Health Happens in Neighborhoods
With generous support from Health Forward Foundation and Hall Family Foundation, LISC has worked with partners including the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, NeighborWorks’ Success Measures, and Dotte Agency to conduct research to understand the impacts of community development on resident health in five focus neighborhoods. This research culminated in the production of the Health Happens in Neighborhoods reports, below.
These reports both demonstrate and propose possible ways that Kansas City communities can improve the health of their neighborhoods. We believe that the data and conclusions you read in these reports are very directional to assist community development practitioners, residents, and investors strengthen their commitments in people and places so that lifestyles improve and lifetimes expand. Together, over time, we can build a ‘culture of health’ and achieve health equity across our region.
From 2019-2020, LISC partnered with Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council and Blue Hills Neighborhood Association to implement block-level projects that improved local environmental health and safety so residents had more opportunities to be physically active where they lived, and felt safer doing so. To increase our impact, we also advocated for healthier, safer environments. This project engaged approximately 2,125 residents, 27 partner organizations and institutions, and 13 elected officials. The Ivanhoe Neighborhood conducted a neighborhood-wide walking audit to identify health and safety concerns and worked with youth to improve two vacant lots. The Blue Hills Neighborhood completed a 20-block cleanup and the first phase of a new pocket park on a cluster of vacant lots. They logged over 1,150 volunteer hours and received over $100,000 of in-kind services. We also successfully advocated for the passage of a Vision Zero Ordinance to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries, while advocating for safer streets, sidewalks and equitable infrastructure investments.
Blue Hills Neighborhood
This report specifically focuses on the Blue Hills neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. Research was conducted in partnership with Blue Hills Community Services, a former local Community Development Corporation and the Blue Hills Neighborhood Association which represents the Blue Hills neighborhood.
Douglass-Sumner Neighborhood
This report specifically focuses on the Douglass-Sumner neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. Research was conducted in partnership with the Douglass-Sumner Neighborhood Association, a voluntary association of active residents.
Downtown Kansas City, Kansas
This report specifically focuses on the Downtown Kansas City, Kansas area. Research was conducted in partnership with the Downtown Shareholders, a nonprofit and Neighborhood Business and Revitalization Organizations, which contracts with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County.
Ivanhoe Neighborhood
This report specifically focuses on the Ivanhoe neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri. Research was conducted in partnership with the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council, a resident-led neighborhood association and Community Development Corporation.
Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood
This report specifically focuses on the Scarritt Renaissance neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. Research was conducted in partnership with the Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Association, a voluntary association of active residents, with research support from the Mattie Rhodes Center.
