Vision 2020:

Vision 2020 is one of several pilot programs across the state created to help strengthen local neighborhoods. Its mission is to develop local revitalization plans to transform targeted neighborhoods by eliminating substandard housing and its causes by the year 2020. In the fall of 2005, Habitat for Humanity Detroit and U-SNAP-BAC Non-profit Housing entered into a unique partnership effort to bring about the comprehensive revitalization of the 16-block MorningSide Commons neighborhood on Detroit’s east side. Other partners in this endeavor are the MorningSide Community Organization, Christ United Methodist Church, and the City of Detroit.

The Vision 2020 initiative has four major goals:

• Enhance the economic and cultural vitality of the neighborhood/community environment.
• Develop residents’ capacity for effective local governance.
• Eliminate substandard housing and improve the neighborhood’s physical conditions
• Increase collaboration and exposure within the neighborhood to the services available from community organizations

In December 2006, Habitat for Humanity Detroit and U-SNAP-BAC were selected as one of only four recipients nationwide to receive a “Thrivent Builds Neighborhoods” planning grant, provided from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to revitalize lower-income neighborhoods. This planning grant will fund the development of a comprehensive Neighborhood Action Plan for the targeted community.