Since 2015, we’ve gathered neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers to take action and create lasting change in Southwest.
Mission:
We’re dedicated to achieving a vision of a thriving and equitable Southwest.
Vision:
We create opportunities and experiences for our neighbors to increase unity. We center neighborhood voices, build community prosperity, and support a healthy Southwest.
Southwest stands out.
Community.
We strive to improve the overall quality of life in our neighborhood and be the source of social connection and a sense of belonging.
Parks.
Parks and recreation have three values that make them essential services to communities by providing economic value, health and environmental benefits, and social importance.
Art and Culture.
We use art to transform dull parts of a city into vivid representations of local identity. These transformations reveal community characteristics while keeping cultural integrity to grow our mission and serve in profound and more inclusive ways.
Innovation.
With so much to offer in Southwest, our innovative approach improves our neighborhood by providing access in a way that is scalable, replicable, sustainable, and effective.
Expanding South of M St.
The need in Southwest.
Here in Southwest, one of the poorest census groups in the District is wedged between two neighborhoods that contain the most significant rate of development within the District. In crossing from the north side of M Street SW to the south side of M Street SW, life expectancy drops by 11 years. By crossing over from the east to the west side of South Capitol Street, median income falls by nearly $98,000. Similar divides across several critical indicators, from educational attainment and unemployment to disability status and expected lifetime earnings, can be found.
While Southwest DC is currently served by over two dozen District agencies and nonprofit service organizations, these unjust outcomes are perpetuated by siloed operations and other network inefficiencies within this ecosystem of service providers.
We must take a holistic approach to solve this crisis, and we must do it now.
Turning the tide for this neighborhood will require empowered residents, focused resources, and intentionally coordinated community partners that share a commitment to eliminating the inequities and barriers that residents continue to face. We can help build neighborhood capacity immediately by strengthening existing organizations and facilitating new connections among them for community action.
