Building Blocks is a collaborative organization offering specialized, block-level, community organizing which engages residents in the development and enhancement of their neighborhood. Our 14-week Catalyst Program engages residents in meetings and project planning in order to complete exterior home-improvement projects on their homes. 

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Blocks which participate in the Catalyst program can remain involved with Building Blocks by then becoming a Block Action Group. Residents in these groups come together to create events and plan community or individual home projects for up to 2 years.

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Over the years, Kalamazoo residents have conveyed a desire for additional programs that address specific safety concerns. Through this dialogue, Building Blocks has developed community initiatives such as the RING Camera, Solar Light, and Maggie Wardle Porch Safety Programs.

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The work of Building Blocks builds and strengthens social capital, resident resilience, and increases civic engagement. While building individual and collective resident leadership, we aim to improve the exterior look of homes, as well as the street as a whole.