Innovation House Program

Sparking change through CBFs

Innovation Houses are repurposed vacant houses occupied by Community-Building Fellows (CBFs) seeking to transform neighborhoods of concentrated distress by participating in community change. CBFs can be from any source, but they must commit to working 10+ hours per month in volunteer community or civic service. Rent is $400/month and utilities are not included. Ideally, CBFs will be full-time AmeriCorps members and fulfill the service requirement through their placements, but they need not be.

NeighborScapes, in partnership with community-based organizations in Greater Englewood, is piloting a program to redevelop vacant houses and gather CBFs in service to the Englewood community.

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Benefits

To Neighborhood

To Community Based Organizations

· Blight reduction

· Dynamic young residents

· Avenue for service by home-grown talent

· Civic engagement and community building activity

To Community Based Organizations

· Low-cost energy for defined programming

· Assistance in realizing a community-defined vision for improvement

· Community-building space and active community engagement

To Participants

To Community Based Organizations

To Participants

· Leadership development experience

· Collaboration across silos in community work

· Community with housemates in shared residence

· Peer-to-peer learning and motivation for service and activism.

Our Chicago Locations

Englewood- 5719 S. Ada

Englewood- 6446 S. Marshfield

Englewood- 6727 S. Green

Our first home! The house has been running since 2015. This location is currently filled with six residents who are dedicated to community service and the betterment of Englewood.

5719 is now Employee Based Housing for NeighborScapes Staff

Englewood- 6727 S. Green

Englewood- 6446 S. Marshfield

Englewood- 6727 S. Green

We acquired this property in the summer of 2018.

We are currently looking for residents.

Rent: $400 per room

We currently have TWO AVAILABLE ROOMS at this location.

Englewood- 6446 S. Marshfield

We acquired this property the summer of 2020.

We are currently looking for residents.

Rent: $400 per room

We currently have ZERO AVAILABLE ROOMS at this location.

Englewood- 1400 W. 72nd

Englewood- 1447 W. Marquette

Englewood- 6446 S. Marshfield

We acquired this property the summer of 2020.

We are currently looking for residents.

Rent: $400 per room

We currently have ONE SHARED AVAILABLE ROOM at this location.

Englewood- 1447 W. Marquette

We acquired this property in 2021.

COMING SOON

SPRING 2025

Englewood- 1725 W. 71st St.

Englewood- 1447 W. Marquette

We acquired this property in 2021.

COMING SOON

FALL 2025

Our Harvey Expansion

NeighborScapes is expanding into Harvey, IL!

After growing and operating successfully in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood for 7 years, NeighborScapes is excited to announce its new collaboration with the City of Harvey and local civic leaders.

NeighborScapes continues its unique housing model: renovating distressed properties, then renting them at below-market rates to Community Building Fellows (CBFs). CBFs will engage in civic activity or community service at least ten hours monthly in observance of NeighborScapes' mission to help strengthen the fabric of neighborhoods.

The first Harvey renovation was completed at 15720 Park Ave.

We currently have TWO AVAILABLE ROOMS at this location.

Additional support is provided by Flossmoor Community Church.

Harvey Conservation Corps: Revitalizing Green Spaces

About the Harvey Conservation Corps

Launched in September 2024 and funded by AmeriCorps, the Harvey Conservation Corps is an innovative program aimed at:

Revitalizing Public Spaces: Transforming over 10 miles of public land, including vacant lots and natural areas, into accessible nature trails and green spaces.
Environmental Stewardship: Engaging local youth and residents in maintaining street trees, designing informal green spaces, and creating nature trails.
Community Engagement: Creating a sense of ownership and pride by involving community members in every step of the process.

Our Goals

Enhance Environmental Health

Nature Trails: Create and maintain trails near the Little Calumet River and other natural areas to provide residents with increased access to nature.
Green Space Revitalization: Convert vacant lots along major corridors like Halsted Street and 159th Street into community gardens and parks.

Promote Community Involvement

Volunteer Opportunities: Host monthly community service days and workshops to engage residents of all ages and abilities.
Educational Programs: Partner with local schools to offer environmental education and hands-on learning experiences.

Stimulate Economic Investment

Beautification Projects: Improve the aesthetic appeal of Harvey to attract further investment and development.
Workforce Development: Provide AmeriCorps members and volunteers with valuable skills in conservation and community organizing.

Why This Matters

Harvey faces significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges, including long-term disinvestment and limited access to quality green spaces. By:

Addressing Environmental Justice: We're turning underutilized land with old-growth trees into thriving public spaces.
Building Community Pride: Engaging residents creates a sense of ownership and long-term commitment to maintaining these areas.
Creating Scalable Models: Our approach can be replicated in other communities facing similar challenges.

Get Involved

We believe that community involvement is key to the success of the Harvey Conservation Corps. Here's how you can participate:

Volunteer: Join us for community service days and make a tangible impact.
Partner with Us: Organizations can collaborate on workshops, events, and educational programs.
Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness by sharing our mission with your network.

Contact Kwame Amuh at kiamuh@neighborscapes.org about the Harvey Conservation Corps.

In Th3 Land: An Englewood Open Mic

#inth3land: Englewood's Premier Open Mic Series for Community Arts

#inth3land is a monthly open mic event in Englewood that creates a safe and welcoming space for creative writing, poetry, and community connection. Running for over three years, this series has become a cornerstone of Englewood's art-based programming, showcasing some of the best talent from the Chicago music scene. Hosted by Community Building Fellow Carl Veney and renowned artist Leone Capone, #inth3land celebrates the power of community arts to uplift and inspire.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or new to the stage, we invite you to share your voice at #inth3land. Join us in encouraging community development through the arts, volunteer your time, or support our mission by donating to keep this vital program thriving.

Ready to get involved?

Attend our next open mic and experience the creative energy of Englewood.
Volunteer your time to help us grow and support local artists.
Donate to empower community arts and ensure programs like #inth3land continue to flourish.

Contact Christopher Brown at cbrown@neighborscapes.org about #inth3land.

Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing with NeighborScapes, NFP

At NeighborScapes, we’re dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing to individuals and families. Our new Affordable Housing Program ensures access to quality homes while improving neighborhoods and building stronger communities.

Our Purpose

Rehabilitating vacant and underused properties.
Offering affordable housing to individuals earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Connecting residents to essential resources and services.

What the Program Provides

Affordable Rent: Rent is capped at no more than 30% of the tenant’s income, keeping housing within reach.
Safe, Renovated Homes: Every property meets modern safety and quality standards.
Support Services: Tenants benefit from financial assistance, rental stability programs, and more.
Tenant Support Services

Expanding Our Impact

We’re excited to announce that our first Affordable Housing Program will launch in North Carolina. By 2026, we plan to offer affordable housing options in Illinois, expanding our commitment to strengthening the physical and social fabric of neighborhoods.

What Sets Us Apart

Locally Focused Solutions: We collaborate with community organizations to enhance neighborhood development.
Long-Term Affordability: Rent restrictions ensure properties remain affordable for years.
Path to Homeownership: Tenants in good standing may qualify for below-market home purchases and other opportunities.

Get Involved

Whether you’re seeking affordable housing, interested in partnerships, or looking to support our work, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about the Affordable Housing Program and how we’re bringing change, one home at a time.

Past Programs

SHIFT Workforce Development Program

NeighborScapes partnered with Centers for New Horizons, EDDR, and Safer Foundation to deliver the SHIFT program, offering hands-on learning opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in construction. The program provided participants with valuable skills, practical experience, and pathways to employment in the construction industry.

Fun in the Sun Summer Camp

NeighborScapes’ Fun in the Sun Camp provided affordable summer enrichment for children aged 5-13 in Chicago Heights, Matteson, and Harvey, Illinois. The camp accommodated working parents with low fees, scholarships, and flexible payment options. And kids enjoyed a reading-based curriculum enriched with arts & crafts, sports, swimming, field trips, and more, creating a vibrant and engaging summer experience.

Civic Leadership Corps

NeighborScapes’ Civic Leadership Corps empowered youth aged 14-24 with leadership development and job opportunities. This program was part of our cradle-through-college commitment to enriching young lives, fostering essential skills, and preparing them for future success.

Innovation House Program

Sparking change through CBFs

Benefits

To Neighborhood

To Community Based Organizations

To Community Based Organizations

To Community Based Organizations

To Community Based Organizations

To Community Based Organizations

To Participants

To Community Based Organizations

To Participants

Our Chicago Locations

Englewood- 5719 S. Ada

Englewood- 6446 S. Marshfield

Englewood- 6727 S. Green

Englewood- 6727 S. Green

Englewood- 6446 S. Marshfield

Englewood- 6727 S. Green

Englewood- 6446 S. Marshfield

Englewood- 6446 S. Marshfield

Englewood- 6446 S. Marshfield

Englewood- 1400 W. 72nd

Englewood- 1447 W. Marquette

Englewood- 6446 S. Marshfield

Englewood- 1447 W. Marquette

Englewood- 1447 W. Marquette

Englewood- 1447 W. Marquette

Englewood- 1725 W. 71st St.

Englewood- 1447 W. Marquette

Englewood- 1447 W. Marquette

Our Harvey Expansion

NeighborScapes is expanding into Harvey, IL!

Community Building Fellow Application

Interested in our Innovation House Program?

Harvey Conservation Corps: Revitalizing Green Spaces

About the Harvey Conservation Corps

Our Goals

Why This Matters

Get Involved

In Th3 Land: An Englewood Open Mic

#inth3land: Englewood's Premier Open Mic Series for Community Arts

Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing with NeighborScapes, NFP

Past Programs

SHIFT Workforce Development Program

Fun in the Sun Summer Camp

Civic Leadership Corps

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

Do our programs sound like a fit for you?

NeighborScapes

Help Our Cause

Get Updates on Our Programs

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