Earlier this year, we welcomed Cherry Hill Strong, Inc of Baltimore and LIFT JAX of Jacksonville as the newest members of the Purpose Built Communities! These organizations are setting the stage for transformative change in their neighborhoods. As part of their onboarding, both organizations will spend two weeks visiting each other’s sites, collaborating on strategies that focus on housing, education, health, and economic vitality. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at their time together!
Purpose Built Communities
Non-profit Organization Management
Atlanta, GA 3,737 followers
Dedicated to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty through cross-sector collaboration.
About us
Purpose Built Communities is an organization that helps local leaders implement a comprehensive, long-term place-based redevelopment model with public and private partners in neighborhoods of concentrated urban poverty to create healthy, vibrant neighborhoods where all residents can thrive. It is a nonprofit consulting firm that offers its services free of charge. The Purpose Built Model includes mixed-income housing, a cradle-to-college education pipeline and community wellness programs and facilities in a defined neighborhood, coordinated by a dedicated, nonprofit community quarterback organization. There are now 16 Purpose Built Communities Network Members across the United States.
- Website
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http://www.purposebuiltcommunities.org
External link for Purpose Built Communities
- Industry
- Non-profit Organization Management
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Atlanta, GA
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 2009
- Specialties
- Community development, Education, Wellness, Housing, and Consulting
Locations
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Primary
3445 Peachtree Road, NE
Suite 175
Atlanta, GA 30326, US
Employees at Purpose Built Communities
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Zenith Houston
Social Impact Strategist | Nonprofit Executive Leader | Diversity Equity & Inclusion | Strategic Fundraising & Philanthropic Advisor | Educational…
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Douglas Jutte
Founder, Build Healthy Places Network
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Davon Gray
Vice President, Policy
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Reagan Perkins
Independent Non-Profit Organization Management Professional
Updates
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Purpose Built Communities is dedicated to addressing the deep-rooted impacts of racial injustice by strategically directing resources to neighborhoods that have faced decades, if not centuries, of systemic inequities. Our model is built on the belief that transformative change begins at the neighborhood level, where the effects of racial injustice are most profoundly felt. ⭐ Our approach is centered around the needs and aspirations of legacy residents - those who have long been part of these communities. By prioritizing racial equity and fostering strong community partnerships, we work to create environments where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. ⭐ This included providing access to quality education, safe and affordable housing, robust community wellness programs, and pathways to economic vitality. ⭐ We recognize that the history of each community is vital to understanding its present challenges and opportunities. That’s why our work is deeply informed by the lived experience of residents and the legacy of their neighborhoods. Through shared efforts, we aim to dismantle the systemic barriers that have perpetuated racial disparities and to build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has a fair chance at success. At Purpose Built, we believe in the power of place-based change, and we are committed to making a lasting, positive impact on the communities we serve. #purposebuilt #communitydevelopment #localimpact #localleaders
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REACH Riverside Development Corporation, one of our Network Members driving change in the community, and The WRK Group broke ground on the new Kingswood Community Center, a monumental achievement for the East Side and the entire city! The new Kingswood facility is set to be a game-changer for the community, featuring a cutting-edge Early Learning Academy with a 5-STAR program through Delaware STARS, an after-school program, a health center offering vital primary care services, a sports and fitness center, a senior center, and versatile meeting spaces for public use. A heartfelt congratulations to Senator Thomas R. Carper, Governor John Carney, Representative Stephanie T. Bolden, Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver, Dr. Aaron Bass, Ed.D., Logan Herring, and all the inspiring leaders who played a role in making this vision a reality. The overwhelming community support for this project is a testament to the positive impact it will have for generations to come. We’re looking forward to witnessing the continued progress and the many ways this center will enrich the lives of those it serves. Here’s to a bright future for the Kingswood Community Center and the entire community! 📸 Photo credit: Logan Herring
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⭐ Network Member Spotlight: East Lake Foundation ⭐ Success follows strategy. Since joining the East Lake Foundation in September 2022, President and CEO Ilham Askia has been directing the organization forward with a strong focus on strategic planning. Recognizing the need for immediate action, she quickly built a five-year strategic plan, approved by June 2023, just six months after starting implementation. Askia’s approach is all about balance - creating a clear roadmap while staying flexible. “There should always be a roadmap that guides you. But it should also provide flexibility,” she emphasizes. This mindset has allowed her to connect short-term wins to long-term goals, ensuring that the team stays on track. Under her leadership, East Lake is making significant strides in areas like affordable housing, quality education, economic mobility, and health and wellness. By regularly tracking and updating progress, the team can pivot and adapt as needed, aligning their efforts with fundraising and support. Askia is committed to telling East Lake’s story from a neighborhood level by 2027, focusing not just on immediate results but on the lasting impact of their work. “There will always be new families and more work to be done,” Askia says, “but you can’t do it without vision and a flexible plan.” Read more about the East Lake Foundation here: https://lnkd.in/ewG9BTKj
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The Garden, a new youth center at St. Luke’s Methodist Gethsemane, opened its doors on June 11 with a vibrant celebration. The center is a beacon of hope for the Sharpstown/Gulfton community, offering a safe, engaging space for local youth. We are excited for our Network Member, My Connect Community-Sharpstown/Gulfton, a key partner in this new center! The Grand Opening drew in hundreds, including local leaders, community members, and youth eager to explore the new facility. The Garden is more than just a place to hang out - it’s a hub for growth, learning, and connection. With spaces like the Study, the Forum, and the Ruach Room, the center is designed to foster creativity, education, and wellness. Attendees at the opening explored the various rooms, participated in activities, and connected with local nonprofits. The Garden’s impact is already evident. For many, like Sandra Rodríguez, president of the Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council, community centers like this one can be life-changing. Rodriguez, whose childhood was challenging, credits a similar center with helping her envision a brighter future. Now, as an advocate for education, she understands the profound importance of spaces like the Garden. Click here to read more about the opening: https://lnkd.in/e8jp_u-y #PurposeBuilt #PurposeBuiltCommunities #CommunityRevitalization #localimpact #localleaders
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Disinvested neighborhoods are at the forefront of climate change challenges. With new federal funding focused on sustainability and resilience, there’s a powerful opportunity for healthcare and community development organizations to join forces. Build Healthy Places Network’s latest crosswalk highlights partnerships making a real difference, like in New Orleans, where local nonprofits are addressing flooding and health concerns together. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gDvjsdjA Photo credit: West Street Recovery
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We were honored to have Carol Naughton, Davon Gray, and Zenith Houston represent Purpose Built Communities at the White House Summit on Capital Support for Place-Based Economic Development. Our staff joined senior administration officials, philanthropic leaders, and nonprofit stakeholders to discuss strategies for driving investment in place-based economic development. The insights gained at the summit are invaluable as we continue to connect economic development with neighborhood impact. At Purpose Built Communities, we’re committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as we work toward creating stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. #PurposeBuilt #EconomicDevelopment #PurposeBuiltCommunities #CommunityRevitalization #WhiteHouseSummit #Collaboration #Innovation #Equity
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We’re excited to see LIFT JAX, one of our newest Network Members, and their partners in Jacksonville making a powerful impact! Through their new resilience program, 76 homes on the Eastside will be repaired, supporting legacy homeowners and strengthening the community. This initiative is a shining example of how thoughtful collaboration can preserve the history and heritage of neighborhoods while paving the way for a brighter future! Read more about this new initiative here: https://lnkd.in/etCPQ36k #PurposeBuilt #PurposeBuiltCommunities #LiftJax #CommunityRevitalization #jacksonville #localimpact #localleaders #networkmemberspotlight
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Excited to be a part!
Thrilled to host Purpose Built Communities alongside City of Poughkeepsie and Poughkeepsie Children's Cabinet, for two days full of tours and insights from community organizations.
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We’re paving the way for a brighter future! At Purpose Built Communities our Strategic Plan guides us toward a vision where every neighborhood is a pathway to opportunity and prosperity. This journey is about intentionality, collaboration, quality growth, and impact. By 2028, we aim to expand our network and deepen our influence, ensuring that prosperity is shared across America. Ready to join us on this ambitious path? Every hand and skill can make a difference. Want to learn more? Visit our blog here: https://lnkd.in/e8ej8Vey #PurposeBuilt #PurposeBuiltCommunities #CommunityRevitalization #localimpact #localleaders