and Huntington Bank.

The group is seeking ideas on how to strengthen the community development system in Akron and is working with former Wean Foundation president Joel Ratner to develop a plan. They visited multiple YNDC project sites and discussed YNDC's strategy and approach.  

Monday, June 6, 2022

On Monday, June 6, 2022, the Frances Schermer Charitable Trust awarded a $5,000 grant for emergency repair to YNDC.

The funds will be used for the emergency home repair program to assist residents of owner-occupied, single family homes with emergency repairs such as furnace and plumbing repairs at NO COST. Thank you to the Frances Schermer Charitable Trust!

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

588 Cubic Yards of Debris Removed

69 New Clients Enrolled in Housing Counseling

30 Emergency Repairs

28 Vacant Houses Boarded

REVITALIZE

The housing market in Youngstown, specifically Mahoning County, is thriving.

For the last three years, the demand for houses has outpaced availability, leading to higher property values in many neighborhoods. According to reports, the median selling price for homes in Youngstown this past April was $118,500, a 3.5% increase.

Sadly, neighborhoods like the greater Glenwood area are being left out of the market and out of this boom, mainly because no homes are available.

If you live in a similar neighborhood, you know that this lack of availability does not mean there aren’t any vacant properties in the area. It’s become a catch-22. Empty and deteriorating houses keep property values down. Consequently, homeowners seeking to add value and equity to their property face challenges accessing financial resources for repair and rebuilding. Considerably, even the fully remodeled homes can’t compete with others in the market.

Since so many neighborhood resources are funded by property taxes, including schools, the impact created by these conditions can reverberate for years.

But even under these circumstances, there’s hope to be found. Local officials are not only aware of the situation but vested in and actively working to resolve it. In partnering with organizations like the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, the city has established an overall housing strategy to address the housing inequality issues impacting renters and homeowners.

To see the full story from Mahoning Matters, click here.

Monday, June 20, 2022

Helen was born and raised in Hungary and came to America after WWII in 1956.

Helen has lived in her home for over 50 years and roof leaks were causing damage throughout her home. By replacing Helen’s roof, YNDC eliminated the leaks and prevented further damage to her home. “It means a lot. I think it’s a great program because it helps keep the home up before it gets to the point where you have to tear it down. It takes a lot of stress off of us when we can’t because we tried other places to get it and the deductible was too high so it helps. I think it’s great what you guys do,” Helen said.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

On Tuesday, June 21, YNDC was awarded a Community Revitalization Award from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society as part of their annual Historic Preservation Awards.

The award was presented to YNDC for the renovation of 2118 Glenwood Avenue, a historic home constructed in 1925 of field stone. YNDC partner Glenwood Grounds was also presented with an award for the renovation of 2906 Glenwood Avenue. The mixed use building, also constructed in 1925, was renovated by volunteers and is now a coffee shop and cafe. REVITALIZE. 

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

On Friday, June 17, the Western Reserve Health Foundation, a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, awarded a $100,000 grant to the Glenwood Fresh Market (Market).

 The Market is located in a storefront at YNDC’s plaza at 2915 Glenwood Avenue and provides year-round access to free fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food items for low-income residents. The Market also provides space for cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, and health screenings. In just over two months of operation the Market has provided free fresh and healthy produce to 1,624 unique members. Big thanks to the Western Reserve Health Foundation for the support of this community resource!

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

On Friday, June 17, the William Swanston Charitable Fund, a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, awarded a $20,000 grant to the Glenwood Fresh Market (Market).

 The Market is located in a storefront at YNDC’s plaza at 2915 Glenwood Avenue and provides year-round access to free fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food items for low-income residents. The Market also provides space for cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, and health screenings. In just over two months of operation the Market has provided free fresh and healthy produce to 1,624 unique members. Thank you to the William Swanston Charitable Fund for the support of this community resource!

Thursday, June 23, 2022

YNDC has acquired 3617 Glenwood Avenue.

The property was constructed around 1840 and is one of the oldest remaining homes in the City of Youngstown. Plans for the property will be announced at a later date.