In 2015, we met Regina Hammond, who had recently started the Rebuild Johnston Square Neighborhood Organization (RJSNO). Regina and her neighbors had begun working to improve conditions in their community, but their successes were in the context of a harsh reality: until they had the power to resolve Johnston Square’s blight and abandonment, the neighborhood would never escape poverty or begin growing again. We joined Regina’s cause and began working hand-in-hand with RJSNO to help transform Johnston Square, starting with its abandoned homes.
Four years of planning and partnership culminated in the Johnston Square Vision Plan, a $200 million roadmap to repair, stabilize, and transform the neighborhood. As RJSNO has worked to make Johnston Square cleaner, greener, and safer, we have rebuilt our first 17 abandoned homes and 60 affordable apartments, and we have another 30 houses under construction. At the same time, we have supported over 30 Johnston Square homeowners in making deferred repairs to their homes, helping them join in the community’s regrowth. With almost 300 homes and a state-of-the-art community park in our pipeline, we are on the cusp of making this blueprint for community-driven revitalization a reality.
Our Promise
Johnston Square Phase Two Investments Underway:
