When Arline moved into her neighborhood, she looked around and realized there was room for much improvement. Instead of hoping someone else would initiate change, she decided to take matters into her own hands and seek solutions instead. After becoming the Association President of her historic Fort Wayne neighborhood, Arline implemented one small change after another. It didn’t take long for reality to sink in: her solutions were actually making a difference.

Inspired by success, she moved on to bigger, more complicated issues. After assuming many of them were rooted in a few years’ worth of neglect, Arline soon learned a more distressing truth: many of the issues plaguing her neighborhood were deeply-rooted systemic issues stretching as far back as a hundred years or more. Each was overly complex and deserved sustainable solutions. But where does one begin on such a complicated journey of change?

Every community across Fort Wayne has a similar story to be told. That’s why we work alongside many neighborhoods to find lasting solutions to complex problems. This year, we have partnered with Hoagland Masterson and Foster Park neighborhoods to initiate sidewalk repairs, porch repairs, exterior painting projects, concrete step replacements, and other significant home improvements as part of a HIP Grant program. 

Because of the commitment from donors like you, we will have many more opportunities to positively impact other neighborhoods across Fort Wayne. Without the partnership of our community and volunteers like you, the solutions to many of these complex problems will continue unresolved.