#GivingEveryTuesday: Neighborhoods
Each Tuesday, SHARE Omaha features a unique cause theme for #GivingEveryTuesday and encourages our community to give and support in any way we can! This week's #GivingEveryTuesday theme is Neighborhoods. Help support these local nonprofits with a gift today.
One Omaha
Kimara Snipes from One Omaha shares, "Neighborhoods contribute to positive social and economic development. Organized neighborhoods contribute to providing our residents with a sense of purpose, helps us as residents develop resilience, pick up healthy habits and live longer lives. As organized neighbors we come together to reconcile priorities, drive consensus toward equity in investments and to advocate by building support for innovative investments."
"Through building the capacity of our neighborhood alliance we are helping residents: increase their knowledge of how to interact with local government, develop relationships with their neighbors and decision makers, build their individual and organizational capacity, and create a meaningful sense of community ownership. These points are also precursors to systemic change."
75 North
Hannah Grenewich of 75 North shares, "Did you know that where you live can impact your life outcomes more than your genetic code? Your neighborhood determines the schools available to you, the environmental conditions you are exposed to, the safety of your home, and even the quality of food accessible to you. Neighborhoods are a fundamental unit of change, and by investing in nonprofits that support neighborhoods, our community can empower neighbors to actively shape community landscapes and transform narratives of life outcomes for generations to come."
Investing in neighborhoods directly translates to investing in people, which fuels community and economic development. By implementing a hyperlocal approach to neighborhood revitalization, the Highlander neighborhood has been strengthened by high-quality, affordable housing, resident empowerment and enhanced opportunities for neighbors. This, in turn, has resulted in enhanced commerce, connectivity, and a stronger sense of community for the Greater Omaha Metro.
"Summer is in full swing at Highlander, and we couldn't be more thrilled! As our neighborhood comes alive with exciting events, we're grateful for the support of our community. To ensure that Highlander events remain free and accessible to all, we kindly ask for donations of the equipment and supplies that make these events possible, which can be found on our organization's wish list," says Hannah.
Canopy South
Crystal Sierra of Canopy South shares, "Every community should offer its residents the chance to own an affordable home. Your donation can make this a reality for first-time homebuyers, the emerging workforce, and middle-income families in South Omaha. By supporting our work, you're investing in the ecosystem of housing in South Omaha. Join us in creating vibrant, welcoming neighborhoods where everyone has the chance to thrive."
"We know affordable housing is the cornerstone of resilient and thriving communities. It provides stability, fosters a sense of belonging, and opens doors to better opportunities in education, employment, and overall quality of life," says Crystal.
The Blue Bucket Project
Cindy Tefft of The Blue Bucket Project shares, "Since COVID, some neighborhoods have struggled to come back to a cohesive community. With the Blue Bucket Project, we’ve been able to engage neighbors in a way that is productive and satisfying. We bring the neighbor residents together for Flash Trash Mobs where they can pick up litter and trash. As they do so, they team up and chat while they are picking up litter, giving them the opportunity to reconnect and engage in a productive ‘Make A Difference’ way."
The Blue Bucket Project is making the metro a cleaner, safer community. Litter attracts litter. With the 60 minute time frame, people see how 'many hands make little work' in a short amount of time. It is greatly satisfying helping our community become more attractive whether it is a neighborhood, a street corridor or a busy intersection. The organization gives people the opportunity to ‘be the difference’ in a short amount of time. They provide litter kits, opportunities to get together for Flash Trash Mobs, and provide community service hours for those either in school or diversion programs. They also work with companies within communities who have volunteer hours paid for by their employer.
"The Blue Bucket Project is a volunteer run, grass roots organization that has grown organically. We need funds to help us continue our mission. Supplies need to be purchased, an office is needed, and our organization depends on the community to help us provide services such as community service hours for diversion programs," says Cindy.
Donate to The Blue Bucket Project
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
Tom Everson of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 shares, "Simply put, our driving behaviors start and end right in the neighborhood each and every day. How we conduct ourselves behind the wheel can make all the difference in preserving the lives of kids at play, neighbors walking dogs or those simply taking a stroll. Neighborhood streets are where we all should be able to breathe easier knowing we are surrounded by caring neighbors, including those behind the wheel. Since our inception, Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 has been all about neighborhood traffic safety - which is no accident."
Currently, Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 is working with community groups in South and North Omaha to address traffic safety concerns in areas of town that see higher rates of crashes, serious injuries, and motor vehicle deaths. They're working to engage residents as front line solutions in response to reasons for crashes, including speeding, distracted driving, stop sign running, and more. Their efforts complement the Vision Zero Action Plan created by the City of Omaha to reduce deaths and serious injuries on roadways throughout our community. All are welcome to join in this effort. They also support families of traffic victims through their "Live Forward!" initiative.
"The one commitment we need from all motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists is the gift of paying attention - to speed, to buckling up, to setting aside cell phones and other distractions, to correctly observe traffic signs and signals, to avoid tailgating, and to Stop! Take 3 To See when crossing streets. These, and so many more actions, help to preserve lives - making sure that loved ones from all families arrive home safely each day. We always ask, "Who do you love? Who loves you? Our answers are all the reasons we should ever need to "practice the better" on and along roadways," says Tom.