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08/22/2012

CRI, Fuller Center partnership transforms a distressed neighborhood

Houses

Once a run-down area controlled by gangs and drugs, Shreveport neighborhood turns into a place of new hope and new beginnings

The Allendale neighborhood sits just outside downtown Shreveport, La. Once a thriving community with working families, the decline in Allendale started when residents began moving to the suburbs. Drug dealers gradually moved in, followed by gang members. Decaying shotgun houses were abandoned. Houses Older residents who were unable to move away put bars over the windows of their homes. They felt neglected, abandoned, forgotten and afraid.

“It was very dangerous here. On just about every corner, some type of illegal activity was going on. The idea was, if you lived in Allendale, you were less than human. They treated you in that manner.” — Rosie Chaffold, longtime resident

In early 2001, Community Renewal began working with local churches, schools, colleges, hospitals, service clubs, businesses and other partners to bring renewal to the Allendale neighborhood. With a generous $200,000 grant awarded by The CHRISTUS Fund, community coordinators were hired and a comprehensive strategy was developed to restore the foundation of a caring neighborhood. The first goal: build relationships and earn the trust of residents. Community Renewal staff and volunteers knocked on doors for face-to-face meetings with residents, teachers, pastors and others. Activities like neighborhood cleanup projects and home makeovers were initiated.

When Community Renewal announced plans for two Friendship Houses in Allendale, police officers warned against it. The area is too dangerous, they said. The Community Renewal response: That is exactly why we are coming to Allendale — this is where we are needed.

Launched with a $75,000 grant from the Beaird Foundation, construction started in 2001, with completion in 2002. Surrounded by dilapidated shotgun houses in a distressed area, the Friendship Houses became an oasis of hope and a catalyst for change in a troubled community. At the dedication, residents were asked to notice the house foundations. There are no wheels. The Friendship Houses will be here as long as they are needed.

“The Friendship House is heaven-sent. I’ve not had a sleepless night since I’ve been here.”
— Janice Harris, new Allendale resident

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the House Gulf Coast in 2005, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. Thousands of evacuees fled north to Shreveport. A tragedy for New Orleans and other cities turned into an opportunity for the Allendale neighborhood as new residents arrived in need of quality, affordable housing. This was a chance for a new beginning.

“Community Renewal gave us hope and brought back restoration to a neighborhood.” — Dorothy Wiley, hurricane evacuee and new Allendale resident

The rebirth of a neighborhood cannot happen in isolation. Community Renewal and The Fuller Center for Housing created their partnership in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and quickly initiated the Building on Higher Ground effort in Allendale. Working with the City of Shreveport and many others, decaying shotgun houses have been leveled and replaced by new homes built for both hurricane evacuees as well as local residents.

Eager to help families displaced by the hurricanes, a group of volunteers from Pennsylvania came to Shreveport a few weeks before Christmas 2005 to start the first three houses in the Building on Higher Ground initiative. Many more have followed, including groups from the University of Notre Dame, the Crystal Cathedral and many others. Annual blitz builds have also brought in hundreds of volunteers at a time, building as many as 10 houses in a week. At this point, 43 houses have been constructed.

“It’s been an emotional journey that has brought tears to my eyes and to my heart. It’s a blessing that I was allowed to do this.” — Ramona Case, volunteer from California

Like desert wildflowers determined to blossom in a dry land, the bright signs of renewal continue to bloom in Allendale. An area once controlled by gangs and drug dealers is today in the hands of caring neighbors who have restored pride in their neighborhood. Children play outside again. Block parties fill the streets with joy and laughter. Gardens grow on land once covered by weeds. No longer a forgotten corner of the city, Allendale is today a community in resurgence, a shining example of what can House happen when caring partners come together for true community renewal.

“Now there is definitely a sense of hope. Something beautiful is happening before our eyes.” — Sherry Brown, Allendale community coordinator

Corporations, churches, colleges and many other caring partners have come together to engineer the transformation now underway in Shreveport’s Allendale neighborhood. Some volunteers came a few blocks; others came from thousands of miles away. Whether they donated time or funding or building materials or flowers or something else, they came together with one purpose: to bring renewal to a place called Allendale.

That renewal has included a significant drop in crime. A Shreveport Police Department study indicated that from 2001 to 2009, major crime plummeted 73 percent in Allendale, compared to 24 percent in the rest of Shreveport. Total crimes fell 55 percent, compared to 8 percent for the rest of the city.

Kids The Building on Higher Ground initiative started by The Fuller Center for Housing in partnership with Community Renewal has brought in many partners to build new houses and restore old ones. This list includes, but is certainly not limited to, these groups: