NEW CASTLE, DE — In an effort to curb violence and foster community engagement, the Building Better Communities (BBC) initiative has chosen its next focus area: the Penn Rose community. Located on the county-side jurisdiction of N Market St, Penn Rose has been selected for BBC’s upcoming neighborhood engagement effort, which aims to enhance community involvement in underserved neighborhoods throughout New Castle County.
The BBC initiative, under the leadership of County Executive Matt Meyer, was established to identify and implement strategies aimed at reducing violence and increasing community engagement in underserved neighborhoods across New Castle County.
Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the initiative provides what Meyer describes as a “historic opportunity to reimagine the communities in which we live,” addressing both recent problems and long-standing divisions. The BBC initiative is part of this broader vision, aiming to address historical inequities that have been further exacerbated by the pandemic.
The BBC is composed of an eight-person commission comprising community leaders and external stakeholders. Their work is rooted in the administration’s commitment to addressing systemic inequities.
In line with this goal, BBC has launched a grant application focused specifically on organizations capable of serving residents in the Penn Rose area. The areas of focus include mental health services, access to youth services, and violence intervention programming.
The Meyer administration is committed to creating innovative and impactful opportunities for community engagement. They believe that the most equipped people to serve the community are the community members themselves. This grant application enables Penn Rose residents and organizations capable of serving this area to be part of the solution.
The implications of the BBC initiative are significant. By focusing on community-led solutions, the initiative acknowledges the importance of local knowledge and expertise in addressing complex issues like violence and social inequity. This approach not only empowers local residents but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community.
Furthermore, by targeting areas that have been historically underserved, the initiative addresses systemic inequities that have long impeded progress. This could lead to a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, ultimately contributing to healthier, safer, and more vibrant communities.
As the BBC initiative sets its sights on the Penn Rose community, it aims to send a clear message about the power of community-led action in creating positive change. This bold approach to tackling violence and fostering community engagement could serve as a model for other communities and municipalities, highlighting the potential of locally driven solutions in addressing societal challenges.
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