Applications now being accepted for Healing Spaces Initiative

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 26^th. Grants will be awarded on May 21^st with projects slated to begin this summer.

Those interested must also attend a Healing Spaces Initiative orientation session. There are upcoming sessions on April 7^th at noon, April 8^th at 6 p.m., April 20^th at noon and April 21^st 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.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.